TO:
Honorable Planning Commission Chair and Commissioners
THROUGH:
Masa Alkire, Community Development Director
FROM:
Adam Finestone, Planning Manager
Justin Urbanski, Associate Planner
SUBJECT:Title
Consideration of Minor Zoning Text Amendments to Manhattan Beach Municipal Code and Manhattan Beach Local Coastal Program Related to Building Height Limits for Two City-Owned Properties Located at 1155 Morningside Drive (Parking Lot 3) and 400 Manhattan Beach Boulevard.
Body
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RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission conduct a public hearing on the proposed zone text amendments to the Manhattan Beach Municipal Code (MBMC) and Manhattan Beach Local Coastal Program (MBLCP) related to minor height increases at Parking Lot 3 and 400 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, and adopt the associated resolution recommending approval of said amendments to City Council and finding the zone text amendments categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
BACKGROUND:
In 2024, the City demolished the former three-story, 145-space parking structure at Parking Lot 3, and replaced it with a new, interim surface parking lot which opened in June 2025. In April 2025, the City purchased the former US Bank property located at 400 Manhattan Beach Boulevard as a forward-thinking investment that aligns with the City’s vision for economic resilience and community enhancement. Following that purchase, the City established Project Pulse as a coordinated approach for public input regarding the redevelopment of both properties.
At its April 21, 2026, meeting, the City Council received an update on the Project Pulse work effort and directed staff to initiate a code amendment to allow a minor increase in the maximum allowable building height for both Project Pulse properties, from 26 feet to 30 feet, on the condition that a subterranean or at-grade parking structure is provided, and to allow additio...
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