Manhattan Beach council directs staff to draft rules for A‑frame signs and benches, stays enforcement except for safety

The Manhattan Beach City Council on Feb. 3 directed staff to prepare amendments to the municipal code and local coastal program to permit limited portable signage (A‑frame/sandwich boards and similar small signs) and benches in the downtown and North End commercial districts, and to work with business associations on design and placement rules.

Community Development Director (staff) and Associate Planner Jonathan Macy described how the changes would require LCP amendments (which must be certified by the California Coastal Commission), set minimum clearances to protect the pedestrian path of travel and ADA compliance, and could limit sign size, materials and locations. Macy noted the city has an outdated Chapter 7.24 bench standard adopted in the 1960s and that current prohibitions on portable signs were rarely updated.

Dozens of downtown business owners and business groups urged the council to act, saying small A‑frame signs and occasional benches are vital to attracting walk‑by customers in a high‑rent, high‑competition retail environment. "A‑frame signs are one of the most effective, low‑impact tools that we have to draw people into our spaces," said Kristen Koya, representing downtown retailers. The Downtown Business Association, through Kelly Stroman, asked for "parity" and a common‑sense approach that preserves sidewalk clearance and ADA access while allowing businesses flexibility.

Council debate focused on where in the city to allow portable signs (downtown and North End were the top candidates), minimum unobstructed path widths (city traffic staff said a 5‑foot unobstructed path is a helpful target while ADA requires 4 feet with limited exceptions), insurance and permitting for encroachments, and whether to require a uniform sign design. Several council members emphasized they prefer flexibility rather than a single city‑supplied sign design.

Council action: A motion directing staff to work with businesses and business associations to draft code amendments (size, height, footprint, ADA clearance, insurance parameters and placement rules), to apply the draft to downtown and the North End, and to stay enforcement of existing portable‑sign/bench cases except where they create safety, ADA or public‑access issues passed 5–0. Council separately directed staff to return with bench‑specific recommendations and noted the city could explore public benches as a CIP project.

Attributions: Jonathan Macy (Associate Planner) provided the staff presentation; Kelly Stroman (Downtown Business Association) and multiple downtown business owners provided public comment. Council members emphasized pedestrian clearance, ADA compliance, and a collaborative process with business stakeholders.

Next steps: Staff will return with proposed code and LCP amendment language and options for interim enforcement policy; California Coastal Commission certification will be required for downtown LCP changes.