Our Services

The City Attorney’s Office provides legal counsel to the Mayor and City Council, the City Manager, and the City departments. The City Attorney directly represents the City in litigation and manages outside counsel representing the City. The office drafts ordinances and resolutions, reviews contracts, works with the Risk Manager to review and process claims, reviews State and Federal legislation, and counsels the City regarding personnel, police, land use and public works issues. The office supervises and prosecutes violations of the City Municipal Code in criminal court, manages the cost of outside legal services; and supports the City Council in its development and adoption of policy. In addition, the City Attorney’s office is responsible for updating the Municipal Code.

The City Attorney’s Office works with City departments to secure compliance with a wide range of codes, permitting and licensing provisions which help protect the quality of life in Manhattan Beach. If you have a question or complaint about code compliance or nuisance abatement contact the Community Development Department Code Enforcement Officer at (310) 802-5538. If you have a question about zoning contact the Community Development Department Planning Division at (310) 802-5500. For information about business licenses call (310) 802-5557. For information about parking violations call (310) 802-5561.

The City Attorney’s Office does not act as a legal advisor or issue legal opinions to the public. The Office does not investigate crimes or damage complaints. Crimes should be reported directly to the Police Department. Anyone having a claim against the City may obtain a claim form from the City Clerks Office. If you have questions about the claims process you may call the City Attorney's Office at (310) 802-5061.

The City Attorney’s Office will not provide interpretations of City Codes to the general public. Copies of the Manhattan Beach Municipal Code are available on the web site, at the Manhattan Beach Library and the Los Angeles County Law Library. Paper bound copies of the City Zoning Code may be purchased from the City Clerk. A revised version of the City Code is available for purchase from the City Clerks office.

Our Divisions

The Department consists of the City Attorney and a legal secretary.