Manhattan Beach · Land use · Private school
Where is a private school allowed in Manhattan Beach?
In Manhattan Beach, a private school is needs an use permit in 8 (RS, RM, RH, RPD, CL and 3 more, 7 with a condition) and not allowed in 3 (Manhattan Beach use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Needs a permit: RS, RM, RH, RPD, CL, CC, CG and PS
- Not allowed: RSC, CD and CNE
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Manhattan Beach Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a private school can go
Manhattan Beach's code calls this use “Schools, Public or Private”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| RS | Needs an use permit — see note Note A: See Section 10.52.020, Exterior materials in R districts. Note D: Facilities on sites of two (2) acres or more are subject to the regulations of Chapter 10.28 (PS district) precluding those of this chapter. See Section 10.28.020, PS district applicability. | § 10.12.020 |
| RM | Needs an use permit — see note Note A: See Section 10.52.020, Exterior materials in R districts. Note D: Facilities on sites of two (2) acres or more are subject to the regulations of Chapter 10.28 (PS district) precluding those of this chapter. See Section 10.28.020, PS district applicability. | § 10.12.020 |
| RH | Needs an use permit — see note Note A: See Section 10.52.020, Exterior materials in R districts. Note D: Facilities on sites of two (2) acres or more are subject to the regulations of Chapter 10.28 (PS district) precluding those of this chapter. See Section 10.28.020, PS district applicability. | § 10.12.020 |
| RPD Comprehensive Residential Planned Development | Needs an use permit — see note Note A: See Section 10.52.020, Exterior materials in R districts. Note D: Facilities on sites of two (2) acres or more are subject to the regulations of Chapter 10.28 (PS district) precluding those of this chapter. See Section 10.28.020, PS district applicability. | § 10.12.020 |
| CL | Needs an use permit — see note Note A: Facilities on sites of two (2) acres or more are subject to the regulations of Chapter 10.28 (PS District) precluding those of this chapter. See Section 10.28.020: PS District Applicability. | § 10.16.020 |
| CC | Needs an use permit — see note Note A: Facilities on sites of two (2) acres or more are subject to the regulations of Chapter 10.28 (PS District) precluding those of this chapter. See Section 10.28.020: PS District Applicability. | § 10.16.020 |
| CG | Needs an use permit — see note Note A: Facilities on sites of two (2) acres or more are subject to the regulations of Chapter 10.28 (PS District) precluding those of this chapter. See Section 10.28.020: PS District Applicability. | § 10.16.020 |
| PS Public and Semipublic | Needs an use permit | § 10.28.030 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- L-3, L-21 and L-20 exempt private schools inside legally existing church facilities from the use permit (within a floor-area limit).
- Not covered here: Zone names beyond the chapter titles are not spelled out in the packet (RS..CNE names are conventional and omitted); Chapter 10.08 definitions (Group Residential, Day Care General) not in the packet. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Manhattan Beach
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a private school in the RS zone in Manhattan Beach?
Only with an use permit. Manhattan Beach's use table lists it that way in RS (§ 10.12.020). The code adds a condition: “See Section 10.52.020, Exterior materials in R districts. Facilities on sites of two (2) acres or more are subject to the regulations of Chapter 10.28 (PS district) precluding those of this chapter. See Section…”
Can I have a private school in the RSC zone in Manhattan Beach?
No. Manhattan Beach's use table does not allow it in RSC (§ 10.12.020).
General information, not legal advice.
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