Venice Beach Sand Dunes Removed for the Season

The sand berms that the county builds every winter to protect parking lots along Venice Beach and the lifeguard headquarters from wave damage are coming down Friday.

The dunes have been built since the 1970s and typically go up in November and are bulldozed in February or March. The 11 seasonal sand berms that measure about 15 feet high and vary in length between 235 feet and 1,343 feet to protect lifeguard towers, bathrooms and parking lots. Two are located at Venice Beach, two at Dockweiler Beach, one at Hermosa Beach and six at Zuma Beach.

Since the 2005-2006 season, the berm height was increased after a major storm pummeled the region. In Venice, the sand dunes protect county-owned parking lots along Venice and Washington boulevards as well as the lifeguard headquarters by the Venice Breakwater.

In December, the county held a public meeting after several residents voiced concerns over the sand dunes – complaining that they obstructed views for pedestrians and homeowners and hindered access to the beach.

At the time, county officials said that nothing would be done to alleviate their immediate concerns, but that their opinions would be taken into consideration for the 2013-2014 winter season when the county applies for a new sand berm permit with the California Coastal Commission.