Administrative
Report
L.1., File # 25-0150 Meeting Date: 2/4/2025
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: MARC WIENER, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
TITLE
PUBLIC HEARING TO DISCUSS AN ORDINANCE THAT WOULD AMEND TITLE 10, CHAPTERS 2 (ZONING ORDINANCE) AND 5 (COASTAL LAND USE PLAN IMPLEMENTING ORDINANCE) OF
THE REDONDO BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO ELECTRONIC MESSAGE DISPLAY
SIGNS ON PUBLIC AND INSTITUTIONAL (P) ZONES AND ALL OTHER CITY-OWNED
PROPERTIES
Recommendation:
1. Open the public hearing, take testimony;
2. Give direction to staff on the language to include in the final draft Ordinance; and
3. Continue the public hearing to February 18, 2025, to allow for consideration of introduction and first reading of an Ordinance modifying the regulations in the Municipal Code pertaining to electronic message display signs.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Electronic signs are currently prohibited throughout the City, with the exception of locations with live performance theaters (the RB Performance Arts Center and RUHS Auditorium), where they are allowed subject to certain design standards. This item provides the City Council an opportunity to give direction on possible modifications to the City’s Municipal Code pertaining to electronic message display signs. The proposal to allow electronic message display signs on City-owned properties, specifically in the waterfront area, originated as part of the City’s strategic planning process and later as a City Council referral. The proposed amendments to the Redondo Beach Municipal Code (RBMC) would provide the City with flexibility to install electronic signs within the Public and Institutional Zone and on City-owned properties.
BACKGROUND
The current prohibition on electronic message display signs is intended to prevent the proliferation of billboards and other types of electronic signs that could have a detrimental effect on community character if extensively deployed. At this time, the prohibition limits the City’s ability to install and utilize dynamic signage that can be quickly adjusted to communicate timely information to the public, including safety warnings, weather advisories, and other critical announcements. Currently, electronic display signs are only allowed in association with live performance theaters, which limits their installation to only the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center and the Redondo Union High School Auditorium sites.
In response to the Strategic Plan Item and City Council referral staff have prepared redlined
L.1., File # 25-0150 Meeting Date: 2/4/2025
In response to the Strategic Plan Item and City Council referral staff have prepared redlined amendments to Title 10, Chapters 2 (Zoning Ordinance) And 5 (Coastal Land Use Plan Implementing Ordinance) of the RBMC that if approved would allow for electronic signs smaller than 30 square feet on any City-owned property, such as in the waterfront or at city parks, via the Administrative Design Review process, using the same standards currently applied to the electronic signs at the two live performance theaters. Signs larger than 30 square feet would require Planning Commission approval. By limiting electronic signs to the Public Institutional Zone and City-owned properties, the City can minimize negative impacts on the surrounding area by managing the number, size, design, and location of electronic signs.
Exhibit 1 - Proposed Waterfront Sign Location
On November 21, 2024, staff presented the proposed amendments to the Planning Commission at a duly noticed public hearing. The Planning Commission expressed some concern with the proposal for allowing electronic signs and recommended the following changes via resolution:
· Electronic message display signs should be limited to the Harbor/Pier (“Waterfront”) area only. · Electronic display signs of all sizes should be reviewed by the Planning Commission. · A Conditional Use Permit should be required for the signs rather than a Design Review entitlement.
Staff is seeking direction from the City Council, specifically, if the electronic signs should be limited to the Waterfront area only, and whether they should require Administrative Review, or Planning Commission (or Harbor Commission) approval depending on the location. Staff does not support the recommendation for a Conditional Use Permit, as this type of entitlement is typically required for business/land uses and not structures such as signs. It is recommended that the City Council provide direction to staff and continue the public hearing to the February 18, 2025 City Council meeting to allow for consideration of introduction and first reading of an Ordinance amending the RBMC regulations pertaining to electronic signs, as directed by Council.
L.1., File # 25-0150 Meeting Date: 2/4/2025
COORDINATION
This report was coordinated with the Waterfront and Economic Development Department. The Planning Commission Resolution was reviewed by the City Attorney’s Office. Following Council direction, the final preparation of ordinance(s) amending the RBMC would be done in consultation with the City Attorney’s Office.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
· Proposed Redlines to Redondo Beach Municipal Code - Title 10, Chapters 2 (Zoning Ordinance) And 5 (Coastal Land Use Plan Implementing Ordinance) of the Redondo Beach Municipal Code
· Reso - Planning Commission No. 2024-11-PCR-13 Inclusive of Recommendations for Proposed Amendments to Title 10, Chapters 2 (Zoning Ordinance) And 5 (Coastal Land Use Plan Implementing Ordinance) of the Redondo Beach Municipal Code, November 21, 2024 · Redondo Beach Municipal Code - Title 10, Chapters 2 (Zoning Ordinance) And 5 (Coastal Land Use Plan Implementing Ordinance) of the Redondo Beach Municipal Code