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 POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING MODIFICATION TO THE REDONDO BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO HEDGE-RELATED ORDINANCES
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On June 9, 2026, City Council referred a discussion to city staff regarding the city's hedge ordinance. Councilmember Obagi requested that the City Attorney prepare recommendations on how to revise the hedge ordinance, including defining what constitutes a hedge and who has standing to make a complaint.
The City Attorney's Office researched and reviewed several hedge-related ordinances from various cities across Southern California. A summary of these ordinances is outlined below and were used drafting these recommendations. Councilmembers Behrendt and Obagi submitted proposed ordinance revisions. These revisions were submitted to City staff. At the time of this administrative report, department feedback from Community Development, Engineering, Police/Code Enforcement, and Fire have been submitted for Council's consideration. Councilmembers Behrendt and Obagi also submitted proposed recommendations for consideration.
It is recommended that City Council review the feedback and recommendations and provide policy direction before a draft ordinance is presented for a first reading.
BACKGROUND
Redondo Beach Code Enforcement has received an influx of complaints regarding over-height hedges throughout the City since approximately December 2025. Code Enforcement has responded to these complaints by issuing the property owners who are allegedly in violation with a correction notice. This increased enforcement has led to increased questions from property owners and residents about the current state of the law and how alleged violations are enforced.
The Redondo Beach Municipal Code (RBMC) currently reads that hedges may not be higher than 42 inches in front se...
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