7-Story Manhattan Beach Housing Project Advances Despite Neighborhood Opposition

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — A seven-story apartment development that has drawn opposition from neighboring residents is moving forward along Sepulveda Boulevard, where demolition of a former commercial building has cleared the way for 40 new homes.

The project at 2301 N. Sepulveda Blvd., just south of Marine Avenue, will include 29 market-rate apartments and 11 reserved for low- and moderate-income households.

The former building has been demolished, and shoring work appeared to be underway in late October, according to city planning staff during an Oct. 28 Planning Commission meeting. Urbanize LA reported Monday that site preparations had begun for the development, which will feature studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments above a parking garage.

A Seven-Story Development

According to a state filing submitted in May, the development will contain eight low-income apartments, three moderate-income apartments and 29 market-rate units.

The project is being pursued by developer Matt Moore through 2301 N. Sepulveda LLC. The building will rise within Manhattan Beach's Residential Overlay District, established in 2023 as part of the city's state-mandated housing planning efforts.

The district allows qualifying residential and mixed-use developments on designated commercial properties, primarily along Sepulveda and Rosecrans boulevards. California's density bonus law also allows developers who include qualifying affordable housing to seek waivers from certain local development restrictions, including height limits.

The city's environmental filing identifies the project as ministerial, meaning approval is based on compliance with applicable objective standards rather than discretionary decisions by local officials. The development is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act.

Neighbors Raise Concerns

The project has faced sustained opposition from residents concerned about its height, scale and potential effects on nearby single-family homes. At a June 25 preconstruction meeting, residents questioned the development's impact on neighboring properties and raised concerns about construction traffic, parking and disruption.

Some carried signs opposing the project, while others urged the developer to reduce its scale, according to MB News. The development highlights the growing tension between California's housing production requirements and local concerns about the scale of new construction in established neighborhoods.

What Happens Next?

Although demolition is complete, the city's project tracker continues to list the development as undergoing building permit review. During the October Planning Commission meeting, city staff confirmed the former commercial building had been demolished and indicated that shoring work appeared to be underway.

A construction schedule outlined at the June preconstruction meeting anticipated approximately 22 months of work, although a revised completion date has not been confirmed. The development is among several substantial housing projects proposed along Manhattan Beach's commercial corridors as the city works toward its state housing goals.