Commercial Surf Permit Ad Hoc Committee Meeting Livestream 01/14/26

The City of Encinitas Commercial Surf Permit Ad Hoc Committee convened on January 14, 2026, to discuss the regulation and permitting of commercial surf schools. Key procurement-related topics included the future length of surf permit agreements, with a consensus leaning towards a three-year initial term plus a two-year extension, providing a potential five-year operating period contingent on annual reviews and good standing. The committee reviewed the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) requirements and scoring rubric, emphasizing safety standards, instructor certifications, and operational accountability, including daily lifeguard interactions and incident reporting via QR codes. Discussions also covered location maximums for surf schools, with considerations for beach erosion and shared zones, and the differentiation of YMCA camp operations from commercial surf permits. The committee planned to finalize a draft permit package for City Council review by late February or early March 2026. No formal votes were recorded during this meeting, but action items include refining the RFQ process, safety plans, and permit terms to enhance regulatory oversight and support sustainable surf school operations.