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Dedicated to Protecting the Environment and the Safety of the Community

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The City is dedicated to protecting its environment and mitigating the harmful impacts from balloons coming into contact with ocean life, wildlife, and power lines. Balloon debris on City beaches, parks, streets, and trails is prolific and contributes to plastic and microplastic pollution, despite state laws and regulations that prohibit littering.

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Metallic balloons are made of electrically conductive material and pose extreme safety hazards when they come into contact with electrical equipment, and may cause short circuits, outages and explosions, bringing down power lines and potentially leading to severe injuries, fires, and property damage. 

Prohibited Sale, Distribution, and Use of all Balloons 

The Laguna Beach City Council has been a leader in protecting the environment and the safety of the community. On February 21, 2023, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1683, prohibiting the sale, distribution, and use of all balloons, with limited exception for private events held on private property.

Effective January 1, 2024: 

  • No Person (defined below) that sells or distributes balloons of any kind, whether filled or unfilled, shall be permitted to sell or distribute any balloon.

  • No Person shall intentionally release any balloon, regardless of fill, into the air.

  • No Person shall use any balloon on any public area, including any public street, park, beach, sidewalk, recreational area or other City-owned or controlled property.

  • No Person shall use any balloon at any City-sponsored event.