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 Guard regulations.
• Include the requirement that kite control lines must be rolled up when not in use.
• Prohibition of kite flying within 100 feet of a bike path.
• Require that kite boarders launching from the beach must conduct themselves as follows:
• Leave the designated swim area as soon as possible,
• Travel at a speed not to exceed five miles per hour, and
• Maintain a course as close to a right angle to the shore as possible.
In Fall 2003, these amendments were discussed at a meeting attended by staff from the Fire and Parks, Recreation and Marine Departments; the permitted kite board concessionaires; and a representative from the Southern California Kite Boarding Association.
This letter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Charles Parkin on April 27, 2004, and by Budget Manager Michael Killebrew on April 29, 2004.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this item is requested on May 11, 2004 in order to have the requested municipal code changes in place prior to the summer season.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action.
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
Declare the Municipal Code amendments read for the first time and laid over until the next regular City Council meeting for final reading.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Declare ordinance read for the first time and laid over until the next regular meeting of the City Council for final reading.
Body
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH 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 SECTION 16.16.010, SUBSECTIONS L THROUGH N, RELATING TO PROHIBITED ACTS
Respectfully Submitted,
PHIL T. HESTER
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE