San Clemente will once again discuss allowing dogs on the beach, an idea that was voted down in 2021.
The Beaches, Parks and Recreation Commission is recommending the city allow dogs off leash at North Beach from 6 to 8 a.m. daily, as well as prioritize funding for off-leash dog parks at San Luis Rey and San Gorgonio parks.
The City Council will review a report by the commission and will give direction on how to proceed during its meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 16.
The Beaches, Parks & Recreation Commission’s 2023-24 Work Plan, which was approved by the City Council in September, included a review and consideration of allowing dog access on city beaches and a review of options to expand off-leash dog locations.
The commission then voted to recommend the council consider amending the municipal code to allow for dogs on the beach, but with restrictions.
In addition to the two-hour, morning-only time limits, the recommendation includes access being limited to San Clemente residents and all dogs must be licensed through the Coastal Animal Services Agency, the commission is recommending.
Signage would be posted that dog owners are responsible for the actions of their dogs, including cleaning up fecal waste, according to the staff report.
Dog access on the beach would require an analysis of any environmental impacts, as well as Coastal Commission consideration.
Allowing dogs on the beach has been debated topic through the years, in the ’80s and ’90s the city voted to uphold prohibition of dogs on the beach.
In 2008, the rec commission created a dog access sub-committee, which held public workshops in 2011.
At that time, the Coastal Advisory Committee did not support a pilot program, citing issues with health, safety, cleanliness, enforcement, environmental issues, location, and hours available on the beach.
In 2012, because of diminishing beach space for the public, the council voted to defer discussion about increasing dog access.
In 2016, the commission…
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