Zoning / Development Regulations

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**Various Chapters and Sections of the Manhattan Beach Municipal Code's Title 7 (Public Works) and Title 10 (Planning and Zoning) have recently been revised with the adoption of several ordinances (Ordinance Nos. 25-0004, adopted April 1, 2025; 25-0012, adopted November 18, 2025; and 25-0013, adopted December 2, 2025), but these code revisions have not yet been uploaded to the City's Municipal Code webpage. The links below provide the latest, up-to-date Code Chapters that accurately reflect the most recently adopted ordinances.**

MBMC Chapter 7.36 Private Use of the Public Right of Way

MBMC Chapter 10.12 Residential Districts
MBMC Chapter 10.16 C Commercial Districts
MBMC Section 10.52.050 (D) Accessory Structures - Relation to Property Lines
MBMC Section 10.60.080 Outdoor Facilities
MBMC Chapter 10.74 Accessory Dwelling Units
MBMC Chapter 10.84 Use Permits, Variances, Minor Exceptions, Precise Development Plans and Site Development Permits
MBMC Chapter 10.94 Affordable Housing Density Bonus and Incentive Program
MBMC Chapter 10.100 Appeals and Council Review

The links below provide most regulations, or references to regulations for using and developing property in Manhattan Beach.

Handouts for Development Regulations - Helpful handouts that explain development regulations for concepts like building height, basement and story conditions, fences and walls, open space, etc.
The Manhattan Beach Municipal Code contains all City codes including zoning, building, public works, fire, traffic, noise, and health regulations.
ADU/JADU Regulations - Rules for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs)
Coastal Zone Regulations - Manhattan Beach Local Coastal Program
Driveway Slopes - Driveway slopes on private property.
Encroachment Standards - Code Section 7.36.150 (PDF) and Encroachment Booklet (PDF) handout.
Residential Overlay District (ROD) - Information on Residential Overlay District (ROD)
State Density Bonus Multifamily Housing Projects - Information on housing projects utilizing State Density Bonus Law
Short Term Vacation Rentals
Sign Regulations - Located within Chapter 10.72 (Title 10, Part IV) of the MBMC.
Telecom Regulations
SB 9 and 10 - Information on how Senate Bills 9 & 10 affect development in the City.
Tree Preservation and Restoration (Private Property) - Trees in front and corner-side yard setbacks in residential zones.
The Zoning Code is located within "Title 10 Planning and Zoning" of the MBMC. An intermediate index under Title 10 is organized as follows:

Part I - Definitions, Land Use Classifications
Part II - Primary residential, commercial, industrial, etc. district regulations
Part III - Special overlay district regulations
Part IV - General multi-district regulations (e.g, parking, landscaping, accessory structures)
Part V - Administrative regulations and zoning procedures

Maps

Zoning Map (PDF) - Area Districts, zoning districts, and coastal zone.
GIS Interactive Mapping page can provide "parcel reports" for Manhattan Beach properties containing zoning and other parcel data.
Area District Map (PDF)

Guidelines

Downtown Development Guidelines (PDF)
Outdoor Dining Guidelines (PDF)
Sepulveda Development Guide (PDF)
Transportation Impact Analysis Guide (PDF)

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