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Manhattan Beach council introduces housing-code changes to comply with state law, sparks debate over local control
Summary
The council introduced an ordinance to align local zoning with the city's certified housing element and state requirements, including rules for ADUs, manufactured homes, supportive housing and a no-net-loss provision; the measure passed introduction 4-1 amid public concern about loss of local discretion.
The Manhattan Beach City Council voted to introduce an ordinance updating city zoning and coastal program rules to implement five programs from the city's sixth-cycle housing element, a package staff said is necessary to keep the city in compliance with state law.
The changes, presented by Community Development Director Masa Alakay and Associate Planner Marisella Guen, would revise rules for accessory dwelling units, allow manufactured homes where single-family homes are permitted, strengthen a no-net-loss provision to preserve housing capacity, streamline reasonable-accommodation requests, and create by-right allowances and objective standards for certain specialized housing types such as supportive housing and low-barrier navigation centers. Staff said the ordinance is intended to match state statutes and avoid decertification of the housing element.
Council members pressed staff on the practical implications. Council Member Leser asked whether an owner who buys an adjacent lot could then use it only for recreational amenities; staff responded that the amendment would require a lot used in that way to retain a primary residence and that state subdivision rules still control merging lots. Council Member Horth and others asked for clarity on where the city still retains discretion and how the city would react if state law changes.
Public commenters urged the council to preserve local control and attach safeguards. Riala Rosa Ames urged a sunset clause and stronger nuisance and security rules for any low-barrier navigation centers, saying, "this ordinance must include a strict sunset trigger that automatically restores full local discretion authority to Manhattan Beach" unless state and federal policy stabilizes. Another speaker noted that language in the proposed redline would permit "supportive housing development with up to 50 units" by right in zones that allow multifamily uses and raised questions about parking waivers and verification of funding and services.
City staff and the city manager repeatedly told council that not adopting the amendments would risk state action, including possible loss of permitting authority or litigation. After extended discussion the council introduced Ordinance 26-00009; the motion passed 4-1, with Mayor Franklin voting no.
The ordinance was introduced for first reading; final adoption will require subsequent council actions and any additional public hearings required under municipal procedures.
The council directed staff to return with any clarifications requested by members, including analyses of which parcels fall within transit-based parking waivers and how supportive-housing definitions will be implemented.
