Hearing on beach parking fees postponed

Tuesday's scheduled hearing in Santa Rosa to discuss a state plan to expand the number of beaches on the Sonoma Coast where visitors would be charged for parking has been postponed until June.

The state requested the delay in order to "review and see if there was added data," said Roy Stearns, a spokesman for California State Parks.

County supervisors were set to hear the state's appeal of the Board of Zoning Adjustments' unanimous decision to reject the fee proposal.

The state is seeking permission to install 15 new self-pay machines at beaches on the Sonoma Coast and charge visitors a new $8 fee for parking.

State officials say the plan fulfills the Legislature's mandate for state parks to find reliable sources of revenue. But opponents say the fees would undermine the public's access to these places.

The hearing was rescheduled to June 18.

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