Beach parking amendment OKs fines for homeowners

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The California Coastal Commission has been granted power to enforce beach access rules through fining homeowners.

Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins, D-San Diego, attached a rider to the state's $108 billion budget. The last-minute amendment allows the commission to issue fines against oceanfront homeowners who put up fake no parking signs, or do anything to impede access to California's beaches.

The state budget was passed by the Assembly and signed by Gov. Jerry Brown on Friday.

All beaches are public property below the high tide line. Up until now, the Coastal Commission has had to file lawsuits to enforce access rules.

Fines assessed by the Coastal Commission are still subject to administrative hearings and court review.

CNS contributed to this report.