Building in the City of Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach, California is a vibrant and coastal city located in southwestern Los Angeles County, renowned for its sandy beaches, scenic pier, and active beachfront lifestyle. Strategically situated along the Pacific Coast and bordered by neighboring cities such as Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, and El Segundo, Manhattan Beach provides residents and visitors with convenient access to regional employment centers, cultural destinations, and recreational opportunities. The city blends a relaxed coastal atmosphere with a close-knit, community-oriented environment.
Manhattan Beach’s neighborhoods feature a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and low-rise multifamily developments, alongside commercial districts along corridors such as Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Highland Avenue, and Rosecrans Avenue. The city emphasizes preservation of its residential character, open spaces, and vibrant beach community while offering recreational opportunities including beaches, parks, volleyball courts, walking and biking paths, and community sports programs, supporting an active and engaged population.
With a focus on sustainable growth, public safety, and high-quality municipal services, Manhattan Beach carefully manages streets, utilities, and public spaces to maintain its coastal charm and livability. Committed to thoughtful planning, infrastructure improvement, and community engagement, Manhattan Beach fosters a safe, connected, and forward-looking coastal city for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
Construction Procedure in the City of Manhattan Beach
1. Initial Project Planning
Every successful development project in Manhattan Beach begins with careful and comprehensive planning. Developers start by defining the project’s vision, scope, and feasibility, including a review of the property’s zoning designation, the City’s General Plan, Municipal Code, and any applicable Specific Plans or overlay districts. Early evaluation of site conditions—such as access, traffic circulation, parking, utilities, drainage, and proximity to public spaces or environmentally sensitive areas—is essential. Developers should also consider sustainability practices, coastal requirements, and compatibility with Manhattan Beach’s residential and beach community character. Attention to architectural design, landscaping, and integration with the surrounding neighborhood ensures that each project aligns with the city’s goals for high-quality, context-sensitive, and visually harmonious development.
2. Pre-Application Consultation and Development Review
Before submitting formal plans, developers are strongly encouraged to meet with Manhattan Beach’s Planning Division. Pre-application consultations help identify required entitlements, such as Conditional Use Permits, Variances, Design Review, Coastal Overlay compliance, or subdivision maps, and determine whether environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is required. Planning staff provide guidance on land use compatibility, infrastructure capacity, traffic, site layout, and environmental impacts. Early coordination helps streamline the review process, reduce delays, and ensure projects meet Manhattan Beach’s planning objectives, design standards, and community expectations.
3. Permit and Application Submittal
Once the project concept is finalized, developers submit a complete application package to the City. Typical submittals include detailed site plans, building elevations, landscape plans, and technical studies covering drainage, traffic, environmental impacts, and geotechnical considerations where applicable. Larger or more complex projects, such as multifamily residential developments, mixed-use buildings, or public facilities, may also require CEQA documentation, such as a Mitigated Negative Declaration or Environmental Impact Report. A thorough and complete submittal facilitates efficient interdepartmental review and ensures staff can fully evaluate the proposal.
4. Plan Check, Design, and Code Review
After submission, the project enters Manhattan Beach’s multi-departmental review process. The Planning Division reviews compliance with zoning, land use, community plan policies, and design guidelines. The Building & Safety Division ensures plans meet California Building Standards Code requirements, including structural, fire, accessibility, and mechanical standards. The Public Works/Engineering Division reviews grading, drainage, utility connections, roadways, and public infrastructure. CEQA review may occur concurrently. Staff provide detailed comments and may request revisions or clarifications before final approvals.
5. Permit Issuance and Infrastructure Coordination
Once all departmental reviews are complete and conditions of approval are satisfied, Manhattan Beach issues the necessary building, grading, and construction permits. Developers coordinate with utility providers for water, sewer, power, gas, and telecommunications connections. The Public Works/Engineering Division inspects and approves public infrastructure improvements—including sidewalks, street lighting, drainage systems, and roadway upgrades—ensuring compliance with city standards. This coordination ensures smooth construction and integration with Manhattan Beach’s urban infrastructure.
6. Construction and Inspections
Construction can begin only after all required permits are issued. All work must follow approved plans, permit conditions, and applicable codes. The Building & Safety Division conducts inspections at critical stages, including foundation, framing, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and final completion, to verify compliance. The Engineering Division inspects public improvements, grading, drainage systems, and right-of-way work. Any field modifications must be approved by the City to maintain safety, code compliance, and project quality.
7. Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy
Upon project completion, the Building & Safety Division performs a final inspection to confirm compliance with approved plans, codes, and conditions. Once all requirements are met, the City issues a Certificate of Occupancy for new buildings or Final Approval for remodels and tenant improvements. This ensures that structures are safe, code-compliant, and suitable for their intended use.
8. Project Close-Out
During project close-out, developers complete any remaining obligations, such as final landscaping, signage, or public improvements. “As-built” drawings reflecting approved field changes must be submitted to the City for recordkeeping. The Engineering Division conducts a final review of public infrastructure, and performance or maintenance bonds may be released upon satisfactory completion. This ensures formal acceptance of the project by Manhattan Beach.
9. Ongoing Compliance and Future Modifications
After project completion, property owners must maintain compliance with Manhattan Beach’s Municipal Code, Zoning Ordinance, Coastal Overlay requirements, and Building & Safety standards. Any future modifications—such as additions, façade improvements, new signage, or changes in land use—require review and approval by the City. Continued compliance ensures Manhattan Beach’s neighborhoods remain safe, visually cohesive, and consistent with the city’s vision for well-planned, sustainable, and community-oriented development.
Planning Division / Planning & Zoning
Address: 1400 Highland Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.
Phone: (310) 802-5520. manhattanbeach.gov+1
Email: planning@manhattanbeach.gov manhattanbeach.gov+1
Building & Safety Division
Address: 1400 Highland Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.
Phone: (310) 802-5544. manhattanbeach.gov+1
Email: cdadmin@manhattanbeach.gov manhattanbeach.gov
Public Works / Engineering Division
Address: 3621 Bell Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266. manhattanbeach.gov+1
Phone: (310) 802-5300. manhattanbeach.gov+1
Email: Not explicitly listed on the source I found.
The Planning Division of the Community Development Department is responsible for guiding the city’s growth and development through land-use planning, zoning, and long-range strategic policies. Staff implement the City’s General Plan and Zoning Ordinance, ensuring that new development aligns with Manhattan Beach’s vision for a safe, well-designed, and community-focused environment. manhattanbeach.gov+2manhattanbeach.gov+2
The Division reviews residential, commercial, and mixed-use development proposals for compliance with site-planning requirements, design standards, environmental regulations, and coastal-zone policies (where applicable). In addition to reviewing applications, the Division collaborates with developers, architects, engineers, and community stakeholders to process entitlements such as Conditional Use Permits, Design Review, Variances, and Zoning Amendments. GovernmentJobs+1
This collaboration ensures that new projects are compatible with Manhattan Beach’s neighborhoods, preserve community character and coastal resources, and support the City’s long-term planning objectives.
The Building & Safety Division manages and enforces building regulations, construction permitting, and inspection services to protect life, safety, health, property and public welfare. In Manhattan Beach they apply the latest California Building Codes (for example, the 2022-codes effective January 1 2023) for any plan submissions. manhattanbeach.gov
The Division reviews construction, demolition, and remodeling plans; issues permits; performs inspections; ensures compliance with structural, fire, accessibility and energy-efficiency standards; and assists applicants from initial submission through final approval. By doing so, the Division supports safe and high-quality building and development in the community.
The Public Works Department via its Engineering Division oversees the design, construction, maintenance and operation of the City’s public infrastructure — including streets, sidewalks, water, sewer, storm-drain systems, parks, traffic systems, city buildings and other public assets. manhattanbeach.gov+2manhattanbeach.gov+2
The Division reviews and approves private development and utility work in the public right-of-way, supports the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP), and works closely with the Planning and Community Development Departments to coordinate infrastructure and development. manhattanbeach.gov+1
In short, this Division ensures that new development is integrated with the City’s infrastructure, and that the existing infrastructure is maintained to support the community’s quality of life.
The City of Manhattan Beach continues to advance thoughtful infrastructure improvements and sustainable development that preserve its coastal charm while meeting the evolving needs of the community. Through collaboration among the Planning, Building & Safety, and Public Works Divisions, the City ensures that growth aligns with its long-term vision for a safe, vibrant, and environmentally responsible community. Recent efforts—such as upgrades to water, sewer, and storm drain systems, and the 28th Street Stormwater Infiltration Project—demonstrate the City’s commitment to modernizing essential services, improving water quality, and enhancing resilience against climate impacts.
At the same time, Manhattan Beach is investing in strategic redevelopment and forward-looking land use planning. Projects like the 400 Manhattan Beach Boulevard revitalization and ongoing updates to the General Plan and Housing Element underscore the City’s proactive approach to managing growth, fostering economic vitality, and maintaining high design standards. By integrating sustainability, safety, and community engagement into every stage of development, Manhattan Beach continues to strengthen its infrastructure and protect the unique coastal character that defines the city.
