City of Manhattan Beach
Code Enforcement
Community Development Department
1400 Highland Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Phone: (310) 802-5500 FAX: (310) 802-5501 TDD: (310) 546-3501
Visit the City of Manhattan Beach web site at www.manhattanbeach.gov
August 26th, 2025
Dear Valued Manhattan Beach Business,
The summer season is here in Manhattan Beach and our bustling city is full of both residents and visitors enjoying all that our community has to offer. To ensure that residents and visitors to Manhattan Beach can navigate our city sidewalks safely, we are asking that any items such as benches, chairs, pots, planters, dog water bowls, or signs are removed from the public right-of-way.
We understand that the changes in regulations for sidewalk dining may have caused some confusion regarding City regulations for the use of the public right-of-way. Per MBMC 7.36.030, “It shall be a violation of this chapter for any person to construct, create, occupy, or use an encroachment in the public right-of-way without an encroachment permit.” Regarding signage, MBMC 10.72.070(D) states that prohibited signs include “Portable, A-frame, or sidewalk signs, excluding business identification signs affixed flat on the body of a vehicle, which provides services to said business other than identification or advertising.”
To learn more about signs that are permitted, please review Manhattan Beach Municipal Code Section
10.72.050 or contact the Planning Department at 310-802-5520 with any questions related to allowable signage and the permitting process. For example, “pedestrian signs” are allowed and can be particularly effective for identifying a business to pedestrians on the sidewalk, similar to A-frame signs but without the added sidewalk clutter. Per MBMC 10.72.030, a “pedestrian sign” is defined as small non-illuminated sign suspended under an awning or canopy or attached to a building by a decorative holder, oriented toward pedestrian traffic, to identify a business.
We kindly ask that you apply for and obtain an encroachment permit from the city or remove any unpermitted items currently placed in the public right-of-way within 10 days of the date of this letter.
Our goal is to work collaboratively with businesses in Manhattan Beach to build a thriving city, and we appreciate your support in helping maintain a safe, welcoming, and accessible environment for all. Please contact the Code Enforcement department directly at (310) 802-5518 or [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns related to this matter.
Thank you for your cooperation,
Code Enforcement
City of Manhattan Beach