Population increases in beach suburbs could exacerbate the issues.
Most councillors were not keen on a total fire ban.
"It's kind of part of our heritage really, isn't it, lighting fires on the beach," said Max Mason.
He suggested there might be designated areas on the beach for bonfires instead of an outright ban.
Councillor Steve Morris said he did not think the council should "be the fun police" and "bring down the ban hammer" yet on the issue.
He said he had seen no evidence from the fire service that fires lit in accordance with the current bylaw, had spread to dunes or other areas.
People deliberately lighting fires in the dunes was arson, and another issue altogether.
The councillors decided to leave the rules as they were but add a rule that only wholly combustible material should be used.
The draft bylaw also proposed allowing all-terrain vehicles - including quad bikes - on the beach only for recreational fishing purposes.
They would still only be allowed in Papamoa East, between the approved access at 105 Karewa Parade and the Kaituna estuary.
The fine, however, would be reduced from $750 to around $100, as bylaw and parking enforcement team leader Stuart Goodman reported police had "no appetite" for issuing the larger fine.
Following complaints about anglers' kontiki - electric long-line systems - and other long lines drifting towards swimmers, they also included a provision in the bylaw to allow it to "impose seasonal restrictions" on the fishing methods.
Council staff said issues relating to dogs on the beach would be dealt with when the council reviewed its Dog Control Bylaw later this year.
*An earlier version of this story said the council had agreed to propose a ban on beach fires. The council has since confirmed it decided, after a long discussion, against that.
