Title
Ordinance amending the Long Beach Municipal Code by amending Section 16.08.581, relating to sailboard boats, Section 16.12.190 relating to surfboards or paddleboards, and 16.16.010, Subsections L through N, relating to prohibited acts. (Districts 2,3)
DISCUSSION
Kite boarding, also known as kite surfing, is a water sport in which participants use specialized kites to propel themselves along the water on specialized kite surf boards. The surf and wind conditions found along the Long Beach shoreline make it an ideal location for learning this sport.
Over the past two years, the number of kite boarders using city beaches has increased to the point where the Fire Department Marine Safety Division (Marine Safety) and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine have determined that regulating the use of the beach by kite boarders is necessary to ensure that the shore and water areas remain safe.
On July 15, 2003, City Council authorized the execution of concession permits allowing two businesses to conduct commercial kite boarding lessons using city beaches. Additionally, this past summer, Marine Safety and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine created guidelines for kite boarding activity.
City Council approval is now requested to amend the municipal code to specifically include provisions concerning kite boarding. This action will allow Marine Safety to enforce safe conduct and ensure public safety on city beaches. The Marine Advisory Commission reviewed and approved the requested municipal code amendments on March 13, 2003.
The requested municipal code amendment provisions are summarized as follows:
• Addition of the terms kite surf board, sit-on-top kayak, parasail device, paddle board and surfboard to existing municipal code sections that currently regulate sail boarding.
• Creation of a 500 yard "no kite boarding" restricted area, centered on the Alamitos Bay Marina entrance channel, which is consistent with United States Coast G...
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