Legislation Details

File #: 26-305   
Type: New Business Status: Passed
File created: 6/25/2026 In control: City Council
On agenda: 8/18/2026 Final action: 8/18/2026
Effective date:    
Title: CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 1.12.010 OF THE SAN CLEMENTE MUNICIPAL CODE TO AUTHORIZE THE PARK RANGERS TO ENFORCE PROVISIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME CODE; AND FINDING THIS ACTION IS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15307, 15308, AND 15321
Attachments: 1. Att.1 - Proposed Ordinance
Submitted By: Community Development
Prepared By: Adam Atamian, Community Development Director

Subject:
title
CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 1.12.010 OF THE SAN CLEMENTE MUNICIPAL CODE TO AUTHORIZE THE PARK RANGERS TO ENFORCE PROVISIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME CODE; AND FINDING THIS ACTION IS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15307, 15308, AND 15321
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Summary:
The City Council is being asked to consider an Ordinance to expand the authority of the San Clemente Park Rangers to include enforcing existing provisions of the California Fish and Game Code and related regulations contained in Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations. Park Rangers routinely encounter these violations during patrols of City beaches, the San Clemente Pier, and other coastal areas, and also receive frequent reports and complaints from residents and members of the public regarding suspected illegal fishing activity. The amendment would allow Park Rangers to address observed violations and respond to public complaints without relying solely on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or another agency for initial enforcement. The Ordinance would not expand the specialized investigative authority reserved to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Background:
Park Rangers encounter violations of the California Fish and Game Code and fish and game administrative regulations in Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations during routine patrols of City beaches, the Pier, and other coastal areas. Common violations encountered on the Pier include the taking of lobster out of season, taking an over-the-limit amount of lobster or other fish, use of prohibited methods of take, and the taking of undersized lobster and fish. These violations generally require response by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or another agency with applicable enforcement authority.

Discussion:
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