Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Redondo Beach public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
23 issues in development
Coastal-zone food sales at service stations
Gas stations in the coastal zone can now move toward selling food — including beer and wine — under an administrative permit instead of a heavier conditional use permit, pending Coastal Commission sign-off.
Artesia Blvd. Art Installations — Phase I
The Commission was scheduled to act on a community panel's recommendations for which artists should be invited to submit proposals for the first phase of art installations along Artesia Boulevard. The artist selections will shape the look of a major commercial corridor.
Surplus land declaration at 179 N. Harbor Drive
The Council was to declare the city-owned property at 179 N. Harbor Drive — tied to the R-10 Social House site — exempt surplus land not needed for city use, a step under the Surplus Land Act.
Former Fun Factory Site Negotiations
The council approved an exclusive negotiating agreement with Multiverse Platforms for the former Fun Factory space at 123 International Boardwalk, which Mayor Light said would restore family fun to the site.
General Plan Land Use Element and Historic Preservation
Council members discussed how to protect local history while updating the city's overall land use guidelines.
South Bay Regional Housing Trust Expansion (SB 799)
Council sent a support letter for SB 799, which would let the regional housing trust use funds for preservation and moderate-income housing and add non-elected alternates.
State housing bills positions
Mayor Light warned the city is 'behind the power curve' on SB 79, which upzones land within a half mile of transit lines. He won a referral for staff to recommend either a deferral plan or an alternate plan that lets the city pick which properties the law applies to.
Garnet Historic District Designation
The city is moving forward with officially recognizing a group of historic homes on Garnet Street as a protected historic district, helping preserve local architectural heritage.
Commission appointments and vacancy rule
The Council declared seats vacant under its new three-absence rule and recruited a strong applicant pool; new commissioners can only miss two meetings in twelve months before automatic removal.
Affordable Housing to Lease project funding
Congressman Ted Lieu delivered a $250,000 check to keep the city's functional-zero homelessness program and Housing to Lease Acquisition Program running — money that helps lease housing for families and seniors.
ADU conversion dispute in a four-unit HOA
Two residents described a garage-to-ADU conversion done without HOA approval, with moved meters, blocked driveway access, and unanswered public records requests.
Planning Commission Vacancy
The council was set to declare vacancies on the Public Amenities and Youth Commissions after members missed three or more meetings, and to interview applicants for commission appointments. Commission seats shape advisory input on city decisions.
Section 8 waitlist reform
The Housing Authority's Section 8 waitlist, closed since 2015, will reopen under a new system: 500 applications max per cycle, a twelve-month list, then purge and restart — letting local Redondo residents actually get on the list.
Pier and Boardwalk Wireless Infrastructure License
A revenue-sharing license with Crown Castle Fiber would allow telecom equipment at the Redondo Beach Pier and International Boardwalk.
Housing Authority appointment
The Housing Authority is no longer projected at shortfall risk, but emergency housing voucher funding is uncertain month-to-month, and families are being phased onto the Section 8 wait list.
Housing Element Zoning Amendments (Ordinance No. 3311-26)
The city proposed replacing its affordable housing overlay districts with high-density residential zoning (65 units per acre) and mixed-use zoning (65 to 80 units per acre) on designated housing sites. This determines how many homes can be built in your neighborhood and whether affordability requirements stay attached.
Housing Element and Zoning Code Amendments
Redondo Beach is overhauling its housing rules to comply with state requirements, replacing affordable housing overlays with high-density residential and mixed-use districts allowing up to 80 units per acre.
New Dog Daycare and Training Facility on Pacific Coast Highway
A commercial space at 1212 S. Pacific Coast Highway will become a dog daycare and training center. This brings a new service for pet owners into an existing building without needing new construction.
Mixed-use Development Approval
Redondo Beach is getting a new mixed-use development at 401 Pacific Coast Highway. The City Council has approved the project, so expect some changes to that area soon.
49-Unit Mixed-Use Development Appeal at 401 S. Pacific Coast Highway
Neighbors near Berylwood Heights say a change from residential to commercial zoning (BC-2) affecting about 30 properties could reach a November 4 council vote, and they learned about it too late. They're asking the council to revisit it.
Historic Property Restoration and Infill Development at 517 S. Catalina Avenue
The commission reviewed plans to restore a landmarked historic home at the front of 517 S. Catalina Avenue and build a new two-story dwelling with garages in the back. This balances historic preservation with adding new housing options on the property.
Permanent Local Housing Allocation Program Plan
The city adopted its housing program plan for 2021-2023 allocations, securing state funding to support local affordable housing efforts.
Housing Element Invalidation
Redondo Beach's housing plan has been invalidated by a court, meaning the city's approach to housing development and needs is now up in the air. This could lead to major changes and potential headaches for future projects.