MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Two prominent downtown Manhattan Beach properties could be cleared for taller buildings under proposed zoning changes that would give the city greater flexibility as it considers the future of the publicly owned sites.
The Manhattan Beach Planning Commission will hold a public hearing Wednesday, Oct. 28, on amendments affecting the former Parking Lot 3 at 1155 Morningside Drive and the former U.S. Bank property at 400 Manhattan Beach Boulevard.
The proposal stems from Project Pulse, the city's initiative to explore redevelopment opportunities at both downtown locations.
City officials have been examining an increase in the maximum allowable building height from 26 feet to 30 feet, provided that parking is incorporated into future development at ground level or underground.
The additional four feet could provide more flexibility for multistory buildings while maintaining parking at the sites, according to discussions at the commission's Aug. 12 study session.
The proposed amendments would modify both the Manhattan Beach Municipal Code and the city's Local Coastal Program, which governs development within the coastal zone.
Beyond the underlying height increase, the draft zoning amendments contain provisions allowing certain rooftop features on nonresidential buildings within a designated downtown commercial area to extend above the applicable height limit.
Elevator shafts, stairwell enclosures and mechanical equipment, including screening, could extend up to five feet above that limit. Light poles and certain transparent or predominantly open guardrails could extend up to six feet higher.
The proposed rules also include safeguards for surrounding properties. Buildings exceeding 26 feet would require a 40-foot rear setback where adjoining residential uses, while portions taller than 20 feet along arterial roads would be subject to a 10-foot front setback. Those requirements would apply within the area designated by the amendments, rather than throughout downtown Manhattan Beach.
The two properties have been the focus of ongoing discussions about downtown redevelopment and public parking.
Parking Lot 3 previously contained a three-story, 145-space parking structure that was demolished in 2024 after structural concerns were identified. A temporary 69-space surface parking lot subsequently opened at the site in June 2025. The city also purchased the former U.S. Bank property in April 2025, adding another strategically located site to its downtown holdings.
Although the proposed zoning amendments could expand redevelopment options, they would not approve any particular building, design or future use of either property. The Oct. 28 hearing is another step in the planning process, with subsequent approvals required before the zoning changes could take effect.
The Planning Commission meeting begins at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, in the City Council Chambers at 1400 Highland Ave. The proposal is listed as Public Hearing Item 2, numbered 26-0578, on the official agenda.
Comments can be submitted on the online public comment portal or by emailing planning@manhattanbeach.gov
Written comments submitted by noon Wednesday will be available to commissioners before the hearing.
The meeting will also be accessible through Zoom, using meeting ID 160 579 5991.
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