Coronado City Council Approves Bonfire Boundary Changes

Categories: Breaking NewsGovernment NewsNews

New bonfire rings at South Beach aimed at enhancing the experience while minimizing smoke for residents.

News Summary

The Coronado City Council has decided to relocate the bonfire boundary at South Beach to mitigate smoke impacts on nearby residents. The new boundary, starting at the rock jetty in front of Hotel del Coronado, allows only propane fires at South Beach, while wood fires can be used at designated areas with fire rings. This change comes amidst community concerns over smoke infiltration from beach bonfires, particularly affecting residents of nearby condominiums. The updates will officially take effect in early July following council discussions and public input.

Coronado – The Coronado City Council has approved a change to the bonfire boundary at South Beach, moving it approximately 550 feet north in order to reduce the smoke impact on nearby residents. This decision comes after numerous complaints about smoke infiltrating homes from beach bonfires, primarily affecting residents of the Coronado Shores condominiums. The new boundary will commence at the tip of the rock jetty in front of the iconic Hotel del Coronado, altering the previous starting point at Avenida del Sol.

According to the Council, only propane-fueled fires will be allowed at South Beach. For those wishing to have wood-fueled fires, they can utilize personal or city-provided fire rings located elsewhere along the beach, as long as they use clean-burning wood. The use of materials such as pallets will be explicitly prohibited to ensure minimal smoke generation.

The updated ordinance was first introduced during the City Council meeting on May 20, 2024, with a second reading scheduled for June 3. If approved, the changes will officially take effect on July 3. Council members discussed the critical need to balance beach recreation with the well-being of nearby residents affected by smoke.

During the Council meeting, Council member Amy Steward expressed her support for the adjustment. Despite not being in office when the original rules regarding bonfires were established, she recognized the importance of limiting smoke during prevailing wind conditions affecting the Coronado Shores area. The previous ordinance had included restrictions on wood fires due to their negative impact on residents living nearby.

Public input regarding the bonfire rule changes was actively encouraged during the meetings. The Council members emphasized the intention of the adjustments to address community concerns while still promoting beach activities such as bonfires.

In addition to the bonfire boundary changes, the Council discussed a separate issue concerning proposed increases in housing in-lieu fees, which have drawn opposition from local developers. The fee is currently proposed to rise from $7,000 per unit to $59 per square foot, raising concerns over the potential impact this might have on future construction projects within the city.

To further these discussions, public hearings will be scheduled concerning several upcoming condominium developments. These hearings will allow residents and stakeholders to voice their concerns and provide input on potential new housing initiatives. The agenda for future Council meetings will also include a hearing related to staffing vacancies and efforts to enhance recruitment for city positions.

The adjustments made by the City Council reflect a proactive approach toward enhancing the quality of life for residents while maintaining access to recreational activities on Coronado’s beaches. As the implementation date approaches, residents will await further updates on the ordinance and its impact on both beachgoers and local homeowners.