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File #: PC 25-0011    Version: 1
Type: Planning Gen. Bus. Status: Agenda Ready
In control: Planning Commission Regular Meeting
On agenda: 10/8/2025 Final action:
Title: Consideration of Zone Text Amendments Related to Accessory Structure Rear Yard Setback Requirements
Attachments: 1. 1. Draft Resolution, 2. 2. Proposed Zone Text Amendments (Redline Version), 3. 3. Accessory Structure Diagrams, 4. 4. City Council Meeting Staff Report (February 4, 2025) (Web-link Provided), 5. 5. Planning Commission Meeting Staff Report (June 11, 2025) (Web-link Provided), 6. 6. Planning Commission Meeting Staff Report (August 27, 2025) (Web-link Provided)
TO:
Honorable Planning Commission Chair and Commissioners

THROUGH:
Masa Alkire, AICP, Community Development Director

FROM:
Adam Finestone, AICP, Planning Manager
Jaehee Yoon, AICP, Senior Planner
Maricela Guillean, Associate Planner

SUBJECT:Title
Consideration of Zone Text Amendments Related to Accessory Structure Rear Yard Setback Requirements
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) related to accessory structures in single-family residential zones within Area Districts I and II and adopt the associated resolution recommending approval of said amendments to the City Council.

BACKGROUND
At the June 18, 2024, City Council meeting, the City Council requested a future agenda item to discuss the City's existing rear yard setback requirements for accessory structures in single-family residential (RS) zones. The concern stemmed from provisions that allow accessory structures in rear yards with zero side or rear setbacks. This existing regulation is codified in MBMC Section 10.52.050(D) (Relation to Property Lines), as provided in part below:

An accessory structure, any portion of which is located within a required rear yard, shall be located on a rear or interior side property line, or shall be not less than three feet (3') from said property line(s).

For the purpose of this report, rear yard setbacks for accessory structures in the rear yard of a property shall be assumed to mean both the rear and interior side yard unless specifically stated otherwise.

On February 4, 2025, staff presented the agendized item before the City Council for discussion and was directed to further explore alternative setbacks and their implications, as well as obtain the Planning Commission's input.

On June 11, 2025, the Planning Commission conducted a study session to discuss the item, whi...

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