Administrative
Report
L.1., File # 25-0213 Meeting Date: 2/18/2025
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: MARC WIENER, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
TITLE
PUBLIC HEARING FOR INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 10, CHAPTERS 2 (ZONING ORDINANCE) AND 5 (COASTAL LAND USE
PLAN IMPLEMENTING ORDINANCE) OF THE REDONDO BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE AND A RESOLUTION APPROVING ASSOCIATED AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY’S COASTAL LAND USE
PLAN RELATED TO THE USE OF ELECTRONIC SIGNS WITHIN THE HARBOR/PIER SPECIAL DISTRICT, AND RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT A CLASS 11
CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA)
FOR THE AMENDMENTS
PROCEDURES:
1. Open the public hearing, take testimony and deliberate;
2. Close the public hearing; and
3. Introduce the following ordinance and adopt the following resolution:
INTRODUCE BY TITLE ONLY ORDINANCE NO. 3291-25, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING 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. FOR INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING.
ADOPT BY TITLE ONLY RESOLUTION NO. CC-2502-008, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING CERTIFICATION
BY THE CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION OF AMENDMENTS TO THE COASTAL LAND USE PLAN IMPLEMENTATION ORDINANCE (TITLE 10, CHAPTER 5 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE),
PERTAINING TO ELECTRONIC MESSAGE DISPLAY SIGNS, CONSISTENT WITH STATE LAW,
WHICH IS INTENDED TO BE CARRIED OUT IN A MANNER FULLY IN CONFORMITY WITH THE COASTAL ACT; AND PROVIDING THAT THE AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY’S LOCAL COASTAL
PROGRAM WILL TAKE EFFECT AUTOMATICALLY UPON COASTAL COMMISSION APPROVAL PURSUANT TO PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION 30514 AND TITLE 14, SECTION 13551
OF THE CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On February 4, 2025, the City Council held a public hearing to discuss whether electronic message displays should be allowed on Public/City-owned properties. The City Council continued the item to February 18, 2025 and directed staff to return with an ordinance that would limit the use of electronic
L.1., File # 25-0213 Meeting Date: 2/18/2025
February 18, 2025 and directed staff to return with an ordinance that would limit the use of electronic message displays to one new sign location on Harbor Drive and allow up to four electronic Pier area directory signs. This item provides for the first reading of the requested draft Ordinance. Under the Ordinance, design review of the new sign location on Harbor Drive will fall under the purview of the Harbor Commission.
BACKGROUND
Electronic message display signs are currently prohibited City-wide, with the exception of performance theaters and schools located in the Public Zone. On February 4, 2025, the City Council held a public hearing to discuss code amendments to potentially allow electronic message display signs on all Public Zones and City-owned properties. The City Council continued the item to February 18, 2025 and directed staff to return with an Ordinance that would limit electronic message display signs to one location on Harbor Drive (see photo below) and up to four electronic directory signs, all within the Harbor/Pier area. The City Council also directed staff to make amendments clarifying the Commission that would serve as the permitting authority for the subject location on Harbor Drive, as supported by RBMC Section 10-2.2512.
Exhibit 1 - Proposed Waterfront Sign Location
Redondo Beach Municipal Code Chapter 2 (§ 10-2.1815) and Chapter 5 (§ 10-5.1815) both include sections entitled Special District Signs, which identify the Harbor/Pier Area as a special district for the purpose of signage. Both sections of the Municipal Code currently identify that the Harbor Commission as the decision-making body for signs in the Harbor/Pier Area. In accordance with the City Council’s direction, the following provision (along with other clarifying language changes in the Code - see the attached redline amendments) is proposed to be added allowing limited electronic signage in the Harbor/Pier Area:
A maximum of one electronic message display sign is permitted with Harbor Commission Design Review approval within the Harbor/Pier area along the western side of North Harbor Drive between Portofino Way and North Pacific Avenue subject to Section 10-5.1814 standards 3-12. An additional four static electronic directory signs are permitted within the Harbor/Pier area and are exempt from
L.1., File # 25-0213 Meeting Date: 2/18/2025
four static electronic directory signs are permitted within the Harbor/Pier area and are exempt from design review.
Given the location of the new permitted signs, an amendment to the City’s certified Local Coastal Program is also required. If adopted by City Council, the proposed resolution and associated coastal land use plan modifications related to electronic signs would be sent to the Coastal Commission for review and approval. Once approved by the Coastal Commission, the proposed amendments to the City’s Municipal Code and LCP would be immediately effective.
In compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, the zoning amendments captured by the Ordinances qualify for a categorical exemption under Section 15311 (Class 11), which consists of construction, or placement of minor structures accessory to (appurtenant to) existing commercial, industrial, or institutional facilities, including but not limited to on-premise signs.
COORDINATION
Preparation of the Ordinance was coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the adoption of this Ordinance.
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
· Ord - No. 3291-25 Adopting Amendments to Title 10, Chapters 2 (Zoning Ordinance) And 5 (Coastal Land Use Plan Implementing Ordinance) of the Redondo Beach Municipal Code · Reso - No. CC-2502-008 Requesting Certification from the California Coastal Commission Amendments to the Coastal Land Use Plan
· 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