REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Al Zelinka, City Manager
VIA: Eric Parra, Chief of Police
PREPARED BY: Ingrid Ono, Executive Assistant
Subject:
title
Adopt Ordinance No. 4275 to Amend to Huntington Beach Municipal Code Chapter 13.08.070 Relating to Dogs and Other Animals - Approved for Introduction February 7, 2023 - Vote: 7-0
body
Statement of Issue:
Huntington Beach Municipal Code (HBMC) Chapter 13.08.070 currently prohibits all animals from entering the Pier or Beach Area bounded by the Beach Service Road and the Pacific Ocean. There is an exception for guide dogs, signal dogs, or service dogs; there is also an exception that allows dogs to enter the beach area commonly known as “Dog Beach,” which extends from 22nd Street to Seapoint Avenue.
As written, the current code does not provide an exemption for Huntington Beach Police Department (HBPD) horses, which are regularly used to enhance public safety during special events and other times as authorized by the Chief of Police. It also does not provide the ability for an exemption for a special/specific event to include the use of any animals. With an exemption, and regulated by a specific event permit, such future events could permit dog shows, circus events, horse rides, carnivals, or other events to enhance tourism and bring additional attention to Huntington Beach, leading to increased revenue for the City.
Financial Impact:
There is no direct fiscal impact to approve Ordinance No. 4275. However, there is potential for increased revenue, through fees and tourism, with the permitting of additional specific events where animals are authorized.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Adopt Ordinance No. 4275, “An Ordinance of the City of Huntington Beach Amending Chapter 13.08 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code Relating to Dogs and Other Animals.”
end
Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve, and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
The amended language updates Chapter 13.08 of the Municipal Code to allow the Police Department’s use of their service animals upon the Pier and Adjacent Beach Areas. It also allows a specific event permits to be issued to expressly permitted animals on the Pier and Adjacent Beach Areas, subject to restrictions contained in the specific event permit.
Environmental Status:
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment do not constitute a project.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Financial Sustainability, Public Safety or Other
Attachment(s):
1. Ordinance No. 4275
2. Current HBMC 13.08.070