Hollywood Waterfront Laws: Swim, Fish, Report Erosion

In Hollywood, California, waterfront activity falls under a mix of City of Los Angeles rules, state fishing law, and local department policies. This guide explains where to swim safely in City-operated pools and designated aquatic sites, how and where to get a California fishing license, and the official way to report shoreline or bank erosion in the Hollywood area. It names the enforcing departments, the permits or forms you may need, and step-by-step actions to report hazards or contest enforcement. Use the official links below to confirm current fees and to submit reports or applications.

Where to Swim

The City of Los Angeles operates public pools and aquatics programs; open water swimming along natural Hollywood waterways is generally not permitted unless specifically posted. Check posted park and pool rules before entering the water. For City pools and schedules, consult the Los Angeles Recreation and Parks aquatics pages Los Angeles Recreation and Parks - Aquatics^[1].

Fishing and Fishing Licenses

California fishing licenses are issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). A valid state license is required for lawful take of fish in most waters; local parks may impose additional rules or seasonal closures. To buy or review license types and where they apply, use the official CDFW licensing portal California Department of Fish and Wildlife - Licensing^[2].

Reporting Erosion on Hollywood Waterfronts

For erosive damage to banks, trails, or park shoreline in Hollywood, report the problem to the City of Los Angeles through MyLA311 or the city department responsible for the affected asset (parks, streets, sanitation, or public works). Use MyLA311 to submit photos, location details, and choose the appropriate category for erosion or infrastructure damage MyLA311^[3]. For riverbank or stormwater concerns, the Bureau of Sanitation/Watershed Protection and Los Angeles Recreation and Parks work with property owners on repairs and permits.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is a combination of City of Los Angeles departments (Recreation and Parks, Bureau of Sanitation, Public Works), Los Angeles Police Department where public safety or trespass is involved, and California state enforcement for fishing violations by CDFW wardens. Specific monetary fines and administrative penalties for swimming, fishing, or failing to control erosion are not consolidated on a single City page; amounts are not specified on the cited pages below.^[1][2][3]

• Enforcers: Los Angeles Recreation and Parks (park rules and pool closures), Los Angeles Police Department (public safety), California Department of Fish and Wildlife (fishing regulations).
• Monetary fines: not specified on the cited pages; consult the specific department pages or the California Fish and Game Code for state penalties.
• Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences are handled per department procedure; ranges and schedules are not specified on the cited pages.
• Non-monetary sanctions: removal from park or water area, orders to abate erosion, stop-work notices, permit revocation, and referral to court if required.
• Complaints & inspections: submit evidence and location via MyLA311 or contact the responsible department to request inspection.

Applications & Forms

• Swimming in City pools: no statewide application; register or reserve via Los Angeles Recreation and Parks program pages. See the aquatics portal for schedules and registration.^[1]
• Fishing license: obtain through CDFW online or authorized vendors; fee schedule and license types are listed on the CDFW licensing pages.^[2]
• Reporting erosion: submit a MyLA311 service request with photos and location; no special paper form required for initial reports.^[3]

FAQ

Where can I legally swim in Hollywood?

City-operated pools and permitted aquatics programs; natural waterways require posted authorization and are often restricted. Check Los Angeles Recreation and Parks for pool locations and hours.^[1]

Do I need a fishing license in Hollywood?

Yes—California fishing licenses are required per CDFW rules for most public waters; review license types and age exemptions on the CDFW licensing site.^[2]

How do I report bank or shoreline erosion?

Report erosion to the City via MyLA311 with photos and location; the city assigns the correct department to inspect and respond.^[3]

How-To

1. Identify the exact location and take dated photos of the erosion, shoreline damage, or hazardous condition.
2. Gather basic details: nearest address, park name, any posted signs, and whether people or property are at immediate risk.
3. Submit a report through MyLA311 (online or app) under the appropriate category and attach photos; request an inspection.
4. If the issue is erosion from permitted work or construction, contact the Department of Building and Safety or the Bureau of Engineering to check permit status.
5. Follow up with the assigned department using your MyLA311 service request number and keep records of communications.

Key Takeaways

• Use City pools and posted aquatic sites for safe swimming; open-water access is limited.
• Buy a California fishing license from CDFW before fishing in public waters.
• Report erosion in Hollywood through MyLA311 with photos and location details.

Help and Support / Resources

• Los Angeles Recreation and Parks - Contact
• California Department of Fish and Wildlife - Licensing
• MyLA311 - City Service Requests
• Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment

1. [1] City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks - Aquatics
2. [2] California Department of Fish and Wildlife - Licensing
3. [3] MyLA311 - City of Los Angeles service portal