Exhibit B:
Clean MBLCP Version
A.04.030. Definitions.
*Portions of this section were amended and adopted per Ord No. 26 -0009, but not in effect until August 7, 2026.
Abutting or adjoining: Having district boundaries or lot lines in common.
Acre, Gross: A measure of land area.
Acre, Net: A measure of developable land area, after excluding existing dedicated rights -of-way and flood control and drainage easements.
Alley: A public way having a width of not more than 20 feet permanently reserved primarily for vehicular service access to the rear or side of properties otherwise abutting on a street.
Alter: To make a change in the exterior appearance or the supporting members of a structure, such as bearing walls, columns, beams, or girders, that will prolong the life of the structure.
Alteration: (See Alter).
Alternative-fuel Vehicle Charging Systems : Equipment used to recharge a vehicle that uses alternative energy as fuel, such as compressed natural gas (CNG), electricity or other non -petroleum derived fuels.
Amendment: A change in the wording, context or substance of this title, or a change in the district boundaries on the zoning map.
Animal, Domestic: Small animals of the type generally accepted as pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, hens, fish and the like, but not including roosters, ducks, geese, pea fowl, goats, sheep, hogs or the like.
Animal, Exotic: Any wild animal not customarily confined or cultivated by man for domestic or commercial purposes but kept as a pet or for display.
Animal, Large: An animal larger than the largest breed of dogs. This term includes horses, cows, and other mammals customarily kept in corrals or stables.
Animal, Small: An animal no larger than the largest breed of dogs. This term includes fish, birds, and mammals customarily kept in kennels.
Area District : One of two areas designated on the zoning map for purposes of defining property development regulations that establish minimum lot areas, minimum yards, and maximum area coverage appropriate for that area.
Area, Lot, Parcel, or Site : The horizontal area within the property lines excluding public -access corridors, flood control and drainage easements, vehicular easements, and areas to be included in future street rights-of-way as established by easement, dedication, or ordinance.
Areas, Specified Anatomical: Human genitals (pubic region), buttocks, or female breasts below a point immediately above the upper line or curve of the areola when less than completely and opaquely covered; or human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state, even if completely and opaquely covered.
Balcony: A cantilevered platform that projects from the wall of a building, typically above the first level, and is surrounded by a rail, balustrade or parapet not exceeding forty-two inches (42”) above the platform surface.
Basement: Any floor level, or portions thereof, below the first story in a building. Any building having only one floor l evel shall be classified as a basement unless such a floor level qualifies as a first story as defined herein. A floor level may be divided between portions qualifying as a basement and portions qualifying as a story. Any portion qualifying as a story shall be considered to have a minimum dimension of twenty feet (20′) measured perpendicular from the outside face(s) of the exterior building wall(s), which disqualifies that area as a basement (See Graphic Illustration).
Blockface: The properties abutting on one side of a street and lying between the two nearest intersecting or intercepting streets, or nearest intersecting or intercepting street and railroad right -of-way, unsubdivided land, watercourse, or city boundary.
Boarding House: A building with not more than five guest rooms where lodging and meals are provided for not more than 10 persons, but shall not include rest homes or convalescent homes. Guest rooms numbering six or over shall be considered a hotel.
Building: Any structure having a roof supported by columns or walls for the housing or enclosure of persons, animals, chattels, or property of any kind. Buildings or portions of buildings that are attached by a minimum of 6 feet of common wall or a solid roof area having a minimum eight foot (8’) dimension in all horizontal directions shall be considered a single building.
Bulk Storage: A large, or primary area devoted to the storage of stock merchandise in enclosed areas inaccessible to the public, incidental to a primary use.
Caretaker's quarters: A dwelling unit on the site of a commercial, industrial, public, or semipublic use, occupied by a guard or caretaker.
Cellar: (See Basement).
Chimney: A hollow shaft containing one or more passageways, vertical or nearly so, for conveying products of combustion to the outside atmosphere.
City: The City of Manhattan Beach.
Cluster, Building: A group of buildings located in close proximity to each other and oriented towards a visible area of focus, which is separated from other groups of buildings on the same site by a large average distance.
Coastal Zone: A geographic zone adjacent to the shoreline, the boundaries of which are determined by the
California Coastal Act of 1976, as amended.
Collection Buildings: Buildings with a gross floor area of 225 square feet or less used for the deposit and storage of household articles or recyclables donated to a nonprofit organization.
Conditionally Permitted: Permitted subject to approval of a conditional use permit or temporary conditional use permit.
Condominium: An estate in real property consisting of an undivided interest in common in a portion of a parcel of real property together with a separate interior space in a residential, industrial or commercial building on the real property, such as an apartment, office or store. A condominium may include, in addition, a separate interest in other portions of the real property.
Conforming Building: A building that fully meets the requirements of Title 9 (Building Regulations) and also conforms to all property-development regulations and requirements prescribed for the district in which it is located.
Coverage, Lot or Site: The percentage of a site covered by roofs, soffits, or overhangs extending more than
2.5 feet from a wall and by decks more than 30 inches in height.
LOT COVERAGE
Daylight Plane: An inclined plane, beginning at a stated height above grade at a side or rear property line, and extending into the site at a stated upward angle to the horizontal, which may limit the height or horizontal extent of structures at any specific point on the site where the daylight plane is more restrictive than the height limit or the minimum yard applicable at such point on the site.
Deck: A platform, either free -standing or attached to a building, but without a roof, that is supported by pillars, posts, or walls (see also: Balcony).
Distribution Line: An electric power line bringing power from a distribution substation to consumers.
District: A portion of the city within which the use of land and structures and the location, height, and bulk of structures are governed by this ordinance. This ordinance establishes "area districts," "base zoning
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districts" for residential, commercial, industrial, public and open space uses, and "overlay districts," which modify base district regulations.
Dwelling, Multi-family: A building containing two or more dwelling units.
Dwelling, Single-Family: A building containing one dwelling unit.
Dwelling Unit: One or more rooms with a single kitchen, designed for occupancy by one family for living and sleeping purposes.
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) : A report complying with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and its implementing guidelines.
Exemption, Categorical: An exception from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for a class of projects, based on a finding by the California Secretary for Resources that the class of projects does not have a significant effect on the environment.
Family: A single individual or two or more persons living together as a single housekeeping unit in a dwelling unit, provided that this shall not exclude the renting of rooms in a dwelling unit as permitted by district regulations.
Floor Area, Buildable: The total enclosed area of all floors of a building , including stairs, measured to the outside face of the structural members in exterior walls, and thirty percent (30%) of the area of all basements of a building that are not entirely below local grade, but excluding floor area under stairs , the area of stairs on the top most floor, vertical shafts, and those portions of a basement that are entirely below local grade (See Graphic I llustrations). The following elements are also excluded from a determination of buildable floor area:
Commercial and Industrial Districts : That area used exclusively for vehicle parking and loading and in service and mechanical rooms, enclosed vertical shafts, or elevators.
Single-family Residential Districts:
Area Districts I and II: That area used for vehicle parking and loading, up to 400 square feet on lots with less than 4,800 square feet and up to 600 square feet on lots with 4,800 square feet or more. Up to 200 square feet of basement area for purposed of storage and mechanical equipment use. Basement areas located entirely below local grade, and the related wells if they are the minimum size required by the UBC. A condition of "entirely below local grade" exists where the vertical dimension between the local grade elevation and finished floor of the next floor above is no greater than two feet.
Area Districts III and IV: That area used for vehicle parking and loading, up to 400 square feet on lots with less than 2,700 square feet and up to 600 square feet on lots with 2,700 square feet or more. Up to 200 square feet of basement area for purposes of storage and mechanical equipment use. Basement areas located entirely below local grade, and the related wells if they are the minimum size required by the UBC. A condition of "entirely below local grade" exists where the vertical dimension between the local grade elevation and finished floor of the nest floor above is no greater than two feet.
Multi-family Residential Districts: That area used exclusively for vehicle parking and loading. Up to 200 square feet of basement area for purposes of storage and mechanical equipment use. Basement areas located entirely below local grade, and the related wells if they are the minimum size required by the UBC. A condition of "entirely below local grade" exists where the vertical dimension between the local grade elevation and finished floor of the nest floor above is no greater than two feet.
PROPOSED BASEMENT/STORY CONDITIONS COUNTED AS BFA
Floor Area Factor (FAF): The factor utilized in determining buildable floor area.
General Plan: The City of Manhattan Beach General Plan, as amended.
Grade, Existing: The surface of the ground or pavement at a stated location as it exists prior to disturbance in preparation for a project regulated by this title.
Grade, Ground Level Finished (grade, Finished): The proposed surface of the ground or pavement at a started location following disturbance of existing grade.
Grade, Local: The ground elevation adjacent to a specified location on the exterior of a building (existing or finished, whichever is lower). It is to be taken as the lowest point on a line between the location specified and the nearest property line if the property line is within 5 feet of the building, or, if not, between the building and a point 5 feet outward from the building. For purposes of determining height above or below grade for a specified location on a building not on its perimeter, the local grade shall be considered to be the local grade corresponding to the nearest perimeter location.
Grade, Street: The top of the curb, or the top of the edge of the pavement or traveled way where no curb exists.
Granny Housing Unit: A dwelling unit (attached or detached), intended for the sole occupancy of one adult or two adult persons who are 62 years of age or over with floor area less than 30% of the
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existing floor area for an attached unit or 1,200 square feet for a detached unit.
Greywater Retention/Detention Features : A device or system designed to collect, store, and transport greywater, as defined by the California Plumbing Code, which may include tanks, valves, filters, pumps, or other appurtenances along with piping.
Guest House (or Accessory Living Quarters) : Any living area located within a main or an accessory building that does not have direct interior access to the dwelling unit. Such quarters shall have no kitchen facilities and shall not be rented or otherwise used as a separate dwelling unit. Such guest quarters, or accessory living quarters, shall be permitted only on a lot with one single-family residence. A guest house, or accessory living quarters, shall be a maximum of 500 square feet in size, limited to one habitable room, and contain a maximum of three plumbing fixtures. This definition does not include an accessory dwelling unit as defined in Chapter A.74.
Height: A vertical dimension measured from local grade, unless otherwise specified.
Hedge: A continuous or substantially continuous linear arrangement of shrubs, small trees, or other woody vegetation, planted or maintained to form a screen, buffer, boundary, or ornamental landscape feature.
Minor gaps for access or plant replacement do not negate the existence of a hedge.
Home Occupation: Occupations conducted in a dwelling unit or accessory building in a residential district that are incidental to the principal residential use of a lot or site.
Illumination, Direct: Illumination by means of light that travels directly from its source to the viewer's eye.
Illumination, Indirect: Illumination by means only of light cast upon an opaque surface from a concealed source.
Kitchen: A room primarily designed, intended or used for the preparation of food.
Landscaping: An area devoted to or developed and maintained with native or exotic plantings, lawn, ground cover, gardens, trees, shrubs, and other plant materials, decorative outdoor landscape elements, pools, fountains, water features, paved or decorated surfaces of rock, stone, brick, block, or similar material (excluding driveways, parking, loading, or storage areas), and sculptural elements. Plants on rooftops, porches or in boxes attached to buildings are not considered landscaping.
Landscaping, Interior: A landscaped area or areas within the shortest circumferential line defining the perimeter or exterior boundary of the parking or loading area, or similar paved area, excluding driveways or walkways providing access to the facility (as applied to parking and load facilities or to similar paved areas).
Landscaping, Perimeter: A landscaped area adjoining and outside the shortest circumferential line defining the exterior boundary of a parking or loading area, or similar paved area, excluding driveways or walkways providing access to the facility (as applied to parking and loading facilities or to similar paved areas).
Lot: A site or parcel of real property delineated with a number or other separate designation on a plat duly recorded in the office of the County Recorder.
Lot, Corner: A site bounded by two or more adjacent street or alley property lines that have an angle of intersection of not more than one hundred thirty-five degrees (135º).
Lot Depth: The horizontal distance from the midpoint of the front-lot line to the midpoint of the rear-lot line, or to the most distant point on any other lot line where there is no rear-lot line.
Lot, Flag: A lot in the approximate configuration of a flagpole, panhandle, or signpost, with the pole or post functioning primarily as a vehicular access way to the main body of the lot from the street of access wherein the lots or parcels of land are laid out one (1) behind the other, with only one (1) lot or parcel of land (referred to as the front lot) having frontage on a public street, and the flag lot located behind the front lot with access to the public street via other than a driveway or access easement.
Lot, Key: The first lot to the rear of a reverse corner lot, whether or not separated by an alley.
Lot or Property Line, Rear : A lot line, not a front lot line, that is parallel or approximately parallel to the front lot line. Where no lot line is within forty -five degrees (45º) of being parallel to the front lot line, a line ten feet (10′) in length within the lot, parallel to and at the maximum possible distance from the front lot line, shall be deemed the rear lot line.
Lot or Property Line, Front : The street or alley property line of an interior lot. The front property line of a corner lot shall be the shorter street or alley property li ne, provided that where one street or alley property line is at least 75% of the length of the other street or alley property line, the Community Development Director shall determine the location of the front property line. In no case shall the front property line of a street-alley lot be an alley that is approximately parallel to the street. For a flag lot, the front property line shall be the shorter lot line located at the edge of the flag pole, such as driveways or access easements.
The front lot line shall begin where the flag pole intersects the flag portion of the lot or exceeds 30 feet in width.
Lot or Property Line, Interior: A lot line not abutting a street.
Lot or Property Line, Side: Any lot line that is not a front lot line or a rear lot line.
Lot or Property Line, Street: A lot line abutting a street.
Lot, Street-Alley: A lot having frontage on a street and an alley.
Lot, Through: A site bounded by a parallel, or approximately parallel, street property lines that are not side property lines.
Lot Width: The mean of the horizontal distance between the side lot lines measured at right angles to the lot depth at points 20 feet from the front lot line and 20 feet from the rear lot line, or from the rearmost point of the lot depth in cases where there is no rear lot line.
LOT DEPTH AND LOT WIDTH
FRONT LDT LINE --------- FR □ NT LDT LINE
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Maintenance and Repair: Reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building for the purpose of its preservation. Activities that result in the demolition or replacement of more than 50% of the materials of an existing structure shall be regarded as new construction, not maintenance and repair. All maintenance and repair activities require a Coastal Development Permit in accordance with Section A.96.040, unless specifically exempted under the terms of Section A.96.050.
Manufactured Home: A modular housing unit on a permanent foundation that conforms to the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Standards Act. For purposes of this definition, a mobile home is considered a manufactured home.
Mezzanine: An intermediate floor placed within a room, and meeting the requirements of a mezzanine contained in the Building Regulations (Title 9, Chapter 9.01 of the Municipal Code).
Municipal Code: The Municipal Code of the City of Manhattan Beach, as amended.
Nonconforming Structure: A structure that was lawfully erected but which does not conform with the standards for yard spaces, height of structures, or distances between structures prescribed in the regulations for the district in which the structure is located by reason of adoption or amendment of this title or by reason of annexation of territory to the City.
Nonconforming Use: A use of a structure or land that was lawfully established and maintained, but which does not conform with the use regulations or required conditions for the district in which it is located by reason of adoption or amendment of this title or by reason of annexation of territory to the City.
Off-Street Loading Facilities: A site or portion of a site devoted to the loading or unloading of motor vehicles or trailers, including loading berths, aisles, access drives, and landscaped areas.
Off-Street Parking Facilities: A site or portion of a site devoted to the off -street parking of motor vehicles, including parking spaces, aisles, access drives, and landscaped areas.
Open Space, Private: A usable open space adjoining and directly accessible to a dwelling unit, reserved for the exclusive use of residents of the dwelling unit and their guests.
Open Space, Shared: A usable open space within a residential development reserved for the exclusive use of residents of the development and their guests.
Open Space, Total: The sum of private open space and shared open space.
Open Space, Usable: Outdoor or unenclosed area on the ground, or on a balcony, deck, porch or terrace designed and accessible for outdoor living, recreation, pedestrian access or landscaping, that is not covered by more than 75%buildable fl oor area, and has a minimum dimension of five feet (5′) in any direction, and a minimum area of forty -eight (48) square feet; minus any parking facilities, driveways, utility or service areas, required egress wells, or any required front or side yards.
Opposite: Walls, windows, signs, districts, or property lines shall be deemed opposite if a line perpendicular to a vertical plane through one element and having its widest horizontal dimension would intersect a similar vertical plane through another element.
Outdoor Living Area: (See Open Space, Usable).
Parking Structure: A non-enclosed or semi-enclosed area containing a ceiling or roof, used primarily for the
temporary storage of motor vehicles, constructed either above or below grade, freestanding, or as part of a nonresidential building.
Permeable Surface: An uncovered finish grade surface such as a driveway, walkway, or patio constructed with pervious materials allowing stormwater to directly infiltrate the underlying soils and contained so neither sediment nor the water discharges off the site.
Permitted: Permitted without a requirement for approval of a use permit or temporary use permit.
Porch: A covered or uncovered platform at an entrance to a dwelling unit.
Pre-existing: In existence prior to the effective date of this title.
Project: Any proposal for new or changed use, or for new construction, alteration, or enlargement of any structure, that is subject to the provisions of this title.
Roof or Deck, Green: A roof or deck/balcony surface that is partially or totally planted with vegetation that is over a waterproof membrane generally for the purpose of water or energy conservation.
Room (Space), Habitable : A space in a structure meeting the requirements of the Building Regulations (Title 9, Chapter 9.01 of the Municipal Code) for sleeping, living, eating or cooking.
Bathrooms, toilet compartments, closets, halls, storage or utility space, and similar areas, are not considered habitable space.
Setback Line: A line within a lot parallel to, and the required setback distance from, a corresponding lot line, which is the boundary of any specified front, side or rear yard, or a line otherwise established to govern the location of buildings, structures or uses. Where the corner of a lot has been rounded off for purposes of public right-of-way dedication, the setback line shall be parallel to the original unaltered lot line. Where no minimum front, side or rear setbacks or yards are specified, the setback line shall be coterminous with the corresponding lot line.
Sexual Activities, Specified: Human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal; acts of human masturbation, sexual intercourse, oral copulation, or sodomy; fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals (pubic region), buttocks, or female breasts.
Single Ownership: Holding record title, possession under a contract to purchase, or possession under a lease, by a person, firm, corporation, or partnership, individually, jointly, in common, or in any other manner where the property is or will be under unitary or unified control.
Site: A lot, or group of contiguous lots not divided by an alley, street, other right-of-way, or city limit, that is proposed for development in accord with the provisions of this title, and is in a single ownership or has multiple owners, all of whom join in an application for development.
Solar Energy System: A combination of solar collector(s) and ancillary solar equipment used to generate electricity or heat water primarily for consumption on the property where the system is located.
Specific Plan: A plan for a defined geographic area that is consistent with the General Plan and with the provisions of the California Government Code, Section 65450 et seq. (Specific Plans).
Stormwater Retention/Detention Feature: A device or system of improvements that captures, retains and subsequently releases stormwater runoff from a site at a lesser volume and/or slower rate than it is collected, while holding the runoff in temporary storage for the purposes of infiltration, bioretention, and/or
storage with beneficial use such as landscape irrigation.
Story: That portion of a building included between the surface of any floor and the surface of the floor next above it. If there is no floor above it, then the space between such floor and the ceiling next above it shall be considered a story. If the portion of a building included between the finished floor level directly above a basement or a usable or unused under -floor space is more than four feet (4′) above local grade, as defined herein, for more than fifty percent (50%) of the total perimeter or is more than six feet (6′) above local grade, as defined herein, at any point, (excluding required egress wells that meet the minimum size required by the UBC), such basement or usable or unused under -floor space shall be considered a story. A floor level may be divided between portions qualifying as a story and portions qualifying as a basement. Any portion of a floor level qualifying as a story shall be considered to have a minimum dimension of twenty feet (20′) measured perpendicular from the outside face(s) of the exterior building wall(s) which defines that area as a story (see graphic illustration under "Basement" definition).
Story, First: The lowest story in a building which qualifies as a story, as defined herein, except that a floor level in a building having only one floor level shall be classified as a first story, provided such floor level is not more than 4 feet below local grade, as defined herein, for more than 50 percent of the total perimeter, or not more than 6 feet below local grade, as defined herein, at any point (excluding required egress wells that meet the minimum size required by the UBC).
Street: A recorded public way, other than an alley, which provides access to abutting property.
Structure: Anything constructed or erected that requires a location on the ground, including a building or a swimming pool, but not including a driveway, walk, fence or wall (used as a fence or boundary grade retaining wall). A wall forming a below-grade well (e.g., egress, light, ventilation) shall be considered to be a structure.
Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs : Water -filled enclosures having a depth of 18 inches or more used for swimming or recreation.
Transmission Line: An electric power line bringing power to a receiving or distribution substation.
Use, Accessory: A use that is appropriate, subordinate, and customarily incidental to the main use of the site and which is located on the same site as the main use.
Used: This term includes the following meanings: arranged, designed, constructed, altered, rented, leased, sold, occupied, and intended to be occupied.
Visible: Likely to be noticed by a person of average height walking on a public street or sidewalk.
Walk Street: A street in the Coastal Zone and/or beach area for pedestrians where vehicular access is not permitted. The location of walk streets is shown in the Infrastructure Element of the General Plan and/or the Access Maps of the Certified Local Coastal Program.
Wind Energy System, Small (SWES) : Wind energy system, generally consisting of a wind turbine, tower and ancillary equipment, that is used primarily to generate electricity on the property where the system is located.
Window, Required: An exterior opening in a habitable room meeting the area requirements of the Building Regulations (Title 9, Chapter 19 of the Municipal Code).
Yard: An open space on the same site as a structure, unoccupied and unobstructed by structures from the
ground upward except as otherwise provided in this title, including a front yard, side yard, or rear yard.
Exception: Siding material extending not more than 0.1 feet beyond the frame and foundation of a structure may occupy a yard.
Yard, Front: A yard extending across the full width of a site, the depth of which is the minimum horizontal distance between the front property line and a setback line parallel thereto on the site. The front yard of a through lot shall adjoin the street property line which adjoins the front yards of the neighboring lots adjoining said street property line, unless no pattern of front yards exists, in which case, the Community Development Director shall determine the location of the front yard. A through lot shall have two (2) front yards if both of its opposing street property lines adjoin blockfaces, or portions of blockfaces, which conform to existing front yard patterns as determined by the Director.
Yard, Rear: A yard, extending across the full width of a site, the depth of which is the minimum horizontal distance between the rear property line and a line parallel thereto on the site, except that on a corner lot the rear yard shall extend only to the side yard abutting the street.
Yard, Side: A yard extending from the setback line of the front yard, or the front property line of the site where no front yard is required, to the setback line of the rear yard, or the rear property line of the site where no rear yard is required, the width of which is the horizontal distance between the side property line and a setback line parallel thereto on the site, except that the side yard on the street side of a corner lot shall extend to the rear lot line.
YARD TYPES
Zoning Ordinance: The Zoning Ordinance of the City of Manhattan Beach Coastal Zone, as amended.
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A.12.030. Property development regulations: RM and RH districts.
*Portions of this section were amended and adopted per Ord No. 26 -0009 but not in effect until August 7, 2026.
The following schedule prescribes development regulations for residential zoning districts in each Area District, as defined in Section A.01.060(A)(2) and designated on the zoning map. The columns establish basic requirements for permitted and conditional uses; letters in parentheses in the “Additional Regulations” column refer to “Additional Development Regu lations” following the schedule. This section shall not be amended to increase the Standards for Maximum Height of Structures or Maximum Buildable Floor Area, or to reduce the Standards for Minimum Setbacks, Minimum Lot Dimensions or Minimum Lot Area Per Dwelling
Unit, unless the amendment is first submitted to a city -wide election and approved by a majority of the voters.
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR AREA DISTRICTS III AND IV Area District III Area District
IV
Additional
Regulations
RM RH RH
Lot Dimensions
Area (sq. ft.) (A)(B)(C)(J)(K)
Minimum 2,700 2,700 2,700
Maximum 7,000 7,000 7,000
Width (ft.)
Minimum 30 30 30
Minimum Setbacks
Front (ft.) 5 5 5 (A)(B)(D)(G)
Side (percentage-ft.) 10%—3;10 10%-3;10 10%—3;10 (D)(E)(F) Corner Side (ft.) 1 1 1 (D)
Rear (ft.) 5 5 5 (D)(E)(F)(G)
Maximum Height of
Structures (ft.) 30 30 30 (H)(P)
Maximum Buildable
Floor Area
Lot Area (Sq. Ft.) 1.6 1.7 1.7 (I)(U)(V)
Minimum Lot Area per
Dwelling Unit (sq. ft.) 1,350 850 850 (A)(J)(T)
Note: See Section A .04.030 Definitions, Floor Area, Buildable for parking, loading and basement areas excluded from Buildable Floor Area.
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR ALL AREA DISTRICTS
Additional Regulations
Minimum Usable Open Space (M)
Required Landscaping Adjoining Streets (O)
Fences, Walls, and Hedges (P) and A.60.150
Building Separation (R)
Off-Street Parking and Loading See Chapter A.64 (Q)
House Moving (S)
Underground Utilities See Section A.60.110
Refuse Storage Area See Section A.60.100
Outdoor Facilities See Section A.60.080
Screening of Mechanical Equipment See Section A.60.090
Sustainable Development (Solar Assisted
Water Heating, Green Roofs and Decks, Solar
Energy Systems, and Small Wind Energy
Systems)
See Section A.60.140
Performance Standards See Section A.60.120
Nonconforming Structures and Uses See Chapter A.68
Signs See Chapter A.72
Condominium Standards See Section A.52.110
Minor Exceptions See Section A.84.120
Telecommunications Facilities See Chapter 13.02 of MBMC
RS, RM and RH DISTRICTS: Additional Development Regulations Substandard Lots See Section A.60.020 and 11.32.030 and (J) Building Projections into Setbacks See Section A.60.040 Landscaping See Section A.60.070
Accessory Structures See Section A.52.050
Exterior Materials See Section A.52.020
Home Occupation See Section A.52.070
Tree Preservation See Section A.52.120
A. See Section A.60.020, Development on substandard lots. The dedication, condemnation, or purchase of land for street or alley widening or opening shall not affect the number of dwelling units permitted in residential districts for the site prior to dedication, condemnation, or purchase if the remainder of the site has not less than seventy -five percent (75%) of the land area before dedication, condemnation, or purchase.
B. See Section A.60.030, Development on lots divided by district boundaries.
C. The minimum site area shall be twelve thousand (12,000) square feet for general day care, general residential care, and public or private schools.
D. Permitted Projections into Required Yards. See Section A.60.040, Building projections into yards.
E. Setbacks.
1. Side Setbacks. Ten percent (10%) of lot width but not less than three feet (3′). In the RM and RH Zones side setbacks need not exceed ten feet (10′), and on corner sides setbacks need not exceed five feet (5′).
Exceptions—Side Setbacks . Existing lots in the RM and RH Zones currently developed as multifamily and greater than fifty feet (50′) in width need not provide side setbacks greater than five feet (5′) when developed with three (3) or more dwelling units.
2. Reverse Corner Side Setback . Reverse corner lots in Area D istricts I and II shall have the following side yards:
a. On the lot side line which adjoins another lot the side yard shall be determined in the same manner as for an interior lot.
b. On the street side line, the width of the required side setback shall be the same as for the interior side setback on the lot except that the size and shape of such required side setback nearest the lot rear line shall be
increased to include all of that portion, if any, of a triangle formed in the following manner:
I. On the common lot line of the reverse corner lot and the key lot, a point shall be established where the rear line of the required front yard on the key lot intersects such common lot line; II. On the street side line of the reverse corner lot, a point shall be established distant from the common street corner of the key lot and the reverse corner lot equal to the depth of the required front yard on the key lot;
III. The third side of the triangle shall be a straight line connecting points (i) and (ii) of this section. If an alley intervenes between the key lot and the reverse corner lot, the width of the alley shall be included in determining the length of the line on the street side line of the reverse corner lot.
3. Rear Setback:
a. In Area District III, RS District, non -alley lots abutting residential at the rear with two thousand seven hundred (2,700) square feet or more in lot area, the rear setback shall be ten feet (10′).
F. Building Wall Height and Required Setbacks. Except as provided below, the width of a required interior side, corner side or rear yard setback shall be increased by three feet when adjacent to a wall of any building exceeding 24feet in height, excluding any portion of a roof. This additional setback shall only app ly to the portion of the wall over 24 feet in height.
1. Exceptions. If the lot width is less than thirty -five feet (35′), no increase in the side yard is required.
G. Rear Alley Setback Exception s: Area Districts III and IV: The width of a required rear yard adjoining an alley, or a required front yard where the front yard adjoins an alley, may be reduced to two feet (2′) at height elevations not less than eight feet (8′) above the street grade at the rear, or front, property line. See Section A.64.110; Aisle Dimensions.
H. Maximum Height of Structures . See Section A.60.050, Measurement of height, and Section A.60.060, Exceptions to height limits. The maximum number of stories permitted shall be three (3) where the height limit is thirty feet (30′) and two (2) where the height limit is twenty-six feet (26′). A floor level may be divided between portions qualifying as a story and portions qualifying as a basement. Any portion of a floor level qualifying as a story shall be considered to have a minimum dimension of twenty feet (20′) measured perpendicular from the outside face(s) of the exterior building wall(s) which defines that area as a story (See Graphic Illustration under "Basement" definition—Section A.04.030).
A deck or balcony may be located directly above a second story where the height limit is twenty-six feet (26′) or the third story where the height limit is thirty feet (30′), if the following criteria are met. Such decks shall be located adjacent to an interior living space and shall provide additional setbacks as follows; in all Area Districts the interior side setback shall be three (3) times the minimum side setback : in Area Districts III and IV the rear setback shall be fifteen feet (15′). The surface elevation of any deck or balcony shall be no higher than nine feet (9′) below the height limit.
A green roof or deck may be located only where decks and balconies are allowed. Green roofs that are designed in a manner that prohibits usabili ty may be approved administratively by the Director of Community Development if safety, maintenance, slope, and access issues are mitigated [See "Roof, Green or Deck" Sections A.04.030 and A.60.140(C)].
Whenever new construction or alterations and additions to existing structures involves grading or scraping, a survey acceptable to the Director of Community Development is required as a condition of issuance of a demolition or building permit (see Section A.80.010). The Director shall require that survey markers be set.
The Community Development Director shall determine compliance with this subsection by reviewing two (2) vertical cross -sections through the property (front-to back and side - to-side) that show the relationship of each level in a new structure and new levels added to an existing structure to both existing and finished grade on the property and adjacent land within five feet (5′) of the property line.
I. Maximum Buildable Floor Area. The maximum buildable floor area on a lot shall be determined by multiplying the lot area times the Floor Area Factor (FAF) shown in the table. If the lot area is equal to, or greater than, a certain threshold in certain zoning districts (seven thousand five hundred (7,500) square feet in Area Districts I and II for RM and RH Districts, four thousand eight hundred (4,800) square feet for the RS District in Area Districts I and II), then a base floor area in square feet is noted in the table and the additional floor area is calculated by multiplying the appropriate FAF times the lot area.
Certain space is not included in the definition of buildable floor area; see Section A.04.
That area used for vehicle parking and loading, up to four hundred (400) square feet on lots where two (2) enclosed parking spaces are required and provided, and up to six hundred (600) square feet where three (3) enclosed parking spaces are required and provided.
In all residential districts, seventy percent (70%) of floor area in a basement that is not entirely below local grade, and up to two hundred (200) square feet of basement area used for storage and mechanical equipment purposes, is excluded from the determination of buildable floor area. Basement areas located entirely below local grade, and the related egress wells if they are the minimum size required by the UBC and located outside of the front yard setback, are excluded from the determination of buildable floor area.
J. In Area District IV two (2) units are permitted on preexisting, legal half -lots with a minimum site area of one thousand three hundred fifty (1,350) square feet.
K. Lot Dimensions—Area. Minimum and maximum lot area numbers represent a range of permitted lot areas applicable to new subdivisions and building sites created by merging, and/or the lot line adjustments for lots or portions of lots. When calculating maximum lot sizes, any lot dimensions with fractions shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number prior to calculating the lot size.
Preexisting unmerged developed lots which exceed the maximum lot area may continue to be used as one (1) lot until such time as new structures, enlargements or alterations are proposed, in accordance with the fifty percent (50%) building valuation criteria in Section A.68.030(E), Alterations and enlargements of nonconforming uses and structures. At that time when the fifty percent (50%) building valuation criteria is exceeded then the new lot(s), and new development on those lots, shall comply with the current zoning code property development regulations, and any other applicable Manhattan Beach Municipal Code regulations.
Exceptions.
1. Properties zoned RM, RH and CL in Area Districts III and IV that are located within five hundred feet (500′) of the Local Commercial (CL) or Downtown Commercial (CD) Zones and developed with three (3) or more dwelling units, excluding those located on the Strand, subject to review and approval of a use permit in accordance with Chapter 10.84.
2. Existing Legally Created Merged Lots. Any building site composed of merged lots in excess of the maximum lot area as prescribed in this section, which has been legally created or approved prior to February 19, 2008.
3. Religious assembly and public or private schools uses, used as a single building site, subject to the Director of Community Developments approval of a certificate of compliance, and in accordance with Section 11.04.050, Certificate of compliance. These lots may continue to be used as one (1) building site without requiring a merger of parcels, and the expansion of existing religious assembly and public or private schools is permitted without the recordation of a merger of the parcels, in accordance with Chapter 11.32, Reversion to Acreage and Mergers.
L. (Reserved)
M. Open Space Requirement. The minimum usable open space (private and shared) in RM and RH Districts shall be provided as follows:
1. For single -family dwellings in Area District III and IV and multifamily dwelling units in all districts, the minimum requirement is fifteen percent (15%) of the buildable floor area per unit, but not less than two hundred twenty (220) square feet. For calculating required open space, basement areas shall be calculated as one hundred percent (100%) buildable floor area, and fifteen percent (15%) open space shall be required for the basement square footage.
2. The amount of a dwelling unit's required open space located above the second story (where permitted by height regulations) shall not be more than one -half (½) of the total required open space.
3. Where new buildable floor area is added to an existing dwelling unit located in Area District III or IV , additional usable open space shall be provided equal to fifteen percent (15%) of the added buildable floor area, until the total open space requirement provided in this section is attained.
N. Semi-Circular Driveways . Semi-circular driveways are permitted within front yards on lots with widths of eighty (80′) feet or more, subject to the following standards:
a. No more than fifty percent (50%) of the front setback area shall be paved, and visible landscaping equal to ten percent (10%) of the front setback (in addition to any other required landscaping) shall be installed between the driveway and the front property line.
b. The semi-circular driveway does not have to provide access to the garage.
O. Required Landscaping Adjoining Streets . At least twenty percent (20%) of all visible portions of a required front or corner side yard adjoining a street shall be a planting area.
For additional site landscaping requirements, see Section 10.60.070, Landscaping, Irrigation and Hydroseeding. Conformance with standards specified in Section 10.60.070 may result in landscaping that exceeds the minimum requirements of this section.
a. Exceptions for Area Districts III and IV. The Community Development Director may grant an exception for a portion of the amount of required landscaping, not to exceed seventy -five percent (75%) of the total, in order to accommodate driveways and walkways.
P. Fences, Walls, and Hedges. The maximum height of a fence, wall, or hedge shall be six feet (6′) in required side or rear yards, and forty -two inches (42″) in required front yards.
In addition, all fences, walls and hedges shall be subject to the driveway visibility requirements of Section A.64.150, and the traffic sight obstructions provisions for corner lots in Section A.60.150.
For the purposes of this section, fence/wall/hedge height shall be measured from the lower adjacent finished grade (which may include a neighboring private or public property's grade) to the top of the fence/wall/hedge, including any attachments. If more than one (1) fence/wall/hedge is located within a required yard on the subject property, any portion of a fence/wall/hedge that projects above a forty -five degree (45°) daylight plane inclined towards the subject property from the top of the lowest adjacent fence/wall/hedge, shall be counted toward the height measurement of the lowest fence/wall/hedge.
Exceptions:
1. A fence, wall or hedge having additional non -retaining height shall be permitted wherever a six foot (6′) fence is allowed, provided such additional height over six feet (6′) meets one (1) of the following criteria.
a. The additional portion is required, for safety purposes pursuant to the California Building Code,; is constructed of primarily transparent material (Plexiglas, plastic, etc.) or vertical railings that are continuously at least seventy-five percent (75%) open; and, the total combined fence/wall height does not exceed eleven feet (11′).
b. The additional portion is sloped inward (open or solid) at an angle of not less than thirty degrees (30°) and no more than forty -five degrees (45°) from vertical, and provided, further, that such additional portion shall not make the total height of the fence more than eight feet (8′) and shall not extend closer than three feet (3′) to any part of any building. c. The additional portion is approved in writing by each owner of property (the City in cases of public right -of-way) abutting the property line along which the fence is located, and provided, further, that such additional portion shall not make the total height of the fence more than eight feet (8′), or the combined height of adjacent neighboring retaining walls and fences more than twelve feet (12′). If a coastal development permit is required for a fence by Sections A.96.040 and A.96.050 of th e City’s certified Local Coastal Program , the additional height of the fe nce may be approved only if the additional height does not impede public views of the ocean, the beach, and to and along the shoreline.
2. Architectural screen walls not to exceed six feet (6′) six inches (6″) in height may be erected in the required front yard in Area Districts I and II provided that such walls are placed not less than fourteen feet (14′) back from the front lot line and not less than the required setback from the side property line, nor extend for more than one-half (½) the lot width.
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Q. (Reserved)
R. Building Separation . The minimum distance between buildings (building separation yard) containing one (1) or more dwelling units on a site shall be ten feet (10′). For permitted projections within said building separation yards, see Section A.60.040, Building projections into yards.
Exception: A detached accessory dwelling unit shall have a minimum separation from other buildings on the lot as specified by Section A.74.050.B.2.c.
S. House Moving . For the purpose of this chapter, permits required for moving buildings and structures within City limits must comply with Title 9, Chapter 9.08, Building Moving.
ADDITIONAL FRONT SETBACK REQUIREMENT
MBMC A.12.030T
T. Multi-family residential developments meeting the minimum requirements for a density bonus pursuant to Chapter A .94 shall be granted a lot consolidation bonus incentive when two or more parcels are consolidated into a single building site according to the following formula:
Combined Parcel Size
Base Density Increase
General Site Inventory Parcels*
Less than 0.50 acres No increase
0.30 acres to 0.49 acres 5% increase
0.50 acres to 0.99 acres 5% increase
1.00 acre or more 10% increase
*Applicable to sites identified in Appendix E - Site Analysis and Inventory: Tables 8, 9, 10, and 15 of the certified 6th Cycle Housing Element.
This lot consolidation bonus incentive shall be calculated prior to determining any density bonus pursuant to Chapter A.94.
U. Multi-family residential developments meeting the minimum requirements for a density bonus pursuant to Chapter A.94 shall be exempt from these maximum lot size limitations.
A.52.040. Repealed.
A.52.050. Accessory structures.
*Portions of this section were amended and adopted per Ord No. 26 -0009, but not in effect until August 7, 2026.
A. Timing. Accessory structures shall not be established or constructed prior to the start of construction of a principal structure on a site, except that construction trailers may be placed on a site at the time site clearance and grading begins and may remain on the site only for the duration of construction.
B. Location. Except as provided in this chapter, accessory structures shall not occupy a required front, side, or building separation yard. Mechanical equipment and storage buildings shall be prohibited beyond the front building line of the principal structure on a site. No accessory uses shall be permitted off-site.
Exceptions.
1. Ornamental accessory structures may be located in the front yard of a site if they do not exceed 42 inches in height.
2. One flagpole may be located in the front yard of a site if it does not exceed 15 feet in height.
3. One decorative lamp post may be located in the front yard of a site if it does not exceed eight feet in height.
4. Architectural screen walls may be located in the front yard of a site pursuant to Section A.12.030(P).
5. One basketball hoop/post may be located in the front yard of a site if it does not exceed thirteen feet in height.
6. Stormwater runoff and greywater retention/detention features may be located in required side, rear, or building separation yards as follows:
a. Retention/detention features installed entirely below local grade.
b. Above grade retention/detention features may project a maximum of 12 inches into required side, rear, or building separation yards provided a five-foot clearance from the property line is maintained.
c. Other retention/detention feature locations may be approved at the discretion of the Community Development Director.
Exception. Stormwater and greywater retention/detention equipment may be located within five feet of a property line provided it complies with the locational criteria of Section A.52.040(D), stated above, and is located within a structure having a solid roof, solid walls, and, with no openings within five feet of said property lines.
7. Utility cabinets may be placed within a front yard setback per the utility provider's specifications, when all of the following conditions:
a. The utility cabinet cannot be placed underground based on the utility provider’s specifications;
b. The utility cabinet cannot be placed in the public right-of-way, as determined by the City Engineer;
c. The utility cabinet is placed as close to the front property line as possible based on the utility provider’s specifications.
d. The utility cabinet is designed and painted or otherwise finished to be visually compatible with the surrounding built and natural environment, as determined by the Community Development Director;
e. The utility cabinet is placed within a public utility easement for the benefit of the utility provider;
f. The utility cabinet complies with the visibility requirements of Section A.64.150. g. The utility cabinet is as small as possible based on the utility provider’s specifications, and complies with the visibility requirements in Chapter 3.40 and Chapter 10.64.
C. Maximum Height. The maximum height of an accessory structure shall be 12 feet, subject to the provisions of this subsection. Additional height shall be permitted, as provided in Section 10.60.060; Exceptions to height limits. For the purposes of Section, height shall be determined by a weighted averaging of the local grades taken around the perimeter of the accessory structure.
Exceptions.
1. The maximum height of any portion of an accessory structure which has a minimum 3 in 12 roof slope, and has a single roof ridge -line located at approximately the center of the structure, may be 15 feet.
2. The maximum height of any portion of an accessory structure containing a guest house or accessory living quarters, as defined in this Title, constructed directly above a garage, may be 22 feet, when said portion is not located within a required yard, or when it takes vehicle access from an alley and is located at least 3 feet from all property lines.
D. Relation to Property Lines. 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 3 feet from said property line(s) (see Section A.64.110; Aisle Dimensions, for exceptions applicable to detached alley-accessed garages. Building projections within the required setback area as prescribed in this Section are permitted in accordance with Section A.60.040; Building projections into required yards or open space.
Exception: Where a fence, wall, or retaining wall is located on an interior side or rear property line, the setback for an accessory structure to the property line may be between
zero and three feet, providing there is zero clearance between said fence, wall or retaining wall and accessory structure.
E. RS District. In an RS district, the total gross floor area of accessory structures more than 4 feet in height that are not attached to a dwelling shall not exceed 900 square feet or 12% of lot area, whichever is more.
F. Reserved.
G. Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs.
1. A swimming pool or hot tub may occupy a required rear yard or side yard but shall be a minimum of 5 feet as measured from the water line of the swimming pool or hot tu b to the side and rear property lines. Related equipment may occupy a required rear yard or side yard, but shall not be within five feet of the side and rear property lines unless placed entirely within a subterranean vault with a minimum three-foot setback from said side and rear property lines.
Exception: A swimming pool or hot tub and related equipment may be located within 5 feet of a property line provided it complies with the locational criteria of subsection D, stated above, and is located within a structure having a solid roof, solid walls, and, with no openings within 5 feet of said property lines.
H. Decks. No accessory structure deck or green roof/deck more than thirty inches (30”) in height shall be located in a required yard.
J. Separation. The distance between buildings used for human habitation and between buildings used for human habitation and accessory buildings on the same lot shall not be less than 10 feet.
K. Accessory Dwelling Units constructed in compliance with Chapter A.74 are not subject to the provisions of this Section A.52.050.