The City Council last week introduced an ordinance updating the rules for using Avalon beaches and parks. The new ordinance will return to the council for approval on a future date.
The vote was 4 to 0; Mayor Anni Marshall was absent at the time.
City Manager David Maistros said the city had previously discussed complaints about beach use during the summer months. He said the discussion took place last fall. (According to the staff report the discussion took place in October. 2024.) He said the city received a lot of complaints during the summer months regarding large shade structures and tents set up on the beach. According to Maistros, the tents and other equipment were left on the beach.
The proposed amendment to the city code included shade coverings and allowing large gatherings by permits.
“It would limit the umbrellas, which is the bulk of these changes, to 6 feet,” Maistros said.
“They have to be completely open on all sides,” Maistros said.
Councilmember Lisa Lavelle asked if permits would be required for gatherings of greater than 20 people. She said the city manager had the discretion to waive that requirement for certain things such as the Fourth of July.
Maistros confirmed that was correct.
“If it’s on the Fourth of July, it probably might not be the best day to hold a different event,” Maistros said.
Councilmember Mary Schickling said large gatherings would be events like weddings or something that the city sees organized already.
Background
“In October 2024, the City Council discussed prohibition of tents on city owned beaches,” according to the staff report prepared by Maistros.
“In summer of 2024, the City received complaints regarding large camping tents and pop-ups on beaches along Crescent Avenue. Specifically, residents and visitors noted the tents restricted access to the beach, inhibited enjoyment of the view, and were erected for many consecutive days without continual usage,” Maistros wrote.
“The Avalon Municipal Code does prohibit tents in Avalon,” Maistros wrote.
“Concerns exist regarding the ability to enforce the existing code as it relates common activity encountered on our beaches,” Maistros wrote.
“Concerns exist regarding the ability to enforce the existing code as it relates common activity encountered on our beaches,” Maistros wrote.
In the report, Maistros argued that establishing clear definitions would be important before moving ahead with enforcement.
“City Staff conducted a survey of beach cities and noted that most beach cities have robust regulations regarding use of public property including beaches and parks,” he wrote.
“With the intention to maintain and maximize the natural beauty and aesthetic of beach and park areas; the availability of limited beach and park areas for diverse uses; and public safety, City Staff developed an ordinance to formally codify regulations for use of the City’s beaches and parks,” Maistros wrote.
“These proposed regulations include:
“• Provisions against overnight camping, fires, littering and the consumption of alcohol.
“• Provisions regarding the erection of shade covering devices on the beach.
“• Permit requirements for large gatherings on the beach.
“• Provisions regarding conduct in City Parks,” Maistros wrote.
