Manhattan Beach Weighs New Trash Rules, $100K Tavern Deposit

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Manhattan Beach officials will consider easing trash-enclosure requirements for local businesses Tuesday evening while revisiting a $100,000 deposit paid by the company behind Brewco Social following renovations that failed to comply with city regulations.

The City Council is scheduled to consider introducing Ordinance No. 26-0013, which would amend the city's garbage and refuse regulations to provide greater flexibility for commercial properties, including provisions allowing businesses to share refuse enclosures through formal agreements.

The proposal, listed as General Business Item 8 on the Oct. 20 council agenda, follows discussions dating back to 2024 about the difficulties businesses face in meeting existing requirements, particularly in older commercial districts where space for dedicated trash facilities can be limited.

Council members will also consider the status of a $100,000 deposit provided by LiveOak Tavern LLC, the company associated with Brewco Social at 124 Manhattan Beach Blvd., after renovations were completed without the required permits.

According to a June 3, 2025, city staff report, the city entered into an agreement with LiveOak in June 2024 after determining that the renovations did not meet municipal requirements for an enclosed trash receptacle.

The company subsequently submitted revised plans and deposited $100,000 with the city as a guarantee that it would complete the necessary improvements. In return, the city issued a temporary certificate of occupancy allowing the restaurant to operate while the outstanding requirements were addressed.

The original compliance deadline of Dec. 31, 2024, was later extended to March 31, 2025, as city officials considered possible changes to the regulations. Under the agreement, failure to complete the required improvements could result in forfeiture of the deposit. However, city staff previously indicated that extending the compliance deadline or relieving LiveOak of its obligations could allow the money to be returned.

The broader ordinance review began after businesses raised concerns about the practical difficulties and costs associated with installing refuse enclosures. At its June 3, 2025, meeting, the council voted unanimously to direct staff to develop revisions distinguishing Downtown and North End business districts from regulations applying elsewhere in Manhattan Beach.

Council members also called for changes to the rules governing when tenant improvements trigger enclosure reviews, along with guidelines allowing neighboring businesses to share refuse facilities through operating agreements.

In a separate unanimous vote, the council requested further analysis of communal refuse enclosures, including the feasibility of facilities serving multiple businesses. Those decisions are documented in the city's official meeting minutes. Tuesday's proposal would advance that process by introducing amendments to Chapter 5.24 of the Manhattan Beach Municipal Code, which governs garbage and refuse.

The ordinance itself carries no immediate budget impact, according to the meeting agenda, although the council's separate decision concerning LiveOak's deposit could have financial implications.

The council is being asked to introduce the ordinance on first reading and provide direction on the deposit, rather than make a final determination on both matters.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the City Council Chambers at 1400 Highland Ave., with participation also available through Zoom.