Argument to Preserve Fire Pits and Restrooms on San Diego Beaches
San Diego’s proposed elimination of all beach fire pits and seasonal closure of coastal restrooms in 2025 raises serious concerns under the California Coastal Act, which protects public access, low-cost recreation, and essential coastal infrastructure. These proposals may not be legal without Coastal Commission approval and, if carried out unilaterally, could expose the city to fines and enforcement action.
Fire Rings: A Protected Coastal Resource
The Coastal Act affirms the importance of ensuring that all Californians—regardless of income—can enjoy the coast. Beach fire rings are a low-cost, inclusive recreational amenity protected under several key provisions:
§ 30210 – Guarantees public access to the coast
§ 30213 – Requires protection of low-cost visitor-serving amenities
§ 30220 – Reserves coastal areas for recreational use
Removing all 180+ fire rings would violate these principles. The rings support family traditions, civic events, and intergenerational coastal access. San Diego’s Mission Bay Park Master Plan includes them as a designated amenity.
They are also safer than the alternative: eliminating fire rings leads to more illegal fires in open sand, which can cause serious burn injuries from buried embers—injuries that may expose the city to significant liability.
Permit Required for Fire Ring Removal
The removal of permanent public infrastructure in the coastal zone is defined as “development” under PRC § 30106 and thus requires a Coastal Development Permit (CDP). This was made clear in:
2009, when the Coastal Commission warned San Diego it would need a permit to remove fire rings
2013, when the Commission denied Newport Beach’s CDP to remove fire rings
California Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 52 (2013), which urged preservation of fire rings
Fire Rings are listed as a free park facility in the San Diego Mission Bay Park Master Plan. If San Diego proceeds without a CDP, the city may face fines of up to $11,250 per day per violation under PRC § 30821.
Restrooms: Basic Access Infrastructure
San Diego is also proposing seasonal closure of public beach restrooms, affecting dozens of facilities. This echoes a 2009 proposal that drew warnings from the Coastal Commission.
Restroom closures violate the same legal principles that protect fire rings. Without adequate alternatives, restroom shutdowns result in:
Unsanitary and unsafe conditions near popular beaches
Reduced coastal access, especially for seniors, children, and people with disabilities
Public health hazards in high-use recreation zones
These closures may also require a Coastal Development Permit and could violate § 30210 and § 30211 of the Coastal Act.
Enforcement Risk and Precedents
San Diego Union-Tribune (2009): Reported that the Coastal Commission cautioned the city about both fire ring and restroom removals
Newport Beach (2013): Denied CDP to remove fire rings
Will Rogers Beach (2024): CDP enforcement included conditions on public restroom access
The Coastal Commission has consistently ruled that amenities which directly enable public coastal access must be protected or replaced—not eliminated for convenience or short-term budget savings.
Jurisdiction
"Mission Bay Park is located in an area of both original and deferred certification, where the Commission retains jurisdiction and Chapter 3 policies of the Coastal Act are the standard of review. The Commission has certified the Mission Bay Park Master Plan as the Land Use Plan for Mission Bay Park, which serves as guidance." (As reported in November 2024)
References
San Diego Union-Tribune: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2009/12/03/snuffing-fire-pits-may-not-be-so-easy
Los Angeles Times: https://www.latimes.com/local/la-xpm-2013-jul-11-la-me-fire-rings-20130711-story.html
California Coastal Commission Report – Th12a: https://documents.coastal.ca.gov/reports/2013/7/Th12a-7-2013.pdf
California Coastal Act: https://www.coastal.ca.gov/coastact.pdf
ACR No. 52 (2013): https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201320140ACR52
Conclusion
Fire rings and restrooms are not optional luxuries—they are protected coastal infrastructure vital to the health, safety, and enjoyment of millions. Any removal or closure must comply with the California Coastal Act, including a permit, a public hearing, and clear mitigation. San Diego must not bypass these legal protections.