California's Coastal City Will Charge Beachgoers $500 For Breaking This Shade Rule

The search for shade is one of the most important parts of a day at the beach. Nothing ruins a day out faster than ending up boiled, burnt, and lobster-red, so staying out of the sun as much as possible is a must. If you are lucky, you might find a tree to shelter under, where you can set yourself up for the day and relax in comfort and style. But most people bring their own shade with them, whether that's a beach umbrella or something more substantial like a canopy or a full-blown tent.

However, throwing shade the wrong way on one of the ultimate West Coast beach destinations this summer could land you in hot water, with Laguna Beach city officials imposing a potential $500 fine on anyone who breaks their new rule on permitted beach coverings. From Tuesday, May 26, the only shade permitted will be beach umbrellas. Beachgoers with canopies, tents, or easy-ups are liable to be fined up to $500.

Laguna Beach is perfect for a couples trip, but it is infamous for its long list of rules. The city and the local residents often find themselves in conflict with tourists and visitors, who come to enjoy the beautiful beaches and warm weather. Locals complain about crowds, littering, and inappropriate behavior, and this latest ruling by the city is designed to prevent overcrowding on the beach, as well as to address some public safety concerns.

While the restriction on shade coverings might feel a little draconian, it does have a firm basis in safety. Large structures like tents and canopies get in the way of the lifeguards' line of sight, making it harder for them to spot emergencies or beachgoers in need of assistance, and obstructing their routes across the sand. Even a beach umbrella can become a hazard if you aren't careful.

The city council also argues that this restriction will help prevent overcrowding and littering. At a meeting to discuss the new ordinances, council member Sue Kempf said, "When people bring big shade structures, they also bring a lot of stuff. And part of the problem with all the trash on the beach is people are bringing a lot of stuff. And then we as a city have to get rid of them" (via SF Gate).

Technically, shade coverings are allowed if they are no larger than standard beach umbrellas. There are also two specific areas on Main Beach and Aliso Beach where larger coverings are permitted, as long as they are no larger than 8x8 feet and don't obstruct emergency access routes.