South Bay : Beach Parking Fees Hiked

The County Board of Supervisors has approved an increase to $4 per day from $3 per day at beach parking lots at all county beaches and in Marina del Rey.

The board Tuesday voted 4 to 0, with Supervisor Kenneth Hahn absent, to raise fees effective April 1.

County officials said the fee increase, sought by Supervisor Deane Dana, was the first since July, 1981, when the fee was increased at most county beaches from $2 to $3.

Officials of the county Department of Beaches and Harbors said annual revenues of $500,000 is expected from the increase, and will be used to offset increasing costs of maintaining and operating the beaches and paying for lifeguards.

Dennis Morefield, a spokesman for Dana, said the fees will now be in line with the recent increase to $4 per day at state beach parking lots.

The fee increase is part of the county’s recent efforts to earn more revenues from beach-related concessions and fees, county officials said.

Senior citizens and the handicapped will continue to be allowed to park free in all county beach lots, excluding weekends and holidays, county officials said.