Some beachgoers are creating living rooms with a view on the sand. Cities are cracking down

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Set us as preferred Greg Viviani has seen some elaborate beach setups in Orange County.They range from lavish celebrations on the sand with tables and flatware to inventive ones, with groups bringing multiple canopies that shade tables, chairs and even couches from the scorching rays, the Laguna Beach resident said.But the sun is poised to hit a bit different this summer on beaches in Southern California.A growing number of beach towns are cracking down on some of the more elaborate shade coverings, citing safety issues.Newport Beach now prohibits canopies larger than 6 feet by 6 feet and requires that the structures not be connected.Just down the coast in Laguna Beach, a city that already had rules governing the size of canopies, officials took it a step further in May and limited the use of such shade structures to certain sections of beach.

Violators can be fined up to $500.“Now it’s not people taking up all this space and acting like they have a freaking living room on the beach,” Viviani told The Times, adding that he’s already seen a reduction in trash along the sand in Laguna.

“It makes the ambience better.The vibe is better and it’s safer.” There was a time when a day at the beach involved a towel and some sunscreen.

But heightened concerns about the health effects of sun exposure have brought an ever-growing number of tents, canopies and other products.At the same time, more people are going to the beach in larger groups and for special events, requiring more space and amenities.

Some get to the beach bright and early in the morning to set up their compounds and stay until sunset.There has long been a divide between locals and out-of-town visitors over the giant canopies.Locals say they block views, create safety issues and encourage illicit behavior such as alcohol consumption.And it’s not just in...