ENCINITAS – Hoping to appease residents who are concerned about crowded beaches, the Encinitas City Council on Wednesday night set in motion a plan to tighten oversight of surf camps.
There are more than a dozen surf camps operating in Encinitas this year, including transplants from nearby cities that began limiting such operations.
Under the new rules, surf-camp operators will have to bid for a city concession contract. That would allow the city to limit the number of camps.
Two business owners spoke in opposition, saying the bidding process would favor larger surf-camp operators.
The council voted unanimously to direct staff members to prepare several options for regulations, including fees and bidding criteria, to be considered at a future meeting.
The council also set in motion a related proposal to require a new permit for other business activities – fitness “boot camps,” yoga classes and personal training sessions – that take place at city beaches and parks.
