TO:
Honorable Planning Commission Chair and Commissioners
THROUGH:
Masa Alkire, Community Development Director
FROM:
Adam Finestone, Planning Manager
Jaehee Yoon, Senior Planner
Johnathon Masi, Associate Planner
SUBJECT:Title
Study session to discuss proposed code amendments related to portable signs and benches adjacent to commercial businesses in the Coastal Zone
Body
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RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission conduct a study session to discuss and provide input on proposed code amendments related to portable signs and benches adjacent to commercial businesses in the Coastal Zone.
BACKGROUND:
Portable signs on public and private property are currently prohibited by the Manhattan Beach Municipal Code (MBMC) and the Manhattan Beach Local Coastal Program (MBLCP). In addition, the MBMC contains regulations for benches in the public right-of-way, primarily for transit stops, that are not addressed in the MBLCP. Benches on private property are allowed and regulated by both the MBMC and MBLCP.
Over the past several years, portable signs, benches, and other items in the public right-of-way have proliferated, causing impediments to pedestrian traffic flow and other potentially unsafe conditions. In August 2025, the City's Code Enforcement Division began a proactive enforcement effort to ensure clear and accessible paths of travel on City sidewalks in the Downtown and North Manhattan Beach areas. Starting in November 2025, Notices of Violation (NOVs) were issued to businesses that had not come into compliance with code requirements, though no monetary citations were issued.
On October 7, 2025, the City Council requested a future agenda item to discuss potential code amendments to allow A-Frame signs and benches in the public right-of-way as a means to promote business engagement in the Downtown area.
On February 3, 2026, staff presented the agendized item to the City Council for dis...
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