Building a Better Redondo, Inc. v. City of Redondo Beach

Respondents Building a Better Redondo, Inc., and James A. Light (BBR) brought a petition for writ of mandate and a declaratory relief claim against appellants City of Redondo Beach, its city council and its city clerk (collectively, City or appellants). BBR sought an order compelling appellants to submit a local coastal program amendment to public vote in compliance with a recently enacted charter amendment requiring any “major change in allowable land use” to be approved by City voters. Appellants argued that the local coastal program amendment predated the charter amendment and thus was not governed by it. The trial court found the local coastal program amendment constituted a major change in allowable land use and ordered appellants to place the amendment before the voters. Although appellants appealed the judgment, they also voluntarily complied with the court’s writ of mandate. The court subsequently awarded BBR its attorney fees. Appellants appeal the judgment and attorney fees order. We hold the appeal from the judgment should be dismissed as moot and affirm the award of attorney fees.

*856 GENERAL BACKGROUND AND FACTS

1. Coastal Act

The Legislature enacted the…