To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: JOY A. FORD, CITY ATTORNEY
STEPHANIE JOHNSON, QUALITY OF LIFE PROSECUTOR
COLE WEBB, LEGAL INTERN
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DISCUSSION AND FIRST READING OF AMENDMENTS TO REDONDO BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE SECTIONS 10-2.1524, 10-5.402 AND 1-2.01(b) PERTAINING TO HEDGE-RELATED ORDINANCES
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On July 21, 2026, City Council held a discussion regarding the City’s hedge ordinance. After that discussion, City Council directed City staff to pursue a revised hedge ordinance following the recommendations of Councilmembers Behrendt and Obagi.
On July 22, 2026, Councilmember Behrendt submitted a proposed revised ordinance for consideration. It was distributed to City Departments for review and input. This revised ordinance and related sections are presented to City Council for further discussion and first reading.
BACKGROUND
On July 21, 2026, the City Council directed staff to draft a hedge ordinance based on the following recommendations from Councilmembers Behrendt and Obagi:
Include clear and updated definitions of what actually constitutes a "hedge" (and "fences" and "walls").
Revise the ordinance to provide the City Attorney’s Office with discretion to prosecute violations as "wobblettes," i.e., either a misdemeanor or an infraction, depending on the circumstances and severity of the violation (currently, the ordinance requires misdemeanor prosecutions).
Include a "bona fide" and/or "good faith" complaint requirement (e.g., the owner or occupant of Page 7 of 9 N.1., File # 26-0848 Meeting Date: 7/21/2026 3. Include a "bona fide" and/or "good faith" complaint requirement (e.g., the owner or occupant of an adjoining or nearby home) to reduce the likelihood of unnecessary filing of complaints, the unnecessary expenditure of time and resources, and enforcement actions, concerning only minor, trivial, or inconsequential violations.
Ensure the City retains the independent discretion to seek enforcement of the ordin...
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