Hermosa Beach City Council
May 26, 2026

BBK (2026) Page 23 of 95

1. Director’s Action. The Director shall mail the Notice to the applicant and to any other person or entity that has filed a written request for such notification with the Community Development Department within the 10five -days public notice of the decision being made.

1.2. Planning Commission Action. The Director shall mail a Notice of Action to the applicant and to any other person or entity that has filed a written request for such notification with the Community Development Department within five days of the Planning Commission action. Council Report of Planning Commission Action.

Additionally, the City Council shall receive notification Ppursuant to Section 2.52.040, (City Council Review of Decisions of the Planning Commission), of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code, all the Planning Commission actions shall be placed as a report item on the City Council’s agenda at the next regular City Council meeting following the Commission’s action.

2. Director’s Action. The Director shall mail the Notice to the applicant and to any other person or entity that has filed a written request for such notification with the Community Development Department within the 10-day public notice of the decision being made. The notice shall include information regarding the appeals process.

3. City Council Action. Within five days of City Council action, the City Clerk shall mail a Notice of Action to the applicant and to any other person or entity that has filed a written request for such notification with the Community Development Department.

17.03.080 Scope of Approval
A. Scope. The scope of approvals includes only those uses and activities proposed in the application., . Unless otherwise specified, the approval of a new use shall terminate all rights and approvals for previous uses no longer occupying the same site or location.

B. Conditions. The site plan, floor plans, building elevations, and/or any additional information or representation indicating the proposed structure or manner of operation submitted with an application or submitted during the approval process shall be deemed conditions of approval. Any approval may be subject to requirements that the applicant guarantees, warranties, or ensures compliance with submitted plans and conditions in

BBK (2026) Page 24 of 95

all respects.

C. Actions Voiding Approval. If the construction of a building or structure or the use established is contrary to the description or illustration in the application, to either violate any provision of this Title or require additional permits, then the approval shall be deemed null and voidbe subject to the revocation as set forth in Section 17.03.110 Revocation of Permits.

D. Periodic Review. All approvals may be subject to periodic review to determine compliance with the permit and applicable conditions. If a condition specifies that activities or uses allowed under the permit are subject to periodic reporting, monitoring, or assessments, it shall be the responsibility of the permit holder, the property owner, or successor property owners to comply with such conditions.

17.03.090 Effective Dates: Expiration and Extension
A. Effective Dates. A decision shall be effective on the date of action except as provided below. No building permit or business license shall be issued until after the effective date.

1. City Council Decisions. All City Council actions shall become effective immediately, with the exception of Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance or Zoning Map, and any new or amended
Specific Plan, which . Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance or Zoning Map shall take effect 30 days after the second reading of the ordinance, unless adopted by urgency in accordance with applicable law.

2. Planning Commission Decisions. All Planning Commission actions shall become effective 15 days after the decision unless following, whichever is later:
a. The next regular City Council meeting following the Planning Commission’s action unless the City Council initiates review pursuant to Section 2.52.040, City Council Review of
Decisions of the Planning Commission, of this code. the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code.

BBK (2026) Page 25 of 95

b. After the expiration of the 15-day appeal period following the date of action, unless an appeal is filed pursuant to Section TBD17.03.120., Appeals and Calls for Review.

3. Director Decisions Subject to Appeal. A Director’s decision on an application for any approval subject to appeal shall become effective after the expiration of the 15-day appeal period following the date of action, unless an appeal is filed pursuant to Section TBD17.03.120., Appeals and Calls for Review.

B. Expiration. The review authority, in the granting of any permit, may specify a time, consistent with the purposes of the use and necessary to safeguard the public safety, health and welfare, within which the proposed use or development must be undertaken and actively and continuously pursued. If no time period is specified, any permit granted under this Title shall automatically expire when no project or use has been exercised or extended within two years after the date of the approval, except as provided below.

1. Extension for Permit Where a Coastal Development Permit is Required. The time limits for any permit for development that also requires a Coastal Development Permit shall be automatically extended to be the same as the term of such Coastal Development Permit.

2. Extension for Permit Granted in Conjunction with Tentative Map. The time limits for any permit granted in conjunction with an approved tentative tract map shall be automatically extended to be the same as the term of such tentative Tract Mmap.

3. Extensions for Permits Associated with Development Agreements.

The time limits for any permit granted in conjunction with a Development Agreement shall be extended to the same as the term of such Development Agreement.

4. Other Extensions. The approving bodyDirector may approve a oneyear extension of any permit or approval granted under this Title upon receipt of a written application with the required fee at least 30 days prior to the expiration date.

BBK (2026) Page 26 of 95

C. Exercise of Permit. An approval or permit for the use of a building or property shall be considered exercised when any of the following occurs:

1. Exercise of Planning Approval or Permit. An approval or permit for the use of a building or property is exercised when, if required, a A valid City business license has been issued, and the permitted use has commenced on the site.

2. Exercise of Building Permit. A permit for the construction of a building or structure is exercised when a valid City building permit, if required, is issued, and construction has lawfully commenced and is. diligently pursued to completion.

17.03.100 Minor Modifications and Amendments
No revision in the use or structure for which a permit or other approval has been issued is permitted unless the permit is revised as follows: provided for in this Title, with the exception of Minor Modifications pursuant to xyz.

A. Minor Modifications. The Community Development Director may approve minor revisions to approved plans and permits, excluding late-night establishments and outdoor uses, when it can be found that the modification is consistent with the original application findings, environmental analysis, and conditions approved by the original Review Authority. The modifications may not substantially expand or intensify the use or approved floor area by an a cumulative amount greater than ten percent or 1,500 square feet, whichever is less.

B. Amendment. Any revision, modification, or amendment to a permit, which does not meet the qualifications for a Minor Meodification set forth in subsection A, for a use or structure may be modified by the original approval authority for said use or structure. The manner in which the revision, modification, or amendment shall be considered shall be the same in which a new permit for a use or structure would be considered.

17.03.110 Revocation of Permits
Any permit granted under this Title may be revoked or revised for cause if any of the conditions or terms of the permit are violated or if any law or ordinance is violated.

BBK (2026) Page 27 of 95

A. Initiation of Proceeding. Revocation proceedings may be initiated by the City Council, Planning Commission, or Director.

B. Public Notice, Hearings, and Action. After conducting a duly-noticed public hearing, the Planning Commission shall act on the proposed revocation, pursuant to Chapter TBD, Public Notice17.03.050.

C. Required Findings. The Planning Commission may revoke or modify the permit if it makes any of the following findings:

1. That the approval was obtained by fraud or material
misrepresentation that vitiates one of the required findings of the permit;

2. That the use or activity for which such approval was granted has permanently ceased to exist as evidenced by demolition, alteration, subsequent use of the space, or similar conditions;

3. That the use or activity for which such approval was granted has been suspended or dormant for longer than 12 consecutive months, as demonstrated by any form of evidence or
documentation.

4. That the permit or variance granted is being, or recently has been, exercised contrary to the terms or conditions of such approval, or in violation of any statute, ordinance, law or regulation;

5. That the use for which the approval was granted was or is so exercised as to be detrimental to the public health or safety, or so as to constitute a nuisance;

6. That the circumstances under which the permit was granted have been changed by the owner or operator to such a degree that one or more of the findings contained in the permit is no longer valid and the public health, safety, and welfare merit revocation of the permit; or

7. That the conditions of approval are found to be inadequate to mitigate the impacts of the use allowed by the permit, and the

BBK (2026) Page 28 of 95

public health, safety and welfare merit modification of the permit.

For a restaurant with on-sale alcoholic beverages, the business is not operating as a restaurant because the primary function of the operation is the sale or offering for sale of alcoholic beverages and not the sale or offering for sale of food. A food to alcohol sales ratio provides a quantitative tool to help evaluate whether the business is operating as a restaurant whose primary function is the sale or offering for sale of food, as opposed to a business whose primary purpose is the sale of alcoholic beverages. For purposes of determining whether this finding can be made, an on-sale restaurant that maintains a minimum of 50 percent of the total gross sales, computed monthly, from the sale of prepared food is presumed to be a restaurant. An on-sale restaurant that does not meet these percentages has the burden of demonstrating that it operates as a restaurant, as that term is defined in Section TBD, Commercial Uses. Refusal to provide the information requested under this subsection within 60 days shall be deemed prima facie evidence that the business is not operating as a restaurant.

B. Notice of Action. Following Planning Commission action to revoke or modify a permit, the Director shall issue a Notice of Action within five business days. The Notice shall describe the Commission’s action with its findings. The Director shall mail notice to the permit holder and to any person or entity who requested the revocation proceeding.

17.03.120 Appeals and Calls for Review
A. City Council Calls for Review. Two members of the City Council may initiate review of all any actions of the Planning Commission pursuant to Section 2.52.040 of this Code, City Council Review of Decisions of the Planning Commission.

B. Appeals.

1. Applicability. Any action by the Director or Planning Commission in the administration or enforcement of the provisions of this Title may be appealed in accordance with this Section.
a. Appeals of Director Decisions. Decisions of the Director may be appealed to the Planning Commission by filing a written appeal with the Community Development Department. The

BBK (2026) Page 29 of 95

Planning Commission’s decision is final and may not be
appealed to City Council.
b. Appeals of Planning Commission Decisions. Decisions of the Planning Commission may be appealed to the City Council by filing a written appeal with the City Clerk. The City Council’s decision is final.
a. Appeal of Planning Commission Recommendations.

Recommendations of the Planning Commission may not be
appealed.

2. Rights of Appeal. Appeals may be filed by the applicant, by the owner of property, or by any other person aggrieved by a decision that is subject to appeal under the provisions of this Ordinance.

3. Time Limits. Unless otherwise specified in State or Federal law, an aggrieved member of the public, including the applicant, may file an appeal in writing fifteen (15) calendar days following the date which the action was taken. However, the City Council may call up a Planning Commission decision within the 15-day period in accordance with Section 2.52.040. In the event an appeal period ends on a day the City is closed, the appeal period shall end at the close of business on the next consecutive business day.

4. Procedures.
a. Filing. The appeal shall identify the decision being appealed and shall clearly and concisely state the reasons for the appeal. The appeal shall be accompanied by the required fee.
b. Proceedings Stayed by Appeal. The timely filing of an appeal shall stay all proceedings in the matter appealed including, but not limited to, the issuance of City building permits and business licenses.
c. Transmission of Record. The Director, or in the case of appeals to the City Council, City Clerk, shall schedule the appeal for consideration by the authorized hearing body within 60 days of the date that a complete appeal

BBK (2026) Page 30 of 95

application is filed. The Director shall forward the appeal, the Notice of Action, and all other documents that
constitute the record to the hearing body. The Director shall also prepare a staff report that responds to the issues raised by the appeal and may include a recommendation for
action.

5. Standards of Review. When reviewing any decision on appeal, the appeal body shall use the same standards for decision-making required for the original decision. The appeal body may revise or adopt the same decision and findings as were originally approved; it also may request or require changes to the application as a condition of approval.

6. Public Notice and Hearing. Public notice shall be provided, and the hearing conducted by the applicable appeal body pursuant to Section TBD17.03.050, Public Notice. Notice of the hearing shall also be given to the applicant and party filing the appeal and any other interested person who has filed with the City Clerk a written request for such notice. In the case of an appeal of a Planning Commission decision, notice of such appeal shall also be given to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission may be represented at the hearing.

7. Action. An action to grant an appeal shall require a majority vote of the hearing body members. A tie vote shall have the effect of rejecting the appeal.

17.03.130 Zoning Determination and Similar Use Determinations Requests for determinations of this Title and verifications relating to prior approvals or permits may be made to the Director. Requests shall be in writing.

B.A. Zoning Determination. A request for an interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance may be made for provisions that are unclear.

1. Community Development Director Interpretations:
a. Director’s Administrative Zoning Determination. As part of the director’s administrative authority, the Director my initiate a code interpretation whenever necessary to clarify

BBK (2026) Page 31 of 95

a conflicting provision or procedure of the code.
b. Director’s Formal Zoning Determination. The Director may respond to formal inquiries regarding code provisions. The interpretation shall be in writing and will be made available by the Community Development Department pursuant to
this section. Formal Director’s Interpretations are binding and may be appealed pursuant to Chapter 17.03.050. A fee for a formal interpretation shall be assessed in accordance with City’s Fee Schedule.

2. Procedures. The Community Development Director shall file a formal Zoning Determination with the Planning Commission within 60-days of the determination. Following the acceptance of the determination the Community Development Director shall:
a. Publish the determination to the City’s website; and b. Update the Zone Code to reflect the determination within a reasonable timeframe.

C.B. Similar Use Determination. A request for a Similar Use Determination may be made for a use not listed in the Zone.

1. Findings. The Community Development Director may find a use that is not listed in the zone is allowed provided the following findings can affirmatively be made:
a. The characteristics of, and activities associated with, the proposed use are not more intense than those uses listed in the zoning district as allowable, and will not involve a greater level of activity, population density, intensity, traffic generation, parking, dust, odor, noise, or similar impacts than comparable uses in the zone;
b. The proposed use will meet the purpose of the zone that is applied to the location of the use;
c. The proposed use will be consistent with the goals,
objectives, and policies of the General Plan, or any

BBK (2026) Page 32 of 95

applicable Specific Plan; and
d. The proposed use is not specifically prohibited.

2. Procedures. The Community Development Director shall file the use determination findings with the Planning Commission within 60-days of the determination. Following the acceptance of the
determination the Community Development Director shall:
a. Publish the determination to the city’s website; and b. Update the Zone Code to reflect the determination within a reasonable timeframe.

17.03.140 Chapter 17.07 Housing Accessibility - Reasonable Accommodation for Disability
A. 17.07.010 Purpose and Applicability. In compliance with Federal and State fair housing laws, it is the purpose of this section to provide reasonable accommodations in the City’s zoning and land use regulations, policies, and practices when needed to provide an individual with any disability an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling.

A. This section provides a procedure to request reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities seeking equal access to housing under the Fair Housing Laws in the application of zoning laws, building codes, and other land use regulations, policies and procedures. Fair Housing Laws means "Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988" (42 U.S.C. Section 3601, et seq.), including reasonable accommodation required by 42 U.S.C.

Section 3604(f)(3)(B), and the "California Fair Employment and Housing Act" (California Government Code Section 12900, et seq.), including reasonable accommodation required specifically by California Government Code Sections 12927(c)(1) and 12955(l), as any of these statutory provisions now exist or may be amended from time to time.

B.

C. A request for reasonable accommodation may be made by any person with a disability, his/her representative, or any business or property owner when the application of a zoning law, building code provision or other land use regulation, policy or practice acts as a barrier to fair housing opportunities. A person with a disability is a person who has

BBK (2026) Page 33 of 95

a physical or mental impairment that limits or substantially limits one or more major life activities, anyone who is regarded as having such impairment or anyone who has a record of such impairment, as those terms are defined in the Fair Housing Laws.

D.

E. A request for reasonable accommodation may include a modification or exception to the rules, standards and practices for the siting, development and use of housing or housing related facilities that would eliminate regulatory barriers and provide a person with a disability equal opportunity to housing of their choice. Requests for reasonable accommodation shall be made in the manner prescribed by this section.

F.

G. It is the intent of this section that, notwithstanding time limits provided to perform specific functions, application review, decision making and appeals proceed expeditiously, especially where the request is time sensitive, and so as to reduce impediments to equal access to housing.

B. Notice to the Public of Availability of Accommodation Process. The City shall prominently display in the public areas of the Community Development Department at City Hall a notice advising those with disabilities or their representatives that they may request a reasonable accommodation in accordance with the procedures established in this section. City employees shall direct individuals to the display whenever they are requested to do so or reasonably believe that individuals with disabilities or their representatives may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation.

H.C. Application Submittal. Any person with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation on a form supplied by the community Community development Development department
Department.including the following information, accompanied by a fee established by resolution of the city council:

1. The applicant’s or representative’s name, mailing address and daytime phone number;

2. The address of the property for which the request is being made;

3. The specific code section, regulation, procedure or policy of the City from which relief is sought;

4. A site plan or illustrative drawing showing the proposed accommodation;

5. An explanation of why the specified code section, regulation, procedure or policy is preventing, or will prevent, the applicant’s use and enjoyment of the subject property;

BBK (2026) Page 34 of 95

6. The basis for the claim that the Fair Housing Laws apply to the individual(s) and evidence satisfactory to the City supporting the claim, which may include a letter from a medical doctor or other licensed health care professional, a disabled license, or any other appropriate evidence;

7. A detailed explanation of why the accommodation is reasonable and necessary to afford the applicant an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling in the City;

8. Verification by the applicant that the property is the primary residence of the person(s) for whom reasonable accommodation is requested; and

9. Any other information required to make the findings required by subsection (D) of this section consistent with the Fair Housing Laws.

1. Timing. A request for reasonable accommodation may be filed at any time that the accommodation may be necessary to ensure equal access to housing.

2. Obligations. A reasonable accommodation does not affect or negate an individual’s obligations to comply with other applicable regulations not at issue in the requested accommodation.

3. Assistance. If an individual needs assistance in making the request for reasonable accommodation, the City shall provide assistance to ensure that the process is accessible.

4. Concurrent Filing. Should the request for reasonable accommodation be made concurrently with a discretionary permit, then the fee for a reasonable accommodation application may be waived provided that the prescribed fee shall be paid for all other discretionary permits.

I.D. Reviewing Authority. Applications for reasonable accommodation shall be reviewed by the Community Development Director or their designee.

1. Applications for reasonable accommodation shall be reviewed by the Community Development Director or designee.

J.E. Findings. The reviewing authority shall approve the request for a reasonable accommodation if, based upon all of the evidence presented, the following findings can be made:

BBK (2026) Page 35 of 95

1. The housing, which is the subject of the request for reasonable accommodation, will be occupied by an individual with disabilities protected under Fair Housing Laws;

2. The requested accommodation is reasonable and necessary to make housing available to an individual with disabilities protected under the Fair Housing Laws;

3. The requested accommodation will not impose an undue financial or administrative burden on the City, as defined in the Fair Housing Laws and interpretive case law; and

4. The requested accommodation will not require a fundamental alteration in the nature of the City’s zoning or building laws, policies and/or procedures, as defined in the Fair Housing Laws and interpretive case law. The City may consider, but is not limited to, the following factors in determining whether the requested accommodation would require a fundamental alteration in the nature of the City’s zoning or building program:
a. Whether the requested accommodation would introduce
uses not otherwise permitted in the neighborhood; and
b. Whether granting the requested accommodation would
substantially undermine any express purpose of either the City’s General Plan or an applicable Specific Plan.

K.F. Decision.

1. The review authority shall consider an application and issue a written determination within forty (40) calendar days of the date of receipt of a completed application.

2. If necessary to reach a determination on any request for reasonable accommodation, the review authority may request further information from the applicant consistent with this section, specifying in detail what information is required. In the event a request for further information is made, the applicable time period to issue a written determination shall be stayed until the applicant reasonably responds to the request.

BBK (2026) Page 36 of 95

3. The review authority’s written decision shall set forth the findings, any conditions of approval, notice of the right to appeal, and the right to request reasonable accommodation on the appeals process, if necessary. The decision shall be mailed to the applicant.

4. The reasonable accommodation shall be subject to any reasonable conditions imposed on the approval that are consistent with the purposes of this section.

5. In making the approval findings in subsection (D) of this section, the review authority may approve alternative reasonable
accommodations that provide an equivalent level of benefit to the applicant.

6. The written decision of the reviewing authority shall be final unless appealed in the manner set forth below.

7. While a request for reasonable accommodation is pending, all laws and regulations otherwise applicable to the property that is the subject of the request shall remain in full force and effect.

8. Where the improvements or modifications approved through a reasonable accommodation would generally require a variance, a variance shall not be required.

9. The applicant may request additional time beyond that provided for in this section or may request a continuance regarding any decision or consideration by the City of a pending appeal.

Extensions of time sought by applicants shall not be considered delay on the part of the City, shall not constitute failure by the City to provide for prompt decisions on applications and shall not be a violation of any required time period set forth in this section.

L.G. Appeals. An appeal of the Director’s decision may only be filed by the applicant of the reasonable accommodation request. Appeals shall be processed pursuant to 17.03.120 (Appeals and Calls for Review).

G. The decision on a reasonable accommodation may be
appealed to the City Council within ten (10) calendar days of the issuance of a written decision.

BBK (2026) Page 37 of 95

D. The appeal shall be made in writing including a statement of the grounds for appeal and accompanied by a fee established by resolution of the City Council.

4. The City Council shall hear the matter and render a
determination as soon as reasonably practicable, but in no event later than sixty (60) calendar days after an appeal has been filed.

All determinations shall address and be based upon the same findings required to be made in the original determination from which the appeal is taken.

E. The City shall provide notice of an appeal hearing to the applicant. The Council shall announce its findings within forty (40) calendar days of the hearing, unless good cause is found for an extension, and the decision shall be mailed to the applicant. The council’s action shall be final.

C. If an individual needs assistance in filing an appeal on an adverse decision, the City shall provide assistance to ensure that the appeals process is accessible.

M. Waiver of Time Periods. Notwithstanding any provisions in this section regarding the occurrence of any action within a specified period of time, the applicant may request additional time beyond that provided for in this section or may request a continuance regarding any decision or consideration by the City of a pending appeal. Extensions of time sought by applicants shall not be considered delay on the part of the City, shall not constitute failure by the City to provide for prompt decisions on applications and shall not be a violation of any required time period set forth in this section.

N.A. Notice to the Public of Availability of Accommodation Process. The City shall prominently display in the public areas of the Community Development Department at City Hall a notice advising those with disabilities or their representatives that they may request a reasonable accommodation in accordance with the procedures established in this section. City employees shall direct individuals to the display whenever they are requested to do so or reasonably believe that individuals with disabilities or their representatives may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation.

O.H. Expiration, Extensions, and Revocations.

1. Expiration and Extensions. Approved reasonable accommodations

BBK (2026) Page 38 of 95

may expire or be extended pursuant to 17.03.090 (Effective Dates:

Expiration and Extension).

2. Revocation. Reasonable accommodations that have been previously approved, may be revoked pursuant to Section 17.03.110 (Revocation of Permits).
, Time Extension, Violation, Discontinuance, and Revocation.

A. Any reasonable accommodation approved in accordance
with the terms of this section shall expire within twenty-four (24) months from the effective date of approval or at an alternative time specified as a condition of approval unless:

A. A building permit has been issued and construction has commenced;
P. A certificate of occupancy has been issued;

4. The use is established; or

5. A time extension has been granted.
c. The Community Development Director may approve a time extension for a reasonable accommodation for good cause for a period or periods not to exceed three (3) years. An application for a time extension shall be made in writing to the Community Development Department no less than thirty (30) days or more than ninety (90) days prior to the expiration date.

10. Notice of the Director’s Decision on a time extension shall be provided as specified in subsection (E)(3) of this section.

3. Any reasonable accommodation approved in accordance
with the terms of this code may be revoked if any of the conditions or terms of such reasonable accommodation are violated, or if any law or ordinance is violated in connection therewith.
 An accommodation is granted to an individual and shall not run with the land unless the Director finds that the modification is physically integrated on the property and cannot feasibly be removed or altered. Any change in use or circumstances that negates the basis for the granting of the approval may render the reasonable accommodation null and void and/or revocable by the City, and thereafter the reasonable accommodation may be

BBK (2026) Page 39 of 95

required to be removed or substantially conformed to the code if reasonably feasible.

1. Amendments. A request for changes in conditions of approval of a reasonable accommodation, or a change to plans that would affect a condition of approval shall be processed pursuant to Section 17.03.100 (Minor Modifications and Amendments). treated as a new application and shall be processed in accordance with the requirements of this section. The Community Development Director may waive the requirement for a new application and approve the changes if the changes are minor, do not involve substantial alterations or addition to the plan or the conditions of approval, and are consistent with the intent of the original approval.

BBK (2026) Page 40 of 95

EXHIBIT D
CHAPTER 17.04 – DEFINITIONS
Section 17.04.040 (General definitions) of Chapter 17.04 (Definitions) of Title 17 (zoning) is hereby amended to include the following definitions in alphabetical order. Unless modified herein, all other definitions shall remain as currently written.

Section 17.04.040 – General Definitions
Aggrieved Person “Aggrieved person”means any person who, in person or through a representative, appeared at a public hearing or responded to a public notice, in connection with a city decision or action, or who, by other appropriate means before a hearing, decision or action by the review authority made their concern known or who for good cause was unable to do either.

Building Official means the Building Official of the City of Hermosa Beach.

Director means the same as “Director of community development”.

Ministerial Review means an action process that requires a review of objective criteria established in the code and requires no personal judgment.

BBK (2026) Page 41 of 95 EXHIBIT E

EXHIBIT E
CHAPTER 17.60 – ZONING CLEARANCE
Chapter 17.60 (Determination of Legality of Nonconforming Residential Buildings) is hereby deleted in its entirety and new Chapter 17.60 (Zoning Clearance) is added to Title 17 (Zoning) of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code to read as follows:

Chapter 17.6004 Zoning Clearance

17.0460.010 Purpose.

The purpose of a Zoning Clearance is to ensure that a proposed use, structure, or matter requiring ministerial review complies with the standards, limitations, and other applicable regulations of the Title.

17.0460.020 Applicability
A Zoning Clearance is required for any proposed construction or the establishment of a use requiring a ministerial review – as specified in this Title.

17.0460.030 Review Authority
The Community Development Department Director or their designee may grant a Zoning Clearance when required by this Title.

17.0460.040 Procedures.

A. Application. Applications for Zoning Clearance shall be filed with the Community Development Department on the prescribed application forms prescribed by the Director. pursuant to Section TBD “Application Forms and Fees” and Section TBD "Review of Applications.” Zoning clearance applications for proposed uses or structures may be processed independent of or concurrently with other applications as determined by the Community Development Director.

B. Processing. Applications for Zoning Clearances shall be processed in a timely manner with a decision rendered no more than 15-days from receipt of a complete application.

Commented [HB5]: A Zoning Clearance is a ministerial review to allow the City staff the ability to make sure new uses and buildings comply with the City’s codes.

Edits improve the readability and remove duplicate requirements.

BBK (2026) Page 42 of 95

1. Notwithstanding above, permits for accessory dwelling units and /or junior accessory dwelling units shall be decided within 60-dayone hundred twenty (120) days of receipt of a complete application and subject to the provisions outlined in Chapter TBD.17.21.

C. Report of Decision and Findings. Action by the Director shall be made pursuant to Section 17.03.070 (Findings and Notice of Action). Approval will be based upon determining the request complies with the standards, limitations and other regulations in the governing section, which may include the imposition of conditions and limitations to ensure the permit is consistent with said requirements and protects the public health, safety and welfare; otherwise, the Director shall deny the application and provide the applicant a written statement of the reasons the permit cannot be issued. The applicant shall be advised in writing of the right to appeal the Director’s Decision pursuant to Section TBD, Appeals and Calls for Review.

17.0460.050 Appeals; Expiration, Extensions, and Revisions; Revocation A. Appeals. Appeals of Ministerial or non-discretionary Zoning Clearance may only be filed if the Zoning Clearance is denied are not eligible for appeal except where required by state law, and in such case shall be processed pursuant to Section 17.03.120 (Appeals and Calls for Review).

B. Expiration and Extension. An approved Zoning Clearance may expire or be extended pursuant to Section 17.03.090 (Effective Dates: Expiration and Extension).

C. Revocation and Expiration. Revocation and Expiration of any Zoning Clearance shall be processed pursuant to Section 17.03.110 (Revocation of Permits).

D. Appeals. Ministerial or non-discretionary Zoning Clearances are not eligible for appeal, unless otherwise provided below or when required by state law

1. Accessory Dwelling Unit Permit pursuant to HBMC Section 17.21.050.

Revocation. Any Zoning Clearance may be revoked by the Director or the review authority body for any of the following causes:

That any term or condition has not been complied with;

BBK (2026) Page 43 of 95

1. That the property for which the Zoning Clearance was granted is used or maintained in violation of any statute, law, regulation, condition of approval or this Title;

2. That the use for which the Zoning Clearance was granted has not operated for at least twelve (12) consecutive
months, or has ceased to exist, or has been abandoned;

3. That the use for which the Zoning Clearance was granted is deemed detrimental to the public health or safety or
constitutes a nuisance.

E. Expiration. A Zoning Clearance shall expire at the conclusion of the permitted use or activity, not to exceed one year from the effective date if no expiration or term is stated therein, and the property shall thereafter be used in compliance with the provisions of this Title and Code.

BBK (2026) Page 44 of 95

EXHIBIT F
CHAPTER 17.62 – ADMINISTRATIVE PERMITS
Chapter 17.62 (Planning Commission Authority – Building Code) is hereby deleted in its entirety and new Chapter 17.62 (Administrative Permit) is added to Title 17 (Zoning) of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code to read as follows:

Chapter 17.05 62 Administrative Permit

17.0562.010 Purpose
The purpose of an Administrative Permit is to ensure that a proposed use or matter for which an Administrative Permit is required complies with the standards, limitations and other regulations applicable to the subject use or matter.

17.0562.020 Applicability
Approval of an Administrative Permit is required for uses or developments specifically identified in any section of this Title.

17.0562.030 Review Authority
The Community Development Department Director of their designee may grant Administrative Permits for all such uses and matters required by this Title to be reviewed and allowed only upon the granting of an Administrative Permit.

17.0562.040 Procedures
A. Application Filing. Applications for Administrative Permits shall be filed with the Community Development Department on the forms prescribed by the Community Development Director. Pursuant to Section 17.03.020 (Application Forms and Fees) and Section17.03.030 (Review of Applications). The application for an Administrative Permit shall include data or other evidence in support of the applicable findings required by Section 17.62.050 (Required Findings).Applications for Administrative Permits shall be filed with the Community Development Department on the prescribed application forms prescribed application forms by the Community Development Director.pursuant to Section TBD “Application Forms and Fees” and Section TBD Review of Applications. The application for an Administrative Permit shall include data or other evidence in Commented [HB6]: Administrative Permits are less likely to impact the neighbors and do not require a public hearing. Some types of Administrative Permits would still require a public notice to be sent to inform the neighbors.

Administrative Permits include: approvals for
Emergency Shelters
Entertainment, Limited Live
Limited Outdoor Seating
Low Barrier Navigation Centers
Residential Care Facility
Short Term Vacation Rental
Supportive Housing (up to 50 units)
Temporary Use and Temporary Event
Edits improve the readability and remove duplicate requirements

BBK (2026) Page 45 of 95

support of the applicable findings required by Section TBD, Required Findings.

B. Report of Decisions and Findings. Approval will be based upon determining the request complies with applicable standards and regulations may include conditions necessary to protect public, health, safety, and welfare.Action by the Director shall be made pursuant to Section 17.03.070 (Findings and Notice of Action).Except as set forth below, the Community Development Director shall issue the Administrative Permit no more than thirty (30) days following the filing of a complete application therefor. Approval will be based upon determining the request complies with the standards, limitations and other regulations in the governing section, which may include the imposition of conditions and limitations to ensure the permit is consistent with said requirements and protects the public health, safety and welfare; otherwise, the Director shall deny the application and provide the applicant a written statement of the reasons the permit cannot be issued. The applicant shall be advised in writing of the right to appeal the Director’s Decision pursuant to Section TBD, Appeals and Calls for Review.

17.0562.050 Required Findings
The Director or their designee must shall make all of the following findings to approve or conditionally approve an Administrative Permit application. The inability to make one or more of the findings is grounds for denial of an application. Written findings shall be prepared when a denial decision is rendered.

A. The proposed use is allowed within the applicable zone with Administrative Permit approval, and complies with all other applicable provisions of this Zoning Ordinance and the Municipal Code; B. The proposed use is consistent with the General Plan and any applicable specific plan;
C. The site is physically adequate for the type, density, and intensity (e.g., number of employees and customers) of use being proposed, including provision of services (e.g., sanitation and water), public access, and the absence of physical constraints;

BBK (2026) Page 46 of 95

D. The design, location, size, and operating characteristics of the proposed use are compatible with the existing and future land uses on site and in the vicinity of the subject property; and
E. The establishment, maintenance, or operation of the proposed use at the location proposed will not endanger, jeopardize, or otherwise constitute a menace to the public convenience, health, interest, safety, or the general welfare of persons residing or working in the vicinity of the proposed use.

17.0562.060 Conditions of Approval
The Community Development Director may impose reasonable conditions deemed necessary to ensure compliance with the findings for an Administrative Permit listed in Section TBD, Required Finding.

17.0562.070 Appeals, Expiration, Revocation, etc.

A. Appeals. Appeals of Administrative Permits shall be processed pursuant to Section 17.03.120 (Appeals and Calls for Review).

B. Expiration and Extension. An approved Administrative Permits may expire or be extended pursuant to Section 17.03.090 (Effective Dates: Expiration and Extension).

C. Revocation and Expiration. Revocation and Expiration of any Administrative Permits shall be processed pursuant to Section 17.03.110 (Revocation of Permits).

D. Effective Date – Appeals. Decisions of the Community Development Director may be appealed to the Planning Commission by filing an appeal within fifteen (15) days of the Director’s decision; provided, that upon affixing the signature of the applicant to an issued permit, the permit shall become effective and the right to appeal shall be waived. Appeals shall be filed in writing with the Community Development Department accompanied by a fee set by resolution of the City Council. Notice of hearing shall be given to the applicant at least ten (10) days prior to the hearing, unless the applicant agrees to waive the requirement so that the matter may be heard at an earlier time. The Commission’s review shall be limited to a determination of whether the application complies with the requirements of the governing section. The filing of an appeal within such time shall stay the effective date of the decision until the Commission has

BBK (2026) Page 47 of 95

acted on the appeal. The Commission’s decision shall be final and conclusive, unless the governing section specifically provides for a direct or subsequent appeal to the City Council.

E.

F. Appeals to the City Council shall be filed with the City Clerk accompanied by a fee set by resolution of the City Council. The filing of an appeal within ten (10) days shall stay the effective date of the decision until the council has acted on the appeal as hereinafter set forth in this Title. Upon receipt of a written appeal, the Planning Commission shall transmit to the Council the Planning Commission’s complete record of the case. Notice of hearing shall be given to the applicant at least ten (10) days prior to the hearing, unless the applicant agrees to waive the requirement so that the matter may be heard at an earlier time. The Council shall hear the matter and render a determination as soon as reasonably practicable, but in no event later than sixty (60) days after an appeal has been filed unless requested by the applicant. The Council’s review shall be limited to a determination of whether the application complies with the requirements of the governing section. The council shall announce its findings within forty (40) calendar days of the hearing, unless good cause is found for an extension, and the decision shall be mailed to the applicant. The council’s decision shall be final and conclusive.

A. Revocation. Any Administrative Permit may be revoked by the Director or the decision-making body for any of the following causes:

H. That any term or condition has not been complied with; I. That the property for which the Administrative Permit has been granted is used or maintained in violation of any statute, law, regulation or condition of approval;
J. That the use for which the Administrative Permit was granted has not been exercised for at least twelve (12) consecutive months, or has ceased to exist, or has been abandoned;
K. The Administrative Permit has been issued for a short-term vacation rental, which has received three (3) affirmed violations of the ordinance codified in this section or any of the City’s quality of life ordinances, such as noise violations, disturbing the peace, or creating a public nuisance, within a 12-month period; or,

BBK (2026) Page 48 of 95

L. That the use for which the Administrative Permit was granted has been so exercised as to be detrimental to the public health or safety or so as to constitute a nuisance.

A hearing to show cause why the permit should not be revoked shall be held by the issuing body prior to the revocation of any administrative permit. Written notice shall be provided the permit holder at least ten (10) days prior to the hearing stating the reasons therefor.

B. Expiration. An Administrative Permit shall expire at the conclusion of the permitted use or activity, not to exceed one year from the effective date if no expiration or term is stated therein, and the property shall thereafter be used in compliance with the provisions of this Title and Code.

Chapter 17.06 Temporary Use Permits

17.06.010 Purpose
This Chapter establishes a process for review and approval of uses that are intended to be of limited duration of time and will not permanently alter the character or physical facilities of the site where they occur.

17.06.020 Applicability
Approval of a Temporary Use Permit is required for uses or developments specifically identified in any section of this Title which requires a Temporary Use Permit.

17.06.030 Review Authority
The Community Development Director shall act as the review authority for Temporary Use Permits based on consideration of the requirements of this Chapter and Section TBD, Temporary Uses.

17.06.040 Procedures

1. Application. An application for a Temporary Use Permit shall be submitted at least 30 days before the use is intended to begin with the Community Development Department on the prescribed application forms pursuant to Section TBD, Application Forms and Fees and Section TBD, Review of Applications. The application for a Temporary Use Permit shall include data or other evidence in support of the applicable findings required by Section TBD, Required Findings.

Commented [HB7]: Temporary Use Permits were proposed as a distinctive, standalone chapter when the Planning Commission reviewed the amendment. In order to streamline the review process, they have been incorporated into the Administrative Permit process.

The deleted text is shown here to memorialize the change.

BBK (2026) Page 49 of 95

2. Report of Decision and Findings. Except as set forth below, the Community Development Director shall issue the Temporary Use Permit no more than thirty (30) days following the filing of a complete application therefor.

Approval will be based upon determining the request complies with the standards, limitations and other regulations in the governing section, which may include the imposition of conditions and limitations to ensure the permit is consistent with said requirements and protects the public health, safety and welfare; otherwise, the Director shall deny the application and provide the applicant a written statement of the reasons the permit cannot be issued. The applicant shall be advised in writing of the right to appeal the Director’s decision pursuant to Section TBD, Appeals and Calls for Review.

17.06.050 Required Findings
The Community Development Director must make both of the following findings to approve or conditionally approve a Temporary Use Permit application. The inability to make one or more of the findings is grounds for denial of an application.

1. The proposed use will not unreasonably affect adjacent properties, their owners and occupants, or the surrounding neighborhood, and will not in any other way constitute a nuisance or be detrimental to the health, safety, peace, comfort, or general welfare of persons residing or working in the area of such use or to the general welfare of the City; and

2. The proposed use will not unreasonably interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic or circulation in the area surrounding the proposed use and will not create a demand for additional parking that cannot be safely and efficiently accommodated by existing parking areas.

17.06.060 Conditions of Approval
The Community Development Director may impose reasonable conditions deemed necessary to ensure compliance with the findings for a Temporary Use Permit listed in Section TBD, Required Findings, including the items below.

1. Provision of a certificate of insurance acceptable to the City’s risk manager.

2. Submission of a performance bond or other surety devices, if necessary, to ensure that any temporary facilities or structures used will be removed from the site within a reasonable time following the event and that the property will be restored to its former condition, to the satisfaction of the Community Development Director.

3. Prior to the event, the applicant shall provide a statement to the City stating that the organizers of the event agree to indemnify, hold harmless, and

BBK (2026) Page 50 of 95

defend the City, its officers, agents and employees from any and all liability or claims that may be brought against the City arising out of its approval of the Temporary Use Permit, or arising out of the operation of the use or uses allowed under the permit, save and except that caused solely by the City’s active negligence.

4. Each site occupied by a temporary use shall be cleaned of debris, litter, or other evidence of the temporary activity on completion or removal of the activity, and shall thereafter be used in compliance with the provisions of this Title.

5. Other conditions determined by the Community Development Director to ensure the operation of the proposed temporary use in a compatible, efficient, harmonious, nuisance-free, orderly, and safe, manner, including, but not limited to the following:

1. Regulation of ingress, egress, and traffic circulation.

2. Regulation of fire protection and access for fire vehicles.

3. Regulation of lighting and signage.

4. Regulation of hours of operation, staffing, or other aspects of the use.

5. Provisions for sanitary facilities and waste collection and disposal.

6. Safety and security measures.

7. Measures for removal of the activity and site restoration, to ensure that no changes to the site would limit the range of possible future land uses otherwise allowed by this Title.

17.06.070 Appeals, Expiration, Revocation, etc.

1. Appeals. Temporary Use Permit decisions are subject to the appeal provisions of Section TBD, Appeals and Calls for Review.

2. Expiration, Extensions and Revisions. Temporary Use Permit approval is effective and may only be extended or revised as provided for in Chapter TBD, Effective Dates: Expiration and Extension.

3. Revocation. Temporary Use Permit approval may be revoked pursuant to Section TBD, Revocation, if any of the conditions or terms of the approval are violated or if any law or ordinance is violated.

BBK (2026) Page 51 of 95

EXHIBIT G
CHAPTER 17.66 – MINOR EXCEPTION
Chapter 17.66 (Amendments) is hereby deleted in its entirety and new Chapter

17.66 (Minor Exception) is added to Title 17 (Zoning) of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code to read as follows:

Chapter 17.08 66 Minor Exception

17.0866.010 Purpose
The purpose of this Chapter is to establish a means of granting minor relief from locational, developmental, and operational development standards. where doing so would be consistent with this Title and the General Plan, and where it is not possible or practical to approve a Variance.

17.0866.020 Applicability
Section Reserved.The following changes to development standards may be approved through a Minor Exception.

A. Up to ten percent reductions in setback and open space requirements for existing buildings;
B. Projections where existing setbacks conform except for projections at local points in the building walls, such as for bay windows when the length parallel to the wall of any such projection is no greater than eight feet, or when the existing projecting element is no closer than three feet from the property line and no greater than one-quarter of the total length of the wall from which it projects;
C. Eaves, to match the existing eave projection when adding to an existing building, and when the new eave will also conform to the requirements of the California Building Code;
D. The enlargement of windows in nonconforming buildings, and other minor structural alterations in nonconforming buildings, provided there is no increase in total floor area;
E. Up to a ten percent reduction in parking stall dimensions for structural reasons, when providing parking in existing buildings;
Commented [HB8]: A Minor Exception is a small deviation from a development standard.

Edits improve the readability, remove duplicate requirements, and incorporate applicability of standards that may be waived from Section 17.54.030 (Scope of Administrative Variances)

BBK (2026) Page 52 of 95

F. Arbors or trellises in rear yards, for privacy, when the grade of the adjacent property is higher than that of the subject property. Sides and tops of arbors and trellises are to be made only of framework or latticework, and must be at least fifty (50) percent open.

17.0866.030 Review Authority
The Community Development Director shall act as the review authority for Minor Exceptions. However, the Director may refer any application for a Minor Exception for a project that may generate substantial public controversy or involve significant land use policy decisions to the Planning Commission for decision.

A. Concurrent Processing. If a request for a Minor Exception is being submitted in conjunction with an application for another approval, permit, or entitlement that requires Planning Commission action, it shall be heard and acted upon at the same time and in the same manner as that application.

17.0866.040 Procedures
A. Application. An application for a Minor Exception shall be filed to the Community Development Department on the prescribed application forms prescribed by the Director. pursuant to Section TBD, Application Forms and Fees and Section TBD, Review of Applications. The application for a Minor Exception shall include data or other evidence in support of the applicable findings required by Section TBD, Required Findings.

B. Public Notice. An application for a Minor Exception shall require a public notice prior to the Director’s decision pursuant to Section, TBD 17.03.050 (Public Notice).

C. Report of Decisions and Findings. Except as set forth below, the Community Development Director shall issue the Minor Exception no more than thirty (30) days following the filing of a complete application. therefor. Approval will be based upon determining the request complies with the standards, limitations and other regulations in the governing section, which may include the imposition of conditions and limitations to ensure the permit is consistent with said requirements and protects the public health, safety and welfare; otherwise, the Director shall deny the

BBK (2026) Page 53 of 95

application and provide the applicant a 53riten statement of the reasons the permit cannot be issued. The applicant shall be advised in writing of the right to appeal the Director’s Decision pursuant to Section TBD, Appeals and Calls for Review.

17.0866.050 Required Findings
The Community Development Director must shall make all of the following findings to approve or conditionally approve a minor exception application. The inability to make one or more of the findings is grounds for denial of an application.

1. The requested minor exception is warranted by practical difficulties;

1. The requested minor exception is warranted by an unnecessary hardship;

2. The requested minor exception is necessary to avoid inconsistencies with the general intent of this Title; andor

3. The requested minor exception for the same development standard has not been approved within the last 10 years.

17.0866.060 Conditions of Approval
In approving a Minor Exception, the review authority may impose reasonable conditions or restrictions and/or require reasonable guarantees and evidence that such conditions are being, or will be, complied with, to achieve the findings for a Minor Exception.

17.0866.070 Appeals; Expiration, Extensions, and Revisions; Revocation A. Appeals. Appeals of Minor Exceptions shall be processed pursuant to Section 17.03.120 (Appeals and Calls for Review).

B. Expiration and Extension. An approved Minor Exception may expire or be extended pursuant to Section 17.03.090 (Effective Dates: Expiration and Extension).

BBK (2026) Page 54 of 95

C. Revocation and Expiration. Revocation and Expiration of any Minor Exception shall be processed pursuant to Section 17.03.110 (Revocation of Permits).

3. Appeals. Minor Exception decisions are subject to the appeal provisions of Section TBD, Appeals and Calls for Review.

4. Expiration, Extensions and Revisions. Minor Exception approval is effective and may only be extended or revised as provided for in Section TBD, Effective Dates: Expiration and Extension.

5. Revocation. The Minor Exception approval may be
revoked pursuant to Section TBD, Revocation, if any of the conditions or terms of the approval are violated or if any law or ordinance is violated.

BBK (2026) Page 55 of 95

EXHIBIT H
CHAPTER 17.68 – MINOR USE PERMITS
Chapter 17.68 (Procedure, Hearings, Notices and Fees) is hereby deleted in its entirety and new Chapter 17.68 (Minor Use Permits) is added to Title 17 (Zoning) of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code to read as follows:

Chapter 17.09 68 Minor Use Permits

17.0968.010 Purpose
The Minor Use Permit review and approval process is intended to apply to uses that are consistent with the with the goals, objectives, and policies of the General Plan and purposes of the zone where they are proposed but require special consideration to ensure that based on the specifics can be designed, located, and operated in a manner that will be compatible with the surrounding area and uses.

17.0968.020 Applicability
Approval of a Minor Use Permit is required for uses or developments specifically identified in any section of this Title which requires a Minor Use Permit.

17.0968.030 Review Authority
The Community Development Director or designee shall be the review authority for Minor Use Permits. However, the Director may refer any application for a Minor Use Permit for a project that may generate substantial public controversy or involve significant land use policy decisions to the Planning Commission for decision. In that case, the application shall be processed as a Conditional Use Permit.

17.0968.040 Procedures
A. Application. Applications for Minor Use Permits shall be filed with the Community Development Department on the prescribed application forms as prescribed by the Director. pursuant to Section TBD, Application Forms and Fees and Section TBD, Review of Applications. The application for a Minor Use Permit shall include data or other evidence in support of the applicable findings required by Section TBD, Required Findings.

Commented [HB9]: Minor Use Permits are intended for uses that have the potential to create small impacts to neighboring properties. This permit process would allow for public input and allow the City to impose additional requirements to avoid impacts Edits improve readability and remove duplicate requirements.

BBK (2026) Page 56 of 95

B. Public Notice and Hearing. All applications for Minor Use Permits shall require a public notice prior to the Director or designee decision, pursuant to Section TBD17.03.050, (Public Notice).

C. Report of Decisions and Findings. Except as set forth below, the Community Development Director shall issue the Minor Use Permit no more than thirty (30) days following the filing of a complete application. therefor. Approval will be based upon determining the request complies with the standards, limitations and other regulations in the governing section, which may include the imposition of conditions and limitations to ensure the permit is consistent with said requirements and protects the public health, safety and welfare; otherwise, the Director shall deny the application and provide the applicant a written statement of the reasons the permit cannot be issued. The applicant shall be advised in writing of the right to appeal the Director’s decision pursuant to Section TBD, Appeals and Calls for Review.

17.0968.050 Required Findings
The Community Development Director or designee must make all of the following findings to approve or conditionally approve a Minor Use application.

The inability to make one or more of the findings is grounds for denial of an application.

A. The proposed use is allowed within the applicable zone and complies with all other applicable provisions of this Title and all other Titles of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code;
B. The proposed use is consistent with the General Plan and any applicable specific plan;
C. The proposed use will not be averse to the public health, safety, or general welfare of the community, nor detrimental to surrounding properties or improvements;
D. The design, location, size, and operating characteristics of the proposed activity are compatible with the existing and reasonably foreseeable future land uses and circulation in the vicinity; and
E. The site is physically suitable for the type of the use being proposed, including access, utilities, and the absence of physical constraints.

BBK (2026) Page 57 of 95

17.0968.060 Conditions of Approval
In approving a Minor Use Permit, the review authority may impose reasonable conditions or restrictions and/or require reasonable guarantees and evidence that such conditions are being, or will be, complied with, to achieve the following outcomes:

A. Ensure that the proposal conforms in all significant respects with the General Plan and with any other applicable plans or policies adopted by the City Council;
B. Achieve the general purposes of this Title or the specific purpose of the zone in which the project is located;
C. Achieve the findings for a Minor Use Permit listed in Section TBD17.68.050., Required Findings; or
D. Mitigate any potentially significant impacts identified because of environmental review conducted in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act.

17.0968.070 Appeals; Expiration, Extensions, and Revisions; Revocation A. Appeals. Appeals of Minor Use Permits shall be processed pursuant to Section 17.03.120 (Appeals and Calls for Review).

B. Expiration and Extension. An approved Minor Use Permit may expire or be extended pursuant to Section 17.03.090 (Effective Dates: Expiration and Extension).

C. Revocation and Expiration. Revocation and Expiration of any Minor Use Permit shall be processed pursuant to Section 17.03.110 (Revocation of Permits).

D. Reapplication Upon Denial. After the denial of a Minor Use Permit has become final, no further application for the same use shall be filed for the same property for the ensuing 12 months, unless the project is revised to resolve the review authority’s previous objections to the project. Said revision shall require a new application process and payment of fees.

BBK (2026) Page 58 of 95

b. Appeals. Minor Use Permit decisions are subject to the appeal provisions of Section TBD, Appeals and Calls for Review.
c. Expiration, Extensions and Revisions. Minor Use Permit approval is effective and may only be extended or revised as provided for in Section TBD, Effective Dates: Expiration and Extension.
d. Reapplication Upon Denial. After the denial of a Minor Use Permit has become final, no further application for the same use shall be filed for the same property for the ensuing 12 months, unless the project is revised to resolve the review authority’s previous objections to the project. Said revision shall require a new application process and payment of fees. e. Revocation. Minor Use Permit approval may be revoked pursuant to Section TBD, Revocation, if any of the conditions or terms of the approval are violated or if any law or ordinance is violated.

BBK (2026) Page 59 of 95

EXHIBIT I
CHAPTER 17.70 – CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS
Chapter 17.70 (Revocation and Expiration) is hereby deleted in its entirety and new Chapter 17.70 (Conditional Use Permit) is added to Title 17 (Zoning) of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code to read as follows:

Chapter 17.10 70 Conditional Use Permits

17.1070.010 Purpose.

The purpose of a Conditional Use Permit shall be to provide for the individual review of certain uses, which due to the nature of the use, size, or intensity of the use requirerequires a Planning Commission review.

17.1070.020 Applicability
Approval of a Conditional Use Permit is required for uses or developments specifically identified in any section of this Title which requires a Conditional Use Permit.

17.1070.030 Review Authority
The Planning Commission may grant Conditional Use Permits to determine if the use proposed, or the location of that use, is compatible with the surrounding uses, or may be made compatible with the imposition of conditions of approval.

17.1070.040 Procedures
A. Application. Applications for Conditional Use Permits shall be filed with the Community Development Department on the prescribed application forms prescribed by the Director.pursuant to Section TBD, Application Forms and Fees and Section TBD, Review of Applications. The application for a Conditional Use Permit shall include data or other evidence in support of the applicable findings required by Section TBD, Required Findings.

B. Public Notice. An application for a Conditional Use Permit shall require a public notice prior to the Planning Commission decisionhearing, pursuant to Section 17.03.050 (Public Notice).Section TBD, Public Notice.

Commented [HB10]: Conditional Use Permits are intended for uses that have the potential to create impacts to neighboring properties. This is different from Minor Use Permits in that these uses have a greater potential for impacts and require more in-depth review and additional public input.

This permit process would allow for public input and allow the Planning Commission to impose additional requirements to avoid impacts.

Edits improve readability and remove duplicate requirements.

BBK (2026) Page 60 of 95

C. Public Hearing. An application for a Conditional Use Permit shall require a public hearing before the Planning Commission pursuant to Section

17.03.060 (Conduct of Public Hearings).Section TBD Conduct of Public Hearings.

D. Report on Findings and Decision. Not more than twenty (20) days following the public hearing on a Conditional Use Permit, the Planning Commission shall announce its findings by formal report resolution and said report resolution shall recite, among other things, the facts and reasons which, in its opinion, make the granting or denial of the Conditional Use Permit and when granted, shall recite such conditions and limitations as it may impose.

E. Report to be Numbered and Kept as Permanent Record. The formal report of the Planning Commission announcing its decision on a Conditional Use Permit shall be numbered consecutively in the order of filing and shall become a permanent record in the file of the Planning Commission.

F. Notice of decision to applicant. Not later than ten days following the rendering of a decision ordering that a Conditional Use Permit be granted or denied, a copy of the report shall be mailed to the applicant and their attorney at the address shown on the application filed with the Planning Commission.

G. Effective date – Time limitation for appeal. The order of the Planning Commission in granting or denying a Conditional Use Permit shall become final and effective ten days from the date of the succeeding City Council meeting at which it is determined whether or not to review the decision of the Planning Commission pursuant to Section 2.52.040 of this code until within such ten-day period an appeal in writing is filed with the Council by any person dissatisfied with the decision of the Planning Commission. The filing of such appeal within such time shall stay the effective date of the order of the Planning Commission until such time as the Council has acted on the appeal as hereinafter set forth in this Title.

H. Transmission of Planning Commission’s record to City Council. Upon receipt of a written appeal filed with the City Clerk as provided herein, the

BBK (2026) Page 61 of 95

Planning Commission shall thereupon transmit to the City Council the Planning Commission’s complete record of the case.

I. Council to hold public hearing on appeal. Not more than forty (40) calendar days following filing of a written appeal, the City Council shall conduct a duly advertised public hearing, public notice of which shall be given at least ten calendar days prior to said hearing in accordance with requirements established by resolution of the Council.

J. Council to announce findings and decision. City Council shall announce its findings and decision not more than sixty (60) days, following the close of the public hearing, unless good cause is shown for the extension of time and the applicant or opponent, or both, are notified of this extension and the reasons therefor. The findings and decision shall recite the facts and reasons which in the opinion of the City Council make the approval or denial of the conditional use permit necessary to carry out the general purpose of this Title, and shall order that the Conditional Use Permit be granted, denied or modified subject to such conditions or limitations that it may impose. City Council may incorporate by reference all or part of any findings of the commission.

If the City Council does not announce its findings and decision, notice shall be given by mail to the applicant or opponent, or to both if they are different parties, of when the findings and decision will be made so that the applicant or opponent or both may be present at the meeting when said findings and decision are announced.

K. Decision of the council shall be final. The action by the City Council on such matters shall be by a majority vote of the Council, and shall be final and conclusive except:

11. The City Council may approve, modify or disapprove the recommendation of the Planning Commission; provided, that any modification of a proposed Conditional Use Permit by the Council may be referred back to the Planning Commission for report and recommendation, and the Planning Commission shall not be required to hold a public hearing thereon. Failure of the planning commission to report to the city council within forty (40) days after the reference, or such longer period as may be designated by the

BBK (2026) Page 62 of 95

city council, shall be deemed to be approval of the proposed modification.

12.Upon return of the matter to the City Council, the City Council may by majority vote, approve, modify or disapprove the final recommendation of the Planning Commission on such matters.

L. Notice of Decision of the Council. Not later than thirty (30) days following the final decision of the City Council that a Conditional Use Permit be granted or denied, notice of such action shall be mailed to the applicant or opponent, or both if they be different parties, and one copy shall be attached to the Planning Commission’s file of the case and said file returned to the Planning Commission for permanent filing. Failure to give notice shall not affect the decision rendered in these matters.

17.10.050 Scope of Conditional Use Permit Review
d. Criteria for review. In reviewing any Conditional
Use Permit for any use, the following criteria for granting said permit shall be considered:

6. Distance from existing residential uses;

7. The amount of existing or proposed off-street parking facilities, and its distance from the proposed use;

8. Location of and distance to churches, schools, hospitals and public playgrounds;

9. The combination of uses proposed;

10.Site specific operation and design features;

11. The relationship of the proposed business-generated traffic volume and the size of streets serving the area;

12. The proposed exterior signs and décor, and the compatibility thereof with existing establishments in the area;

13. The number of similar establishments or uses within close proximity to the proposed establishment;

BBK (2026) Page 63 of 95

14.Noise, odor, dust and/or vibration that may be generated by the proposed use;

15.Impact of the proposed use to the City’s infrastructure, and/or services;

16.Will the establishment contribute to a concentration of similar outlets in the area;

17.Other considerations that, in the judgment of the Planning Commission, are necessary to assure compatibility with the surrounding uses, and the as a whole.

17.1070.0560 Required findings.

The Planning Commission must make all of the following findings to approve a Conditional Use Permit application. The inability to make one or more of the findings is grounds for denial of an application.

A. The proposed use is allowed within the applicable zone and complies with all other applicable provisions of this Title and all other Titles of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code;
B. The proposed use is consistent with the General Plan and any applicable specific plan;
C. The proposed use will not be averse to the public health, safety, or general welfare of the community, nor detrimental to surrounding properties or improvements;
D. The design, location, size, and operating characteristics of the proposed activity are compatible with the existing and reasonably foreseeable future land uses and circulation in the vicinity; and
E. The site is physically suitable for the type of the use being proposed, including access, utilities, and the absence of physical constraints.

17.1070.0670 Appeals; Expiration, Extensions, and Revisions; Revocation A. Appeals. Appeals of Conditional Use Permits shall be processed pursuant to Section 17.03.120 (Appeals and Calls for Review).

BBK (2026) Page 64 of 95

B. Expiration and Extension. An approved Conditional Use Permit may expire or be extended pursuant to Section 17.03.090 (Effective Dates: Expiration and Extension).

C. Revocation and Expiration. Revocation and Expiration of any Conditional Use Permit shall be processed pursuant to Section 17.03.110 (Revocation of Permits).

D. Reapplication Upon Denial. After the denial of a Conditional Use Permit has become final, no further application for the same use shall be filed for the same property for the ensuing 12 months, unless the project is revised to resolve the review authority’s previous objections to the project. Said revision shall require a new application process and payment of fees.

3. Appeals. Conditional Use Permit decisions are subject to the appeal provisions of Section TBD, Appeals and Calls for Review.

4. Expiration, Extensions and Revisions. Conditional Use Permit approval is effective and may only be extended or revised as provided for in Section TBD, Effective Dates: Expiration and Extension or the following, whichever the strictest standards apply.

1. A Conditional Use Permit shall expire and become null and void, when any of the following apply:
i. Permit Not Issued. If the Conditional Use Permit is not used within two (2) years after the granting of the
Permit; provided that the Director may grant an
extension of the Permit for an additional period as
provided in this Title.
ii. Discontinuation of Use. For any Conditional Use permit (CUP) effectuated more than five years before (INSERT
EFFECTIVE DATE OF ORDINANCE), the CUP shall expire if
the use is discontinued for 12 months or more. The
Community Development Director shall make a written
determination of expiration based on evidence of
abandonment including documentation of business
closure including but not limited to inactive City
business license issued in accordance with Title 5 of

BBK (2026) Page 65 of 95

HBMC. The Director shall not find an effectuated
Conditional Use Permit expired when an application for
a building permit or entitlement has been filed within 12 months of discontinuation to modify the CUP permitted
use, so long as the application or permit remains
current, and is diligently pursued. This exception is not applicable when a building is voluntarily demolished.

5. Reapplication Upon Denial. After the denial of a Conditional Use Permit has become final, no further application for the same use shall be filed for the same property for the ensuing 12 months, unless the project is revised to resolve the review authority’s previous objections to the project. Said revision shall require a new application process and payment of fee

6. Revocation. The Conditional Use Permit approval may be revoked pursuant to Section TBD, Revocation, if any of the conditions or terms of the approval are violated or if any law or ordinance is violated.

BBK (2026) Page 66 of 95

EXHIBIT J
CHAPTER 17.72 – PARKING PLAN
Chapter 17.72 (Permits, Licenses, Restrictions and Covenants) is hereby deleted in its entirety and new Chapter 17.72 (Parking Plan) is added to Title 17 (Zoning) of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code to read as follows:

Chapter 17.11 72 Parking Plan

17.1172.010 Purpose
The purpose of this section is to allow for an alternative configuration of parking to wholly or partially satisfy the Off-Street Parking Chapter of Title 17.

17.1072.020 Applicability
Parking Plans may be requested by a property owner in accordance with the Off-Street Parking Chapter of Title 17.

17.1172.030 Review Authority
The Planning Commission shall act as the review authority for all Parking plans.

17.1172.040 Procedures
A. Application. Applications for Parking Plans shall be filed with the Community Development Department on the prescribed application forms prescribed by the Community Development Director. pursuant to Section TBD, Application Forms and Fees and Section TBD, Review of Applications. The application for a Parking Plan shall include data or other evidence in support of the applicable findings required by Section TBD, Required Findings.

B. Public Notice. An application for a Parking Plan shall require a public notice prior to the Planning Commission decision, pursuant to Section

17.03.050 (Public Notice)Section TBD, Public Notice.

C. Public Hearing. An application for a Parking Plan shall require a public hearing before the Planning Commission pursuant to Section 17.03.060 (Conduct of Public Hearings). Section TBD, “Conduct of Public Hearings”.

Commented [HB11]: Parking Plans are currently authorized by HBMC §17.44.210. Parking Plans allow the Planning Commission to reduce the number of parking spaces required for a specific business. This section adds the review and approval authority.

Edits improve readability and remove duplicate requirements.

BBK (2026) Page 67 of 95

17.1172.050 Required Findings
The Planning Commission must make all of the following findings to approve or conditionally approve a Parking Plan application. The inability to make one or more the findings is ground for denial of an application.

A. The Parking Plan conforms in all significant respects with the General Plan and with any other applicable plans or policies adopted by the City Council;
B. The Parking Plan is consistent with the purposes of this Title and the specific purpose of the Zone in which the project is located;
C. The Parking Plan satisfies all the applicable criteria for the Parking Plan configuration requested in accordance with the Off-Street Parking Chapter of Title 17.

D. The granting of the requested modification would not be detrimental to the public, health, safety or welfare of the public.

17.1172.060 Conditions of Approval
In approving a Parking Plan, the review authority may impose reasonable conditions or restrictions and/or require reasonable guarantees and evidence that such conditions are being, or will be, complied with, to achieve the following outcomes:

A. Ensure that the proposal complies with the general purpose of Title 17 or the specific procedures of the zone in which the project is located; B. Achieve the findings for the Parking Plan listed in Section TBD, “Required Findings”17.72.050 (Required Findings).

C. A covenant with the City a party thereto, may be required limiting the use of the property and/or designating the method by which the required parking will be provided at the time that the Planning Commission determines that inadequate parking exists.

17.1172.070 Appeals; Expiration, Extensions, and Revisions; Revocation

BBK (2026) Page 68 of 95

A. Appeals. Appeals of Parking Plan shall be processed pursuant to Section

17.03.120 (Appeals and Calls for Review).

B. Expiration and Extension. An approved Parking Plan may expire or be extended pursuant to Section 17.03.090 (Effective Dates: Expiration and Extension).

C. Revocation and Expiration. Revocation and Expiration of any Parking Plan shall be processed pursuant to Section 17.03.110 (Revocation of Permits).

D. Reapplication Upon Denial. After the denial of a Parking Plan has become final, no further application for the same use shall be filed for the same property for the ensuing 12 months, unless the project is revised to resolve the review authority’s previous objections to the project. Said revision shall require a new application process and payment of fees.

D. Appeals. Parking Plan decisions are subject to the appeal provisions of Section TBD, Appeals and Calls for Review.

E. Expiration, Extensions and Revisions. Parking Plan approval is effective and may only be extended or revised as provided for in Chapter TBD, Effective Dates: Expiration and Extension.

F. Reapplication Upon Denial. After the denial of a Parking Plan has become final, no further application for the same Parking Plan shall be filed for the same property for the ensuing six months, unless the project is revised to resolve the review authority’s previous objections to the project.

Said revision shall require a new application process and payment of fee G. Revocation. The Parking Plan approval may be revoked pursuant to Section TBD, Revocation, if any of the conditions or terms of the approval are violated or if any law or ordinance is violated.

BBK (2026) Page 69 of 95

EXHIBIT K
CHAPTER 17.74 – PRECISE DEVELOPMENT PLANS
Chapter 17.74 (Penalty) is hereby deleted in its entirety and new Chapter 17.74 (Precise Development Plan)) is added to Title 17 (Zoning) of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code to read as follows:

Chapter 17.12 74 Precise Development Plans

17.1274.010 Purpose
This Chapter establishes Precise Development Plan procedures to ensure that new development supports the goals and objectives of the General Plan and other adopted plans and guidelines. The specific purposes of the Precise Development Plan process are to:

A. Promote excellence in design, layout, and other physical features of development to achieve a reasonable level of quality, compatibility, in harmony with the community’s social, economic and environmental objectives;
B. Ensure that new and altered development will be compatible with the existing and potential development of the surrounding area; and C. Supplement other City regulations and standards in order to ensure control of physical features of development that are not otherwise addressed.

17.1274.020 Applicability
A Major or Minor Precise Development Plan, as specified in Section 17.74.025, is required for all projects that require a permit for new construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, alteration, or other improvements to a structure, site, or a parking area except for:

A. New construction or additions of less than 1,500 square foot addition any zone.

B. Interior remodel of 3,000 square feet or less, with no exterior changes, in any zone.

Commented [HB12]: Precise Development Plans allow for the public to provide input on the development of new structures and buildings.
Single family homes and small tenant improvements are exempt Smaller residential projects, solar carports, and larger tenant improvements would be reviewed by the Community
Development Director.
Larger residential projects, mixed use projects, any change to the exterior of a nonresidential building would require Planning Commission review.

Edits improve readability. remove duplicate requirements, and add the Minor Precise Development Plan process, which is intended to streamline smaller projects, per Planning Commission direction.

BBK (2026) Page 70 of 95

C. Single Family (one unit) residential projects and any related accessory structures.

D. New residential projects with two (2) or more dwelling units including a minimum of 20% lower-income units.

E. Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units.

D.F. Dwelling Units provided pursuant to California Government Code Section 6585.21, commonly referred to as SB 9 units or urban dwelling units.

A. Projects including minimum of 20% lower-income units that qualify for a density bonus pursuant to Section 17.42.100.

17.74.025 Minor and Major Precise Development Plan
A. Minor Precise Development Plan. A Minor Precise Development Plan shall be required for the following:

1. Residential only projects with only 2-4 dwelling units.

2. Mixed use projects that do not exceed four dwelling units or 3,000 square feet of nonresidential floor area.

3. Interior remodel greater than 3,000 square feet, with no exterior changes, in any zone.

B. Major Precise Development Plan. A Major Precise Development Plan shall be required for the following:

1. Residential only projects with 5 or more dwelling units.

2. Any mMixed-use development with five or more dwelling units or include a nonresidential floor area of 3,001 square feet or greater regardless of the number of dwelling units, regardless of the number of dwelling units.

3. Any nonresidential project that is not exempt or qualifies for a Minor Precise Development Plan.

BBK (2026) Page 71 of 95

17.1274.030 Review Authority
The Director shall act as the review authority of Minor Precise Development Plans and the Planning Commission shall act as the review authority for Major Precise Development Plans.

17.1274.040 Procedures
A. Application. Applications for Precise Development Plan shall be filed with the Community Development Department on the forms prescribed application forms prescribed by the Director.pursuant to Section TBD, Application Forms and Fees and Section TBD, Review of Applications. The application for a Precise Development Plan shall include data or other evidence in support of the applicable findings required by Section TBD, Required Findings.

B. Public Notice. An application for a Precise Develop Plan shall require a public notice prior to the Planning Commissionreview authority’s decision, pursuant to Section 17.03.050 (Public Notice). Section TBD, Public Notice.

C. Reapplication Upon Denial. After the denial of a Parking Plan has become final, no further application for the same Parking Plan shall be filed for the same property for the ensuing 12 months, unless the project is revised to resolve the review authority’s previous objections to the project.

Said revision shall require a new application process and payment of fee.

D. Public Hearing. No public hearing shall be required for an application for a Minor Precise Development Plans. An application for a Major Precise Development Plan shall require a public hearing before the Planning Commission pursuant to Section 17.03.060 (Conduct of Public Hearings).Section TBD, Conduct of Public Hearings.

17.12.050 Scope of Precise Development Plan Review

5. Precise Development Plan Review Considerations. Precise Development Plan review shall be based on consideration of the requirements of this Chapter as they apply to the design of the site plan, structures, landscaping, and other physical features of a proposed project, including:

BBK (2026) Page 72 of 95

a. Building proportions, massing, and architectural details; b. Site design, orientation, location, and architectural design of buildings relative to existing structures on or adjacent to the property, topography, and other physical features of the natural and built environment;
c. Size, location, design, development, and arrangement of onsite parking and other paved areas; d. Height, materials, and design of fences, walls, and screen plantings;
e. Location and type of landscaping including selection and size of plant materials, and design of hardscape; and
f. Size, location, design, color, lighting, and materials of all signs.

17.7412.0560 Required Findings
The review authority must make all of the following findings to approve or conditionally approve a Precise Development Plan application. The inability to make one or more of the findings is grounds for denial of an application.

A. The design, layout, and other physical features of the project complies with all other applicable provisions of this Title and all other Titles of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code;
B. The design, layout, and other physical features of the project is consistent with the General Plan, and any applicable specific plan or design guidelines;
C. The design, layout, and other physical features of the project complies with any design or development standards applicable to the zone or the use in question, unless waived or modified pursuant to the provisions of this Title; and
D. The design, layout, and other physical features of the project are compatible with the desired form and character of the area, as established in the General Plan.

BBK (2026) Page 73 of 95

17.1274.070 060 Conditions of Approval
In approving a Precise Development Plan, the review authority may impose reasonable conditions or restrictions and/or require reasonable guarantees and evidence that such conditions are being, or will be, complied with, to achieve the following outcomes:

A. Ensure that the proposal conforms in all significant respects with the General Plan and with any other applicable plans or policies adopted by the City Council;
B. Achieve the general purposes of this Title or the specific purpose of the zone in which the project is located;
C. Achieve the findings for a Precise Development Plan listed in Section TBD, Required Findings; and
D. Mitigate any potentially significant impacts identified because of environmental review conducted in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act.

17.1274.0780 Appeals; Expiration, Extensions, and Revisions; Revocation A. Appeals. Appeals of Precise Development Plan shall be processed pursuant to Section 17.03.120 (Appeals and Calls for Review).

B. Expiration and Extension. An approved Precise Development Plan may expire or be extended pursuant to Section 17.03.090 (Effective Dates:

Expiration and Extension).

C. Revocation and Expiration. Revocation and Expiration of any Precise Development Plan shall be processed pursuant to Section 17.03.110 (Revocation of Permits).

D. Reapplication Upon Denial. After the denial of a Precise Development Plan has become final, no further application for the same use shall be filed for the same property for the ensuing 12 months, unless the project is revised to resolve the review authority’s previous objections to the project.

Said revision shall require a new application process and payment of fees.

BBK (2026) Page 74 of 95

5. Appeals. Precise Development Plan decisions are subject to the appeal provisions of Section TBD, Appeals and Calls for Review.

6. Expiration, Extensions and Revisions. Precise Development Plan approval is effective and may only be extended or revised as provided for in Section TBD, Effective Dates: Expiration and Extension.

7. Reapplication Upon Denial. After the denial of a Precise Development Plan has become final, no further application for the same Parking Plan shall be filed for the same property for the ensuing six months, unless the project is revised to resolve the review authority’s previous objections to the project. Said revision shall require a new application process and payment of fee

8. Revocation. Precise Development Plan approval may be revoked pursuant to Section TBD, Revocation, if any of the conditions or terms of the approval are violated or if any law or ordinance is violated.

BBK (2026) Page 75 of 95

EXHIBIT L
CHAPTER 17.76 – VARIANCES
Chapter 17.76 (Conditional use permits)is hereby deleted in its entirety and new Chapter 17.76 (Variances) is added to Title 17 (Zoning) of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code to read as follows:

Chapter 17.13 76 Variances

17.1376.010 Purpose
This Chapter is intended to provide a mechanism for relief from the strict application of this Title where it would deprive the property owner of privileges enjoyed by similar properties because of the subject property’s unique and special conditions.

17.7613.020 Applicability
Variances may be granted to vary or modify dimensional and performancedevelopment standards but may not be granted to allow uses or activities that this Title does not authorize for a specific lot or site.

17.7613.030 Review Authority
The Planning Commission shall act as the review authority for Variance applications based on consideration of the requirements of this Chapter.

17.7613.040 Procedures
A. Application. Applications for a Variance shall be filed with the Community Development Department on the prescribed application forms prescribed by the Director. in accordance with the procedures in Section TBD, Application Forms and Fees and Section TBD, Review of Applications. The application for a Variance shall include data or other evidence in support of the applicable findings required by Section TBD, Required Findings.

B. Public Notice. An application for a Variance shall require a public notice prior to the Planning Commission decision, pursuant to Section 17.03.050 (Public Notice).Section TBD, Public Notice.

Commented [HB13]: A variance is a request to deviate from any development standard. This would require a public hearing before the Planning Commission.

Edits improve readability and remove duplicate requirements.

BBK (2026) Page 76 of 95

C. Public Hearing. An application for a Variance shall require a public hearing before the Planning Commission, pursuant to Section 17.03.060 (Conduct of Public Hearings).Section TBD, Conduct of Public Hearings.

17.1376.050 Required Findings
After conducting a public hearing, the Planning Commission must make all of the following findings in order to approve or conditionally approve a Variance application. The Commission shall deny an application for a Variance if it is unable to make any of the required findings, in which case it shall state the reasons for that determination.

A. There are exceptional or extraordinary physical circumstances or conditions applicable to the property involved that do not apply generally to property in the vicinity and identical zone, and that the granting of a Variance will not constitute a granting of a special privilege inconsistent with the limitations on the property in the vicinity and identical zone;
B. The granting of the Variance is necessary to prevent a physical hardship which is not of the applicant’s own actions or the actions of a predecessor in interest;
C. The granting of the Variance will not be detrimental or injurious to property or improvements in the vicinity, and will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, general welfare or convenience; and
D. The granting of the Variance will be consistent with the general purposes and objectives of this Title, any applicable specific plans, and the General Plan.

17.1376.060 Conditions of Approval
In approving a Variance, the review authority may impose reasonable conditions or restrictions and/or require reasonable guarantees and evidence that such conditions are being, or will be, complied with, to achieve the following outcomes:

BBK (2026) Page 77 of 95

A. Ensure that the proposal conforms in all significant respects with the General Plan and with any other applicable plans or policies adopted by the City Council;
B. Achieve the general purposes of this Title or the specific purposes of the zone in which the project is located;
C. Achieve the findings for a Variance granted; or
D. Mitigate any potentially significant impacts identified because of review conducted in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

17.7613.070 Appeals; Expiration, Extensions, and Revisions; Revocation A. Appeals. Appeals of Variances shall be processed pursuant to Section

17.03.120 (Appeals and Calls for Review).

B. Expiration and Extension. An approved Variances may expire or be extended pursuant to Section 17.03.090 (Effective Dates: Expiration and Extension).

C. Revocation and Expiration. Revocation and Expiration of any Variances shall be processed pursuant to Section 17.03.110 (Revocation of Permits).

D. Reapplication Upon Denial. After the denial of a Variances has become final, no further application for the same use shall be filed for the same property for the ensuing 12 months, unless the project is revised to resolve the review authority’s previous objections to the project. Said revision shall require a new application process and payment of fees.

E. Appeals. Variance decisions are subject to the appeal provisions of Section TBD, Appeals and Calls for Review.

F. Expiration, Extensions and Revisions. Variance approval is effective and may only be extended or revised as provided for in Chapter TBD, Effective Dates: Expiration and Extension.

G. Reapplication Upon Denial. After the denial of a Variance has become final, no further application for the same Variance shall be filed for the same property for the ensuing 12 months, unless the project is revised to

BBK (2026) Page 78 of 95

resolve the review authority’s previous objections to the project. Said revision shall require a new application process and payment of fee.

H. Revocation. Variance approval may be revoked pursuant to Section TBD, Revocation, if any of the conditions or terms of the approval are violated or if any law or ordinance is violated.

BBK (2026) Page 79 of 95

EXHIBIT M
CHAPTER 17.78 – COASTAL CLEARANCE
Chapter 17.78 (Coastal Clearance) added to Title 17 (Zoning) of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code to read as follows:

Chapter 17.18 78 Coastal Clearance

17.1878.010 Purpose
The purpose of this section is to ensure all public and private development in the Coastal Zone receives a clearance confirming the development conforms to all provisions of Title 16, Title 17, and any Land Use Plan or Coastal Development Permit.

17.1878.020 Applicability
This Section shall apply to all development in the Coastal Zone, as defined by the Coastal Act.

17.1878.030 Review Authority
A request for Coastal Clearance may be submitted with another application.

The review authority shall be in accordance with the Section 17.02.050 Review Authorities for Decisions and Appeals.TBD, Review Authorities for Decisions and Appeals.

17.1878.040 Procedure
A. Application. Applications for Coastal Clearance shall be filed with the Community Development Department on the prescribed application forms prescribed by the Director. in accordance with the procedures in Section TBD, Application Forms and Fees and Section TBD, Review of Applications.

B. Conditions of Approval. Prior to permit issuance of any development within the Coastal Zone the applicant shall demonstrate an approval, wavier, or exemption by the California Coastal Commission.

C. Post-Approval. Before permit issuance, the Community Development Director or designee shall review the California Coastal Commission’s Commented [HB14]: Coastal Clearenaces will be required for developments in the Coastal Zone. They are intended to ensure any changes made by the Coastal Commission still comply with the City’s codes.

Edits improve readability

BBK (2026) Page 80 of 95

approval, waiver, or exemption for consistency with the Director’s approval in concept.

BBK (2026) Page 81 of 95

EXHIBIT N
CHAPTER 17.80 – DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS
Chapter 17.80 (Certificates of occupancy) is hereby deleted in its entirety and new Chapter 17.80 (Development Agreements) is added to Title 17 (Zoning) of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code to read as follows:

Chapter 17.14 80 Development Agreements

17.1480.010 Purpose
This Chapter establishes procedures and requirements for considering and entering into a voluntary legally binding agreements, with applicants for development projects, as authorized in Government Code Sections 65864- 65869.5. The development agreement is intended to provide assurance to the City that a proposed project will proceed to its completion in compliance with the plans submitted and provides assurance to the applicant that the project can proceed to its completion in accordance with the rules and regulations in effect at the time of project approval.

17.1480.020 Applicability
A voluntary agreement that may be initiated by a property owner, or by the Director, for a complex or multi-phase development project that is consistent with the General Plan.

17.1480.030 Review Authority
The Planning Commission shall act as the advisory body for all Development Agreements and provide its recommendation to the City Council. The City Council shall act as the review authority, and after receiving recommendations from the Planning Commission, may adopt, reject, or modify a Development Agreement.

17.1480.040 Procedures
A. Processing Proposed Development Agreements. A Development Agreement which may be proposed by the City or any person having a legal or equitable interest in real property shall be processed in the manner of a Zone Change as provided in Article 15 and shall conform to Commented [HB15]: A Development Agreement is a contract between a project developer and the City. They provide a vested right to develop the project in exchange for a public benefit.

Development Agreements must be approved by the City Council.

Edits improve readability and remove provisions for appeals, expiration, extension and revocation since these are required to be listed in the development agreement document.

BBK (2026) Page 82 of 95

the requirements of Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 65864) Division 1, of the Government Code entitled "Development Agreements." B. Development Agreement Content All development agreements shall contain the following provisions:

1. Duration of the agreement;

2. Permitted uses for the subject property;

3. Density or intensity of the permitted uses;

4. Approved site plans, elevations, floor plans and sections, including the maximum height and size of proposed buildings;

5. Provisions, if any, for reservation or dedication of land for public purposes or other contribution to public improvements and amenities of benefit to the City;

6. Protection from either a future growth control ordinance or a future increase in development impact fees;

7. Provisions that address the applicable environmental review for the project;

8. Provisions requiring periodic review of the Development Agreement; under Section; TBD

9. Provisions that would necessitate a reconsideration or amendment of the development agreement if any health and safety issues of compelling public necessity are discovered (i.e., a new environmental health hazard is discovered);

10.Provisions for the expiration and extension of said expiration of the agreement.

9.11. Provisions to amend or cancel, in whole or in part, by mutual consent of all parties to the agreement, or their successor-ininterest, in compliance with state law (Government Code Section 65868).

BBK (2026) Page 83 of 95

10.12. Provisions which are appropriate and acceptable to the City Attorney, that the developer shall commence construction or satisfy other requirements within a specified timeframe; and

11.13. Any other terms determined to be appropriate and necessary including provisions for payment to the City.

C. Periodic Review Requirement.

1. The Planning Commission shall review the Development Agreement every 12 months, unless otherwise specified in the Development Agreement, after the approval of the agreement for the life of the project to determine whether the contracting party or the successor has complied in good faith with the terms and conditions of the Development Agreement.

2. The applicant shall initiate the review by filing a request for review along with the corresponding fee established by City Council within 60 days prior to the anniversary of the date of approval. The applicant shall submit evidence demonstrating the applicant’s good-faith compliance with the Development Agreement.

3. If as a result of this review, the Planning Commission finds and determines time of annual review, on the basis of substantial evidence, that the contracting party or the successor in interest has not complied with, a report shall be made the City Council, and referred to the City Attorney’s office for action.

17.1480.050 Required Findings
The following findings shall be made before approval of a Development Agreement or amendment:

A. The Development Agreement is in the best interests of the City, promoting the public interest and welfare through public benefits; and B. The Development Agreement is consistent with all applicable provisions of the General Plan, any applicable specific plan, and this Zoning Ordinance.

17.14.060 Appeals; Expiration, Extensions, and Revisions; Revocation

BBK (2026) Page 84 of 95

Q. Appeals. Development Agreements may not be appealed as the Planning Commission review authority is advisory.

R. Expiration, Extensions and Revisions. A Development Agreement approval is effective and may only be extended or revised as provided for in Chapter TBD, Effective Dates: Expiration and Extension.

S. Amendment or Cancellation Procedure. A Development Agreement may be amended or canceled, in whole or in part, by mutual consent of all parties to the agreement, or their successor-in-interest, in compliance with state law (Government Code Section 65868), or as set forth in the agreement. The requested amendment or cancellation shall be processed in the same manner specified by this chapter for the adoption of a development agreement.

BBK (2026) Page 85 of 95

EXHIBIT O
CHAPTER 17.82 – SPECIFIC PLANS
Chapter 17.82 (Specific Plans) is hereby added to Title 17 (Zoning) of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code to read as follows:

Chapter 17.15 82 Specific Plans

17.1582.010 Purpose
This Chapter establishes procedures for the consideration, adoption, and implementation of specific plans for the purpose of implementing PLAN Hermosa (“the General Plan”) on an area-specific basis.

17.1582.020 Applicability
A. The procedures in this Chapter shall apply to all proposals to establish a Specific Plan Area, amend or a Specific Plan Area. When changes to the Zoning Ordinance or zone or boundary line shown on the Zoning Map are required, a Zoning Amendment shall also be required.

B. Initiation of Amendment. A Specific Plan or amendment to a Specific Plan may be initiated by the owner of the subject property, the Director, by motion of the Planning Commission, or by a motion of the City Councilby an applicant or by a motion of the City Council or Planning Commission.

17.1582.030 Review Authority
The Planning Commission shall act as the advisory body for all proposed Specific Plans and Specific Plan Amendments. The Planning Commission shall provide recommendations to the City Council. The City Council shall act as the final review authority and upon receiving a recommendation from the Planning Commission, may adopt, reject, or modify a Specific Plan.

17.1582.040 Procedures
A. Application. Applications for Specific Plans shall be filed with the Community Development Department on the prescribed application forms prescribed by the Director.pursuant to Section TBD “Application Forms and Fees” and Section TBD Review of Applications. The application Commented [HB16]: A Specific Plan is a zoning document
used to guide development in a specific, smaller area of the City rather than citywide. Specific Plans require City Council approval Edits improve readability and ensure the City’s codes are inline with State law.

BBK (2026) Page 86 of 95

for a Specific Plans shall include data or other evidence in support of the applicable findings required by Section TBD, Required Findings.

B. Public Hearing and Notice. All Specific Plan and Specific Plan Amendments shall be referred to the Planning Commission, which shall conduct at least one public hearing on any proposed amendment prior to submitting a recommendation report to the City Council. At least ten (10) days before the date of any public hearing, the City shall provide notice as provided for in Section 17.03.050 (Public Notice).Section TBD, Public Notice.

C. Planning Commission Hearing. Before submitting a recommendation to the City Council, the Planning Commission shall conduct at least one public hearing.

D. Recommendation to City Council. Following the public hearing, the Planning Commission shall make a recommendation on the Specific Plan to the City Council. Such recommendation shall include the reasons for the recommendation, findings related to General Plan consistency, and a discussion of the relationship of the proposed amendment to other adopted documents. The recommendation shall be transmitted to the City Council with a copy of the approved minutes from the Planning Commission hearing.

1. Approval. If the Planning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed amendment, the City Council is required to take final action pursuant to Section TBD, City Council Hearing and Action.

2. Denial. If the Planning Commission has recommended against the proposed amendment, the City Council is not required to take any further action unless an appeal is filed in accordance with Section

17.03.120 (Appeals and Calls for Review)Section TBD, Appeals and Calls for Review.

E. City Council Hearing and Action

1. City Council Hearing. After receiving the recommendation from the Planning Commission, the City Council shall hold a hearing in accordance with Section TBD, Conduct of Public Hearings. The notice for the hearing shall include a summary of the Planning Commission recommendation.

BBK (2026) Page 87 of 95

2. City Council Action. After the conclusion of the hearing, the City Council may approve, modify, or deny the proposed Specific Plan or Specific Plan amendment.

F. Reapplication Upon Denial. After the denial of a Specific Plan has become final, no further application for the same Specific Plan shall be filed for the same property for the ensuing 12 months, unless the project is revised to resolve the review authority’s previous objections to the project.

1. Determination if the new application has resolved the review authority’s previous objections shall be made by the Director.

1.2. Said revision shall require a new application process and payment of fee.

17.1582.050 Required Findings
The following findings shall be made prior to approval of any specific plan or specific plan amendment:

A. The specific plan or amendment is consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies of the General Plan;
B. The specific plan or amendment will not create conditions materially detrimental to the public health, safety, and general welfare; C. The specific plan or amendment is compatible with zoning on adjacent properties, and ensures development of desirable character that will be harmonious with surrounding properties;
D. The specific plan or amendment is suitable and appropriate for the location, access, and topography for the development of the subject property;

17.82.060 Amendments
A Specific Plan may be amended in the same manner as a new Specific Plan is adopted.

BBK (2026) Page 88 of 95

EXHIBIT P
CHAPTER 17.84 – ZONING AMENDMENTS
Chapter 17.84 (Zoning Amendments) is hereby added to Title 17 (Zoning) of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code to read as follows:

Chapter 17.16 84 Zoning Amendments

17.1684.010 Purpose
This Chapter establishes procedures by which changes may be made to the text of this Zoning Ordinance and to the Zoning Map, whenever the public necessity, convenience, general welfare, or good practice justify such amendment, consistent with the General Plan.

17.1684.020 Applicability
A. The procedures in this Chapter shall apply to all proposals to change the text of this Zoning Ordinance or to revise a zone or boundary line shown on the Zoning Map.

B. Initiation of Amendment. An amendment to the Zoning Ordinance or Zoning Map may be initiated by any applicantthe Director, by motion of the Planning Commission, or by a motion of the City Council. or Planning Commission. An amendment to the Zoning Map may be initiated by the owner of the subject property, the Director, by motion of the Planning Commission, or by a motion of the City Council.

17.1684.030 Review Authority
The Planning Commission shall act as the advisory body for all amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map and provide recommendations to the City Council. The City Council shall act as the final review authority and upon receiving a recommendation from the Planning Commission, may adopt, reject, or modify all zoning amendments.

17.1684.040 Procedures
A. Application. Applications for Zoning Amendments shall be filed with the Community Development Department on the prescribed application forms prescribed by the Director. pursuant to Section TBD, Application Commented [HB17]: This sections provides the method for future amendments to the Zoning Code.

Edits improve readability and establish ability to amend the zoning map.

BBK (2026) Page 89 of 95

Forms and Fees and Section TBD, Review of Applications. The application for a Zoning Amendment shall include data or other evidence in support of the applicable findings required by Section TBD, Required Findings.

B. Public Hearing and Notice. All amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map shall be referred to the Planning Commission, which shall conduct at least one public hearing on any proposed amendment prior to submitting a recommendation report to the City Council. At least 10 20 days before the date of any public hearing, the City shall provide notice as provided for in Section 17.03.050 (Public Notice).Section TBD, Public Notice.

C. Planning Commission Hearing and Recommendation

1. Planning Commission Hearing. Before submitting a
recommendation to the City Council, the Planning Commission shall conduct at least one public hearing.

2. Recommendation to City Council. Following the public hearing, the Planning Commission shall make a recommendation on the
proposed amendment to the City Council. Such recommendation shall include the reasons for the recommendation, findings related to General Plan consistency, and a discussion of the relationship of the proposed amendment to other adopted documents. The
recommendation shall be transmitted to the City Council with a copy of the approved minutes from the Planning Commission hearing.
a. Approval. If the Planning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed amendment, the City Council is required to take final action pursuant to Section TBD, City Council Hearing and Action.
b. Denial. If the Planning Commission has recommended
against the proposed amendment, the City Council is not required to take any further action unless an appeal is filed in accordance with Section 17.03.120 (Appeals and Calls for Review).Section TBD, Appeals and Calls for Review.
c. Reapplication Upon Denial. After the denial of a Zoning Amendment has become final, no further application for the

BBK (2026) Page 90 of 95

same Zoning Amendment shall be filed for the same property for the ensuing 12 months, unless the project is revised to resolve the review authority’s previous objections to the project.
i. Determination if the new application has resolved the review authority’s previous objections shall be made by the Director.
i.ii. Said revision shall require a new application process and payment of fee.

D. City Council Hearing and Action

1. City Council Hearing. After receiving the recommendation from the Planning Commission, the City Council shall hold a hearing in accordance with Section 17.03.060 (Conduct of Public
Hearings)Section TBD, Conduct of Public Hearings. The notice for the hearing shall include a summary of the Planning Commission recommendation.

2. City Council Action. After the conclusion of the hearing, the City Council may approve, modify, or deny the proposed amendment.

If the Council proposes any substantial revision not previously considered by the Planning Commission during its hearings, the proposed revision shall first be referred to the Planning Commission for report and recommendation, but the Planning Commission shall not be required to hold a public hearing. The failure of the Planning Commission to report within 45 days after the referral shall be deemed a recommendation for approval and the amendment
shall be returned to Council for adoption.

17.1684.050 Required Findings
The following findings shall be made prior to approval of any Zoning Amendment:

A. The amendment would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience or welfare of the City;

BBK (2026) Page 91 of 95

B. The amendment is consistent with the intent of the vision, goals and objectives, and policies of PLAN Hermosa, the city’s general plan; and C. The amendment is consistent with the purpose of the Zoning Ordinance, Title 17.

BBK (2026) Page 92 of 95

EXHIBIT Q
CHAPTER 17.84 – ZONING AMENDMENTS
Chapter 17.86 (General Plan Amendment) is hereby added to Title 17 (Zoning) of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code to read as follows:

Chapter 17.17 86 General Plan Amendment

17.1786.010 Purpose
This chapter establishes procedures for making changes to the General Plan as provided for in State Law when there are necessary reasons to do so as a result of changes in conditions or circumstances unforeseen at the time of adoption or last amendment of the General Plan. These circumstances include, but are not limited to, changes in State or Federal law and problems and opportunities that were unanticipated at the time of adoption or last amendment.

17.1786.020 Applicability
The procedures in this Chapter shall apply to all proposals to change the text of the General Plan or to change a general plan designation or boundary line as shown on the General Plan Map.

17.1786.030 Initiation of Amendment.

An amendment to the text of the General Plan may be initiated by the Director, by motion of the Planning Commission, or by a motion of the City Council. An amendment to the General Plan Land Use Map may be initiated by the owner of the subject property, the Director, by motion of the Planning Commission, or by a motion of the City Council.An amendment to the General Plan or General Plan map may only be initiated at the direction of the City Council. The City Council is the final review authority for General Plan Amendments.

17.1786.040 Review Authority
The Planning Commission shall act as the advisory body for all amendments to City’s General Plan and General Plan Map and provide recommendations to the City Council. The City Council shall act as the final review authority and upon receiving a recommendation from the Planning Commission, may adopt, reject, or modify all general plan or general plan map amendments.

17.1786.050 Procedures
Commented [HB18]: This sections provides the method for future amendments to the General Plan.

Edits improve readability and establish ability to amend the General Plan Land Use map

BBK (2026) Page 93 of 95

B. Application. Applications for General Plan Amendment shall be filed with the Community Development Department on the prescribed application forms prescribed by the Director.pursuant to Section TBD, Application Forms and Fees and Section TBD Review of Applications. The application for a General Plan Amendment shall include data or other evidence in support of the applicable findings required by Section TBD, Required Findings.

C. Public Hearing and Notice. All amendments to the General Plan and General Plan Land Use Map shall be referred to the Planning Commission, which shall conduct at least one public hearing on any proposed amendment prior to submitting a recommendation report to the City Council. At least ten (10)20 days before the date of any public hearing, the City shall provide notice as provided for in Section 17.03.050 (Public Notice).Section TBD, Public Notice.

D. Planning Commission Hearing and Recommendation. Before submitting a recommendation to the City Council, the Planning Commission shall conduct at least one public hearing.

E. Recommendation to City Council. Following the public hearing, the Planning Commission shall make a recommendation on the proposed amendment to the City Council. Such recommendation shall include the reasons for the recommendation, findings related to General Plan consistency, and a discussion of the relationship of the proposed amendment to other adopted documents. The recommendation shall be transmitted to the City Council with a copy of the approved minutes from the Planning Commission hearing.

1. Approval. If the Planning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed amendment, the City Council is required to take final action. pursuant to Section TBD, City Council Hearing and Action.

2. Denial. If the Planning Commission has recommended against the proposed amendment, the City Council is not required to take any further action unless an appeal is filed in accordance with Section

17.03.120 (Appeals and Calls for Review).Section TBD, Appeals and Calls for Review.

BBK (2026) Page 94 of 95

3. Reapplication Upon Denial. After the denial of a Geneal Plan Amendment has become final, no further application for the same General Plan Amendment shall be filed for the ensuing 12 months, unless the project is revised to resolve the review authority’s previous objections to the project.
a. Determination if the new application has resolved the review authority’s previous objections shall be made by the Director.
b. Said revision shall require a new application process and payment of fee.

F. City Council Hearing and Action.

1. City Council Hearing. After receiving the recommendation from the Planning Commission, the City Council shall hold a hearing in accordance with Section 17.03.060 (Conduct of Public Hearings) Section TBD, Conduct of Public Hearings. The notice for the hearing shall include a summary of the Planning Commission
recommendation.

2. City Council Action. After the conclusion of the hearing, the City Council may approve, modify, or deny the proposed amendment.

If the Council proposes any substantial revision not previously considered by the Planning Commission during its hearings, the proposed revision shall first be referred to the Planning Commission for report and recommendation, but the Planning Commission shall not be required to hold a public hearing. The failure of the Planning Commission to report within 45 days after the referral shall be deemed a recommendation for approval and the amendment
shall be returned to Council for adoption.

17.1786.060 Required Findings
A. The proposed amendment would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience or welfare of the city, as specified under Government Code Section 65358(as);

BBK (2026) Page 95 of 95

B. That adoption of the proposed General Plan amendment will not exceed the annual limit on amendments specified under Government Code Section 65358(b); and
C. The amendment is consistent with the intent of the vision, goals and objectives, and policies of the General Plan and internally consistent.

ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT (24-01):

TITLE 17 OF THE HBMC PERTAINING

TO ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
City Council Meeting – May 26, 2026

Request
• Conduct the public hearing
• Consider the amendments
• Find action is exempt from CEQA
• Introduce ordinance

IN-THE-ZONE
• PLAN Hermosa – 2017
• Assessment – 2020
• Update zoning code to be:
o User-friendly
o Implement the community’s vision
o Consistent with State law

Background
Release of
Assessment
May 2020
Planning
Commission
Hearing
May 2024
City
Council
Hearing

Administrative Procedures
Ministerial: Permits that do not require any discretion.

Administrative: Uses that have a low potential to create an impact.

Entitlement: Uses that have a higher potential to create an impact.

Legislative: Changes to regulations or policies.

Administrative Procedures
Ministerial: Permits that do not require any discretion.

Administrative: Uses that have a low potential to create an impact.

Entitlement: Uses that have a higher potential to create an impact.

Legislative: Changes to regulations or policies.

Administrative Procedures
Ministerial: Permits that do not require any discretion.

Administrative: Uses that have a low potential to create an impact.

Entitlement: Uses that have a higher potential to create an impact.

Legislative: Changes to regulations or policies.

Administrative Procedures
Ministerial: Permits that do not require any discretion.

Administrative: Uses that have a low potential to create an impact.

Entitlement: Uses that have a higher potential to create an impact.

Legislative: Changes to regulations or policies.

Ministerial Process

Ministerial Process

MINISTERIAL
• ADUs/JADUs
• SB 9 units
• Single Family Homes
• Small Structures ≤1,500 s.f.
• Small Remodels ≤3,000 s.f.
• Residential with 20% affordable
units

Administrative Process

Administrative Process

ADMINISTRATIVE
• Administrative Permits
• Limited outdoor seating
• Temporary Use Permits
• Short Term Vacation Rentals
• Temporary Signs
• Minor Precise Development Plans
• Minor Use Permit
• Convex Slope Determinations
• Zoning & Similar Use Interpretation

Entitlement Process

Entitlement Process

ENTITLEMENT
• Conditional Use Permits
• Variances
• Major Precise Development Plans
• Parking Plans
• Certificate of Appropriateness

Legislative Process

Legislative Process

LEGISLATIVE
• General Plan Amendments
• Zoning Amendments
• Specific Plans
• Development Agreements

Environmental Determination
• Project is exempt from the California
Quality Act (CEQA)
• CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3)

Public Noticing
• Legal ad published in the Easy Reader on
May 26, 2026, as 1/8 page ad.

Staff Recommendation
• Conduct a public hearing to consider the proposed amendments to Title 17 of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code pertaining to the Administrative Procedures;
• Find that the action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines; and
• Introduce by title only and waive first reading of an Ordinance (Attachment 1) of the City of Hermosa Beach approving the Zone Text Amendment (TA24-01).

• Contact us.

Alexis Oropeza, Planning Manager
(310) 318-0241
[email protected]
THANK YOU!

Code Amendments

1. Chapter 17.01 (Introductory Provisions) – This chapter establishes the City’s authority to regulate zoning and clarifies the applicability of the zoning regulations.

2. Chapter 17.02 (Zoning Review Authorities) – This chapter specifies the review authority (Director, Planning Commission, City Council) for the various land use applications.

3. Chapter 17.03 (Administrative Procedures) – Administrative procedures established in this chapter include application requirements, review periods, public noticing, appeals, conduct of public hearings, and revisions, revocations, and expirations to approved entitlements. Additionally, this chapter establishes procedures to formally interpret the provisions of the zoning ordinance.

4. Section 17.04.040 (General Definitions) – The proposed amendment would add three new definitions into the existing list of definitions within the zoning ordinance. This includes defining the “Director”, “Building Official”, and “Ministerial Review” in context of implementing zoning regulations.

5. Chapter 17.60 (Zoning Clearance) – The zoning clearance provides staff a formal method to review ministerial applications. Reviews would be limited to ensure compliance with the General Plan and municipal code.

Code Amendments

6. Chapter 17.62 (Administrative Permit) – Administrative permits include emergency shelters, limited live entertainment uses, limited outdoor seating, low-barrier navigation centers, residential care facilities, short-term vacation rentals, supportive housing (up to 50 units), and temporary use/events. This chapter establishes the process, procedures, and findings required to act on these applications.

7. Chapter 17.64 (Temporary Use Permit) – The City Council adopted Ordinance 25-1487, updating the regulations pertaining to Temporary Uses and Temporary Events in June of 2025. These provisions make it clear that approval is issued pursuant to Administrative Permits. Staff recommends the elimination of this chapter as the procedures are covered by the proposed Administrative Permit Chapter (Chapter 17.62).

8. Chapter 17.66 (Minor Exceptions) – The minor exception process would allow small deviations to development standards that could be approved by the Community Development Director without the need for a variance. The applicability of the section was deferred for future consideration by the Planning Commission. Staff has therefore incorporated the current administrative variance.

9. Chapter 17.68 (Minor Use Permit) - Minor Use Permits are intended for uses that have the potential to create small impacts to neighboring properties. Minor use permits would be reviewed by the Director but still allow for public input

Code Amendments

10. Chapter 17.70 (Conditional Use Permit) – While already required, conditional use permits requirements would be moved to Chapter 17.70. This chapter establishes the process, procedures, and findings required to act on these applications.

11. Chapter 17.72 (Parking Plan) – Parking plans, as currently allowed by Chapter 17.44 of the HBMC, allow the Planning Commission to reduce the required parking for a project. Chapter 17.72 formalizes the process, procedures, and findings required to act on these applications.

12. Chapter 17.74 (Precise Development Plan) – Precise development plans allow the City to review new development projects to ensure compliance with the General Plan, zoning code, and other city regulations.

13. Chapter 17.76 (Variances) - While already allowed, variance requirements would be moved to Chapter 17.76. This chapter establishes the process, procedures, and findings required to act on these applications.

14. Chapter 17.78 (Coastal Clearance) – Coastal clearances are a new requirement in the zoning ordinance. They would be required for developments in the Coastal Zone. They are intended to ensure that any changes made by the Coastal Commission still comply with the City’s codes.

Code Amendments

15. Chapter 17.80 (Development Agreements) – The provisions are already included in the zoning ordinance but would be moved to Chapter 17.80. This chapter establishes the process, procedures, and findings required to act on these applications.

16. Chapter 17.82 (Specific Plans) – Chapter 17.38 of the HBMC currently contains all of the specific plans within the City, there is no formal method to amend or approve new specific plans other than what is contained in State law. Chapter 17.82 would complement the Specific Plans listed in Chapter 17.38 by establishing local processes, procedures, and findings to adopt a new specific plan or amend any of the existing specific plans. The Planning Commission would provide a recommendation to the City Council, who would make the final decision.

17. Chapter 17.84 (Zoning Amendments) – Chapter 17.84 establishes the formal process to amend the zoning ordinance. The Planning Commission would provide a recommendation to the City Council, who would make the final decision.

18. Chapter 17.86 (General Plan Amendment) – Chapter 17.86 establishes the formal process to amend the City’s general plan. The Planning Commission would provide a recommendation to the City Council, who would make the final decision.

I support this ordinance. After more than 40 years without a comprehensive update to the City’s zoning procedures, this effort is long overdue, and I appreciate the years of work by staff, the Planning Commission, and the many stakeholders who contributed to getting it here.

That said, I believe a few targeted refinements would make this a substantially stronger ordinance — one that better serves residents, property owners, and small businesses – – and that matches the spirit of the City’s own stated goals of timely, predictable, and measurable permitting.

1. Precise Development Plans for Code-Compliant Housing and Mixed-Use Projects
I support staff recommendations to create a “Minor PDP” that routes condos and small mixed-use in a more appropriate process. Currently every condo and every mixed-use project in Hermosa Beach — regardless of size, and regardless of whether it fully complies with city code — is required to obtain a “Major” Precise Development Plan.

This means a staff report, a public hearing before the Planning Commission, applicant fees, and months of added delay, even when the project raises no policy questions and deviates from nothing in the code. This adds a negative impact to all parties with no positive effect.

The data speaks for itself. Over the last 24 months, the Planning Commission has not once denied a code-compliant Condo/Mixed-use PDP. I can not count how many times I have heard Pete Hoffman say at a Planning Commission hearing “It checks all the boxes. We can’t deny it.”
A guaranteed delay with a predetermined outcome is not oversight. It is process burden imposed on residents and property owners who have already done everything the City asked of them.

Recommendation: Follow staff recommendation that condos and mixed-use projects that meet 100% of objective standards and seek no variance or deviation are approved at the Director-level. Full appeal rights to the Planning Commission are preserved, but a mandatory public hearing for a project that complies with everything in the code is not appropriate. If the code is objective, the review should be administrative.

2. Dormancy-Based Permit Revocation Should Be Struck All-together The proposed ordinance would allow a permit to be revoked if a use has been dormant for more than 12 consecutive months. I am asking the Council to strike this provision entirely.

Most people view a vacant storefront as a problem to be solved. I’d ask Council to consider a different frame: almost every vacant commercial space in this city is actively going through something. Cleaning up. Finding a tenant. Pulling permits. Waiting on the Coastal Commission. Negotiating a lease. Working through financing. Managing insurance or ADA compliance issues. The transition is rarely visible from the street — but that does not mean it isn’t happening.

Consider the Becker building, which many of you know. Don English had tenants and wanted to make a transition that should have been straightforward. But once the project entered the regulatory process — Planning Commission routing, solar requirements, and California ADA elevator requirements — each layer added months. What should have been a manageable transition became years of vacancy. That building was not abandoned. It was stuck. And no revocation clock would have helped — it would only have added pressure and uncertainty to an owner already navigating a complex system.

Furthermore, tenanting a commercial property is a completely different animal to residential property. Lenders and investors build extended vacancy periods into every deal they underwrite. Standard lease-up assumptions are 6 to 12 months for office, 8 to 12-plus months for retail, and 12 to 24 months for stabilized occupancy in new or significantly vacant buildings. These are not failure scenarios — they are normal market transitions. When commercial properties are finally tenanted, the leases are typically 5-10yrs, or longer, so getting the right tenant is important.

The answer to vacancy is not a penalty. The answer is a system that allows smoother transitions.

The City already has code enforcement tools to address genuinely abandoned or nuisance properties. A new dormancy-based revocation trigger is not needed for that purpose — and its reach goes well beyond it.

Recommendation: Strike §17.03.110(C)(3) in its entirety.

3. Parking Plans — Create a Tiered Review Process
As written, all Parking Plans are reviewed by the Planning Commission. This is disproportionate and discourages reinvestment in small local events, and older, small commercial buildings where parking is already one of the biggest barriers to tenant improvements, adaptive reuse, and storefront activation.

A small downtown lot with eight parking spaces is not a policy question. It is arithmetic.

Routing that kind of routine adjustment through a Planning Commission hearing adds months of delay and cost to projects that need neither.

Recommendation: Establish a tiered Parking Plan process. Director-level review should be available for routine plans: restriping, shared parking arrangements, small changes of use, modest parking adjustments, and managed parking for smaller events and commercial lots. Planning Commission review should be reserved for major parking reductions, large new development, removal of public parking, or situations involving unresolved policy questions. This preserves Commission oversight where it genuinely matters while removing unnecessary process burden from straightforward cases.

Entitlement Expiration — Allow Exercise of Permit
Entitlements can expire before financing is secured, before Coastal Commission review is complete, or before plan check and tenant improvement work can commence. For applicants who are diligently pursuing a project, this can mean going back through a full

hearing for an approval that everyone agreed was appropriate — just because the timeline slipped due to factors outside their control. I recommend adding an “Exercise of Permit” provision for substantially unchanged approvals where the applicant can demonstrate diligent pursuit. An exercised permit should not require construction commencement as its only metric of progress.

I hope my comments are helpful and considered seriously. Other than one item (revocation due to dormancy) I strongly support staff recommendations, with minor tweaks. The refinements I have outlined are not objections to the overall effort in any way but an invitation to go a little further and match the level of review to the level of judgment actually required. A streamlined, predictable process is a win for all stakeholders!
Best Regards
Jon David

City of Hermosa Beach | Page 1 of 12
Meeting Date: May 26, 2026
Staff Report No. 26-AS-061
Honorable Mayor and Members of the Hermosa Beach City Council FY 2026-2027 BUDGET PRESENTATIONS: REVENUE OPTIONS
(Administrative Services Director Brandon Walker)
Recommended Action:

Staff recommends City Council:

1. Receive and File Department Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2027 Budget Presentations; and

2. Provide direction on a preferred approach to addressing revenue enhancements to minimize impacts to community services.

Executive Summary:

The FY 2026–2027 structural budget deficit has been preliminarily addressed through expenditure adjustments designed to maintain balanced operations while minimizing impacts to filled staff positions and community services.

While these actions addressed the immediate FY27 deficit, the City continues to face significant long-term fiscal pressures, including rising Los Angeles County contract costs for fire services, lifeguards, and beach maintenance, as well as substantial unfunded infrastructure and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) needs. As a result, this report focuses on potential revenue enhancement strategies intended to improve long-term fiscal sustainability, reduce reliance on service reductions, preserve core community services, and establish more stable ongoing funding sources for infrastructure, public safety, and operational needs.

Revenue options presented for City Council consideration include modifications to the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), including potential expansion of the TOT base and rate adjustments, a potential local sales tax measure, expanded parking and mobility revenue strategies, and other locally controlled funding opportunities. These options are intended to diversify and stabilize the City’s revenue structure, reduce reliance on one-time budget solutions, better align visitor-generated impacts with revenue generation, and provide additional funding capacity to address ongoing operational, infrastructure, and public safety needs.

City of Hermosa Beach | Page 2 of 12
Background:

At the May 12, 2026 City Council meeting, departmental FY 2026–2027 budget overviews and a preliminary strategy to address the City’s projected $3.2 million structural deficit were presented to the City Council. The presentation included a high-level review of departmental operations, service priorities, and potential reduction scenarios developed to prepare for ongoing fiscal uncertainty and rising long-term costs.

The presentation explained that the City has relied on one-time funding solutions over the past five years to address a growing imbalance between revenues and expenditures.

However, increasing employee-related expenses, contractual obligations, and operational costs have made this approach unsustainable. The structural deficit is currently estimated at approximately $3.2 million, largely driven by rising labor and contract costs.

To preliminarily balance the FY27 budget while minimizing impacts to staffing and core services, the proposed strategy includes approximately $2.0 million in delayed contributions to the Equipment Replacement Fund and deferred vehicle and fleet-related purchases and maintenance funding. The plan also reduces planned reserve contributions by approximately $1.1 million, lowering the General Fund reserve level from its 20% target to approximately 18%, which remains above the Government Finance Officers Association best-practice recommendation of 16%.

The proposed FY27 budget will also include targeted departmental expenditure reductions and operational efficiencies intended to minimize impacts to staffing and community services. These measures include approximately $271,000 in projected vacancy savings achieved through the elimination, reclassification, or continued vacancy of select positions and along with other administrative cost-saving measures.

Proposed measures are intended to align expenditures with current fiscal conditions while preserving core municipal services to the greatest extent possible. The City continues to face broader long-term financial challenges, including rising County contract costs, contractual obligations, and unfunded capital and infrastructure needs.

Departments have evaluated additional reduction scenarios to prepare for future economic pressures and operational constraints. The recommended departmental reductions are expected to provide approximately $1.08 million in ongoing budgetary relief. Additional details regarding proposed reductions and associated savings will be included in the City Manager’s Proposed FY27 Budget for City Council consideration.

City of Hermosa Beach | Page 3 of 12
Department Proposed FY 27 Reduction Strategy
Estimated
Approximate
Savings
Administrative
Services
Eliminate HR intern position, downgrade HR
Analyst position, and reduce
operational/administrative support capacity.
$230,000
City Clerk
Leave Senior Office Assistant position unfilled
and defunded, expand technology/digital
workflow efficiencies to maintain service levels
where possible.
$116,000
City Manager’s
Office
Communications/community engagement
support, and training.
$75,000
Community
Development
Eliminate a vacant intern position while
maintaining core mandated functions.
$21,000
Parks &
Recreation
Operational efficiencies through software
transition, targeted reductions in
materials/advertising/training, and part-time
scheduling efficiencies.
$150,000
Police
Reduce conferences/training and contract
services for both the Police and Community
Services Division.
$270,000
Public Works
Reduce maintenance contract services,
supplemental maintenance requests, deferred
fleet replacement, conferences / training, and
beautification-related expenditures.
$224,000
Estimated Total: $1.08 Million
Following discussion, City Council directed staff to move forward with recommended FY27 budget reduction strategies that avoid impacts to filled staff positions and minimize direct impacts to community services.

Accordingly, this report focuses on potential revenue enhancement strategies for City Council consideration, including Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) modifications, shortterm rental (STR) compliance and enforcement, a potential local sales tax measure, parking and mobility revenue strategies, and other locally controlled revenue options intended to support long-term fiscal sustainability and reduce reliance on one-time budget solutions.

City of Hermosa Beach | Page 4 of 12
Past Board, Commission, and Council Actions
Meeting Date Description
March 24, 2026
City Council received an initial overview of the FY27 budget framework and provided direction to address an emerging structural deficit through a mix of revenue and expenditure strategies.

April 28, 2026
City Council reviewed the FY27 fiscal outlook, including a projected ~$3.2M deficit, and the need to shift from one-time solutions to long-term structural balance.

May 12, 2026
City Council reviewed departmental FY27 budget presentations, received an overview of proposed expenditure reduction
scenarios and long-term fiscal challenges, and directed staff to proceed with budget balancing strategies that minimize impacts to filled positions and community services.

Analysis:

The FY 2026–2027 structural budget deficit has been preliminarily addressed through expenditure adjustments designed to maintain balanced operations while minimizing impacts to filled staff positions and community services.

While these actions addressed the immediate FY27 deficit, the City continues to face significant long-term fiscal pressures, including rising Los Angeles County contract costs for fire services, lifeguards, and beach maintenance, as well as substantial unfunded infrastructure and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) needs. As a result, this report focuses on potential revenue enhancement strategies intended to improve long-term fiscal sustainability, reduce reliance on service reductions, preserve core community services, and establish more stable ongoing funding sources for infrastructure, public safety, and operational needs.

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Rate Adjustments
City Council may consider increasing the City’s existing 14% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) rate to better align with regional tourism markets and help capture additional visitorgenerated revenue. A 1 percentage-point increase in the TOT rate is estimated to generate approximately $364,000 annually in additional General Fund revenue, assuming current lodging activity levels remain consistent. As regional tourism activity is expected to increase significantly in advance of major international events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympic Games, several neighboring and tourismoriented jurisdictions throughout Los Angeles County are evaluating or pursuing TOT increases to support infrastructure, public safety, transportation, and visitor-related service demands.

Given Hermosa Beach’s strong coastal tourism economy and limited ability to generate new development-related revenue, a TOT rate adjustment represents one of the City’s

City of Hermosa Beach | Page 5 of 12
most direct opportunities to increase locally controlled revenue from visitors rather than residents. Additional TOT revenue could help offset growing public safety, beach maintenance, parking management, and infrastructure costs associated with increased tourism and special event activity, while also reducing reliance on operational reductions and one-time funding solutions.

Pros:
 Primarily impacts visitors rather than residents
 Captures increased tourism activity tied to World Cup and Olympic-related travel  Generates locally controlled General Fund revenue
 Helps offset beach, public safety, and visitor-related operational costs Cons:
 Requires voter approval
 Higher lodging costs could impact competitiveness relative to neighboring cities  Potential resistance from hospitality operators and tourism stakeholders  Revenue remains sensitive to tourism and economic downturns Short-Term Rental (STR) Compliance & Enforcement
In addition to potential TOT rate adjustments, the City may further expand and strengthen enforcement of the existing TOT base related to short-term rental (STR) activity.

Enhanced STR compliance and enforcement efforts could include increased auditing, registration requirements, enforcement coordination with hosting platforms, and collection of unpaid TOT and business license taxes associated with short-term rental operations.

As identified during the FY27 fiscal outlook study session, enhanced STR compliance efforts could generate significant one-time retroactive collections estimated at up to approximately $5 million, with ongoing annual revenue potential of approximately $1 million.

Given Hermosa Beach’s high concentration of visitor accommodations and STR demand, ensuring full collection of both TOT and business license taxes would improve equity among lodging operators, strengthen enforcement of existing municipal regulations, and provide additional locally controlled revenue to offset visitor-related impacts on public safety, beach operations, parking demand, and infrastructure maintenance without directly burdening residents.

In parallel with compliance and enforcement efforts, City staff will continue working toward obtaining a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) and establishing a permanent short-term rental program and operational guidelines intended to provide clearer regulatory standards, improve compliance, and create a more consistent long-term framework for STR operations within the City.

City of Hermosa Beach | Page 6 of 12
Pros:
 Significant near-term and ongoing revenue potential
 Improves compliance and fairness among lodging operators  Helps address neighborhood impacts associated with STR activity  Captures existing revenue currently uncollected
Cons:
 Requires ongoing enforcement staffing and administrative resources  Revenue may fluctuate depending on market conditions and enforcement success
Local Sales Tax Measure
City Council may also consider pursuing a local sales tax measure to diversify the City’s revenue structure and provide a more stable ongoing funding source for essential City services and infrastructure. Based on current taxable sales activity within Hermosa Beach, each quarter-cent increase is estimated to generate approximately $1 million annually.

Given the City’s regional draw for dining, entertainment, and beach tourism, a local sales tax measure would allow a larger portion of visitor and regional consumer spending to support ongoing City operations and infrastructure needs. Revenue generated through a sales tax measure could help fund public safety operations, street and facility maintenance, beach-related services, and long-term capital improvements while reducing reliance on one-time funding solutions and operational reductions. Any sales tax increase would require voter approval.

Pros:
 Broad and stable revenue source tied to tourism and visitor spending  Generates significant ongoing unrestricted revenue
 Helps diversify revenue beyond property tax and TOT
 Allows visitors to contribute toward City services and infrastructure Cons:
 Requires voter approval
 Potential concern from local businesses regarding consumer impacts  Revenue can decline during economic slowdowns or reduced tourism activity  May contribute to cumulative regional sales tax increases Parking & Mobility Revenue Strategies
Additional revenue opportunities include expanded parking and mobility revenue strategies, including dynamic parking pricing in beach and downtown areas, peak pricing during weekends, holidays, summer months, and special events, expanded parking meter

City of Hermosa Beach | Page 7 of 12
programs, updated parking permit programs, and enhanced parking enforcement technology.

Given Hermosa Beach’s limited parking supply, high visitor demand, and significant seasonal activity, these strategies are intended not only to generate additional locally controlled revenue, but also to improve parking turnover, traffic circulation, and beach access management in high-demand areas.

Potential strategies for City Council consideration include accelerating the City’s previously adopted parking citation rate schedule to realize the full increase by October 2026 rather than October 2027, which is estimated to generate approximately $250,000 in additional annual revenue increasing late payment penalty amounts from the current $30 flat rate to either a higher fixed amount or up to 100% of the original citation fine, which could generate an estimated $100,000 to $200,000 annually depending on collection rates and citation volume. and reevaluating the City’s current holiday parking program by reducing free holiday parking from three weeks to two weeks or eliminating the program entirely, with additional parking revenue of approximately $60,000 to $200,000 annually These measures are intended to improve cost recovery, encourage parking turnover, and align parking management practices with current operational and enforcement costs.

Options
 Accelerate increase in parking citation rates fully by October 2026:
 Increase $30 late parking citation penalty fee to 100% of original fine amount:
 Eliminate/reduce holiday parking program:

Additional operational strategies may include expanding the use of yellow-pole metered parking in high-demand coastal and commercial areas, including corridors impacted by beach activity, downtown visitation, and special events. Expanded metering could provide additional revenue generation opportunities while helping improve parking availability and reducing long-term vehicle storage in premium parking areas. Depending on the number of additional metered spaces installed and utilization levels, expanded parking meter operations could generate up to approximately $2 million annually in additional revenue.

Potential expansion areas may include Monterey Boulevard, Manhattan Avenue, and other high-utilization corridors where parking demand and visitor impacts are greatest.

Because portions of these areas are located within or adjacent to the California Coastal Zone, certain parking modifications, pricing changes, meter installations, or related operational changes may also require review and approval by the California Coastal Commission.

Options
 Expand yellow-pole meters throughout the 1 hr parking zones along Manhattan Ave, Monterey Blvd., and connecting cross streets:

City of Hermosa Beach | Page 8 of 12
The City may also consider implementing dynamic pricing models within beach parking lots and other high-demand parking facilities during peak demand periods such as summer weekends, holidays, and special events. Dynamic pricing strategies would allow parking rates to better reflect actual demand conditions, similar to other coastal and tourism-oriented communities, while providing the City with a scalable and flexible revenue source that can be adjusted over time based on operational needs, visitor activity, and parking utilization trends. Based on the City’s estimate that each $0.25 per hour increase in parking rates generates approximately $375,000 annually in additional revenue, dynamic pricing could generate substantially more revenue depending on the level and duration of peak-season rate adjustments implemented. While implementation may require upfront investment in parking technology and management systems, these strategies could generate meaningful ongoing revenue while improving parking efficiency and visitor access management throughout the City.

Options
 Use dynamic pricing to better reflect supply/demand for parking in commercial areas:

Pros:
 Locally controlled and scalable revenue source
 Primarily impacts visitors and non-residents
 Helps improve parking turnover and beach access management  Flexible pricing can better manage seasonal demand and special events Cons:
 Potential public concern regarding increased parking costs and citations  Could impact visitor perception and local business concerns regarding accessibility
 Requires upfront investment in parking technology and infrastructure  Expanded enforcement and metering may face neighborhood resistance Assessment District Modernization
The City may evaluate modernization of existing landscaping and street lighting assessment districts, which have not been comprehensively updated since approximately 1996 and currently require an estimated annual General Fund subsidy of approximately $400,000 due to rising maintenance and operational costs outpacing assessment revenues.

Modernizing these assessments could help establish a more sustainable funding source for neighborhood landscaping, lighting, and related maintenance services while reducing ongoing pressure on the General Fund. However, any increase would require a

City of Hermosa Beach | Page 9 of 12
Proposition 218 process and property owner approval, making this both a legally constrained and policy-sensitive option for City Council consideration.

Pros:
 Reduces General Fund subsidy pressures
 Creates dedicated funding for neighborhood maintenance services  Better aligns service costs with benefiting properties Cons:
 Requires Proposition 218 voter approval process
 Directly impacts property owners and residents
 Historically sensitive and potentially difficult to achieve community support Stormwater & Environmental Funding
The City may also consider updating stormwater-related fees to address ongoing General Fund subsidies currently estimated at approximately $700,000 annually. Existing stormwater fees have not kept pace with increasing regulatory compliance requirements, environmental mandates, coastal water quality obligations, and infrastructure maintenance costs.

As coastal infrastructure and environmental compliance costs continue to increase, establishing a more sustainable and dedicated funding source could help reduce structural General Fund pressures while supporting long-term stormwater infrastructure maintenance, environmental compliance, and coastal resiliency efforts. Similar to assessment adjustments, updated stormwater fees would require a Proposition 218 process and potentially voter approval depending on the structure of the proposed funding mechanism.

Pros:
 Establishes dedicated environmental and infrastructure funding source  Reduces ongoing General Fund subsidies
 Supports coastal compliance and resiliency requirements Cons:
 Directly impacts residents and property owners
 Requires Proposition 218 voter approval process
 May face community concerns regarding affordability and cumulative fee increases
City Assets & Other Local Revenue Opportunities
Additional locally controlled revenue opportunities may include optimizing City-owned assets through leases, partnerships, concession agreements, or redevelopment

City of Hermosa Beach | Page 10 of 12
opportunities to better align City property usage with long-term revenue generation goals.

Potential opportunities may include underutilized public properties, parking-related assets, and strategically located commercial or mixed-use sites that could generate recurring lease or operational revenue.

The City may also evaluate opportunities to maximize long-term economic activity through targeted land use and development strategies, including encouraging high-value commercial, hospitality, dining, and experiential uses that reinforce Hermosa Beach’s coastal visitor economy and increase property, sales, and tourism tax generation over time. Long-term policy considerations may also include targeted redevelopment or zoning adjustments in appropriate corridors to support economic vitality and sustainable revenue growth.

Pros:
 Creates long-term locally controlled recurring revenue  Potentially increases economic activity and property values  Leverages existing City assets without broad tax increases  Supports long-term economic vitality and tourism economy Cons:
 May involve significant community and land use policy discussions  Development and redevelopment opportunities can be time-intensive Potential neighborhood concerns regarding density, traffic, and coastal character  Revenue generation may not occur in the near term due to entitlement and development timelines
Option Description Potential Revenue

1. Increase TOT $364,000 per 1%

2. Increase sales tax up to 1% $1 million per ¼%
or $4 million per
1%

3. Fully implement parking citation increases in 2026 $250,000

4. Increase fee for late parking citation payment $100,000-$200,00

5. Eliminate/reduce holiday parking program $60,000-$200,000

6. Meter 1hr impact zone streets Up to $2 million

7. Implement dynamic pricing for parking $375,0000+

8. Increase fees for lighting and landscaping districts $400,000 +/-

9. Establish new fee for stormwater discharge $800.000 +/-

10. Increase rents for city assets and explore development opportunities
Unkown—subject
to negotiations

City of Hermosa Beach | Page 11 of 12
Options for Council Consideration:

Based on the City’s long-term fiscal outlook and ongoing structural funding needs, City Council may consider the following options related to potential revenue enhancement strategies:

1. Receive and file the report and provide general policy direction regarding preferred revenue strategies.

2. Direct staff to further evaluate potential Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) rate adjustments and short-term rental (STR) compliance and enforcement measures, including business license tax collection and development of a permanent STR program.

3. Direct staff to evaluate a potential local sales tax measure, including ballot timing, community outreach, and revenue projections.

4. Direct staff to further analyze parking and mobility revenue strategies, including dynamic pricing, expanded metering, citation and penalty adjustments, and holiday parking program modifications.

5. Direct staff to evaluate additional long-term funding opportunities, including assessment district modernization, stormwater fee updates, and optimization of City-owned assets and redevelopment opportunities.

6. Direct staff to return with implementation plans, financial analysis, public outreach strategies, and any required legal or voter approval processes associated with selected revenue options.

Fiscal Impact:

Implementation of the revenue enhancement strategies discussed in this report could generate several million dollars in ongoing and one-time General Fund revenues to help address the City’s long-term structural fiscal challenges, rising County contract costs, and unfunded infrastructure and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) needs.

Potential revenue opportunities include approximately $1 million annually and up to $5 million in one-time collections related to short-term rental (STR) compliance and enforcement, approximately $1 million annually for each quarter-cent local sales tax increase, additional revenues from potential Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) rate adjustments, parking and mobility revenue enhancements estimated in the hundreds of thousands to low millions annually depending on implementation, approximately $400,000 annually in reduced General Fund subsidies through assessment district modernization, and approximately $700,000 annually through updated stormwater funding mechanisms.

Several revenue options may require voter approval, Proposition 218 proceedings, Coastal Commission approvals, or upfront implementation costs related to administration, technology, enforcement, or consulting services. However, these strategies are intended

City of Hermosa Beach | Page 12 of 12
to improve long-term fiscal sustainability, reduce reliance on one-time funding solutions, and preserve core community services.

Attachments:

None
Respectfully Submitted by: Brandon Walker, Administrative Services Director Noted for Fiscal Impact: Henry Chao, Finance Manager
Legal Review: Jason Baltimore, Interim City Attorney
Approved: Steve Napolitano, City Manager

FY 27 BUDGET

REVENUE OPTIONS
MAY 26, 2026

FY27 Fiscal Outlook
• Approximate $3.2 million structural deficit
• Rising labor and operational costs
• Increasing County contract service costs
• Growing infrastructure and CIP funding needs
• Maintain balanced operations while
minimizing impacts to staff and services

Preliminary Budget Balancing Actions
Deferred Equipment Replacement Fund contributions
Delayed fleet purchases and maintenance
Reduced reserve contributions
Departmental operational reductions
Approximately $1.08 million in ongoing savings

Proposed FY 26-27 Reductions
Department Reduction Summary
Administrative Services – $230K
City Clerk – $116K
City Manager – $75K
Community Development – $21K
Parks & Recreation – $150K
Police – $270K
Public Works – $224K
Total Estimated Savings: ~$1.08 Million

Why Revenue Enhancements Are Needed
• Ongoing structural budget imbalance
• Rising operational & infrastructure costs
• Increasing visitor-related service demands
• Limited long-term revenue growth
• Preserve services and improve long-term sustainability

Revenue Enhancement Categories
Transient
Occupancy Tax
(TOT)
Short-Term Rental
(STR) Compliance
Local Sales Tax
Measure
Parking & Mobility
Revenue
Assessment District
Modernization
Stormwater &
Environmental
Fees
City Asset
Optimization &
Development

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)
• Current TOT Rate: 14%
• ~$364,000 annually per 1% increase
• Primarily impacts visitors
• Supports public safety & beach operations
• Requires voter approval

Short-Term Rental (STR) Compliance
• Enhanced audits & registration requirements
• Collection of unpaid taxes
• Permanent STR program development
• Up to ~$5 million one-time collections
• ~$1 million annually ongoing

Local Sales Tax Measure
• ~$1 million annually per ¼-cent increase
• Up to ~$4 million annually for 1%
• Broad and stable revenue source
• Visitor contribution to City services
• Requires voter approval

Parking & Mobility Revenue Strategies
• Dynamic pricing for beach & downtown
parking
• Expanded parking meter programs
• Citation & late fee adjustments
• Holiday parking modifications
• Expanded metering up to ~$2M
• Dynamic pricing ~$375K+

Assessment District Modernization
• Districts not updated since ~1996
• ~$400K annual General Fund subsidy
• Dedicated maintenance funding
• Requires Proposition 218 process
• Property owner approval required

Stormwater & Environmental Funding
• ~$700K annual General Fund subsidy
• Increasing environmental compliance costs
• Supports coastal resiliency efforts
• Dedicated environmental funding source
• Requires Proposition 218 process

City Assets & Economic Development
• Lease optimization
• Public-private partnerships
• Development opportunities
• Increase recurring revenues
• Balance economic growth with community character
and coastal access

Revenue Options Summary Table

Council Consideration Options
Evaluate TOT adjustments
Expand STR enforcement
Analyze local sales tax measure
Further study parking strategies
Explore assessment/stormwater updates
Return with implementation plans

Recommended Next Steps
Receive & file report
Provide policy direction
Prioritize preferred revenue strategies
Direct staff on implementation analysis & outreach

FY 27 BUDGET

REVENUE OPTIONS
MAY 26, 2026

City of Hermosa Beach | Page 1 of 11
Meeting Date: May 26, 2026
Staff Report No. 26-PR-027
Honorable Mayor and Members of the Hermosa Beach City Council

CONSIDERATION OF SPECIAL EVENT POLICY GUIDE AND FEE UPDATES (Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Nichols)
Recommended Action:

Staff recommends City Council:

1. Consider approval of the proposed Special Event Policy Guide and fee updates outlined in the staff report; and

2. Consider the amendments proposed by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission outlined in the staff report.

Executive Summary:

Staff conducted a comprehensive review of the City’s Special Events Policy Guide (Attachment 1) and associated fee structure and identified potential policy modifications and fee updates to improve clarity, consistency, administrative efficiency, and cost recovery. The proposed changes are intended to support the continued delivery of highquality community events while more effectively managing public resources.

Background:

The Parks and Recreation Department is tasked with overseeing special events on public property. The City’s Special Events Policy Guide (Attachment 1) provides event producers with detailed information regarding application requirements, review and approval procedures, applicable fees, relevant policies, and Hermosa Beach Municipal Code (HBMC) provisions related to special events. Events are evaluated using the Impact Characteristics Matrix and classified as Impact Level I, II, or III.

Following staff’s comprehensive review of the Special Events Policy Guide (Attachment 1), staff presented policy and fee updates to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission (Commission) at its April 16, 2026, meeting. The Commission recommended that City Council approve the proposed Special Event Policy Guide and associated fee updates, with consideration of the Commission’s feedback as outlined in the staff report.

City of Hermosa Beach | Page 2 of 11
Past Commission Actions
Meeting Date Description
Parks and
Recreation
Advisory
Commission
April 16, 2026
The Commission recommended City Council approval of
Special Event Policy Guide and fee updates with proposed amendments.

Discussion:

Included as (Attachment 2) is an updated proposed Special Events Policy Guide incorporating staff’s proposed recommendations. The revised document also reorganizes and consolidates content to improve clarity, readability, and overall usability for both event producers and City staff.

Below is a summary of the proposed policy modifications.

Special Event Approval Guidelines
Under the current policy, application deadlines and approval processes vary based on event classification (Impact Levels I, II, or III) and whether an event is new or returning.

New events classified as Impact Level I or II are required to submit applications at least 90 days in advance, and new events classified as Impact Level III are required to submit applications by July 30 for the following calendar year. Any new event, regardless of its Impact Level, must be reviewed by both the Commission and City Council through a public hearing.

Staff proposes modifying the policy to require new events to submit applications at least 90 days in advance, regardless of Impact Level. New events would still be subject to be reviewed by the Commission and City Council, but through Matters for Commission Consideration and Municipal Matters for City Council. Staff also proposes modifying the policy to provide the Parks and Recreation Director (Director) with the discretion to elevate events to a public hearing process based on anticipated community impact or other significant considerations, including but not limited to potential community concern, anticipated attendance, operational complexity, or policy sensitivity.

Under the current policy, returning events are subject to varying deadlines and levels of review depending on their Impact Level. Returning Impact Level III events must be submitted by July 30 for the following calendar year and are subject to review by both the Commission and City Council. Returning Impact Level II events must be submitted at least 90 days in advance and are reviewed by the Commission, while returning Impact

City of Hermosa Beach | Page 3 of 11
Level I events must be submitted at least 30 days in advance and are reviewed administratively by City staff.

Staff proposes simplifying this structure by establishing a consistent annual timeline, with the City initiating outreach in June to returning event producers and requesting preferred event dates by July 31 for all Impact Levels for the upcoming calendar year. Returning events would be reviewed collectively by the Commission in September, with staff presenting the proposed Special Events Calendar, inclusive of all requested returning event dates, for consideration and approval. Under this proposed approach, the Commission’s review would be limited to approval of the Special Events Calendar rather than the individual review and approval of each returning event. This represents a shift from the current practice, in which each returning event is reviewed and approved individually. Detailed event information will not be provided as part of the calendar review unless a returning event proposes significant changes from prior years. In such cases, as determined by the Director, the event would be presented separately for individual review and consideration by the Commission followed by City Council.

Event producers who miss the July 31 deadline would be required to submit applications at least 90 days in advance of the event. Under the proposed policy, returning Impact Level III events would no longer require City Council review and approval, unless otherwise directed by City Council or elevated by staff due to significant changes proposed to the event from prior years.

Overall, the proposed changes enhance clarity for event producers, promote consistency, and improve administrative efficiency for staff and event producers, while also providing greater flexibility to accommodate new event requests.

Special Event Locations
The current policy lists the following locations as permissible to host events:
 Beach within the Commercial Zone (the beach north and south of the Pier between 10th–15th Street)
 The Strand (continuous movement only)
 Schumacher Plaza
 Pier Plaza
 Public rights-of-way
 Valley Park, Clark Field, Edith Rodaway Park
 Other parks reviewed on a case-by-case basis
 Community Center Courtyard or Lawn
Staff proposes adding that “special considerations for locations not listed above may be considered upon request.”

City of Hermosa Beach | Page 4 of 11
Staff is aware of a number of long-standing beach volleyball tournaments that occur outside of the currently permitted Commercial Zone, many of which have been held annually for decades at locations such as 8th Street, 16th–17th Street, 21st–22nd Street, 28th Street, and 29th Street. These events include co-ed, men’s, and women’s tournaments and are often tied to holidays such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and seasonal weekends, and several have historical roots spanning 20 to over 60 years. Many of these tournaments are locally organized, community-driven traditions that promote recreation, social engagement, and, in several cases, charitable fundraising for local causes.

However, because these locations are not currently identified as permissible event sites under the existing policy, these activities are occurring without permit. By adding language that allows for “special considerations for locations not listed above,” the City would create a mechanism to formally recognize, review, and permit these legacy events.

Special Event Limits
Under the current policy, limitations on special event days within the peak season (Memorial Day to Labor Day) are specific to coastal locations, including the Beach, the Strand, and Pier Plaza, with set maximums of 45 event days for Impact Level III events and 25 event days for Impact Level II and I events. Outside of the peak season, there is a monthly cap of 15 event days city-wide. The policy also limits the number of events to two on any given day citywide.

Staff recommends that the maximum number of special event days be increased to 50 for Impact Level III events and that the 25-day maximum be maintained for Impact Level II and I events. Additionally, the peak season should commence on the Saturday preceding Memorial Day, in line with the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code. These recommendations reflect the feedback from the Commission. Adjusting the total maximum number of Impact Level III events during the peak season would accommodate all returning events.

Staff also recommends expanding the applicability of the limits citywide during the peak season, rather than limiting them to the coastal locations. A citywide approach is intended to improve clarity by establishing a single, consistent standard for special event limits rather than location-specific rules, reducing confusion for event producers, staff, and the public. It also allows staff to more efficiently manage scheduling and coordination across all event locations, while better accounting for the cumulative demand on City resources.

By aligning event limits with overall City capacity, this approach supports more strategic allocation of events and helps reduce the potential for resources to be overextended, regardless of where events occur.

City of Hermosa Beach | Page 5 of 11
Fee-Waiver Grant Program Eligibility
The intent of the Fee Waiver Grant Program is to support events that provide a clear and direct community benefit. Staff proposes adding eligibility criteria to specify that events offering prize pools, cash awards, or other forms of participant compensation are not eligible for fee waiver consideration. Such events may be structured as competitive or revenue-generating activities that provide a direct financial benefit to participants, teams, or affiliated organizations, rather than providing broader community benefit.

Fee Waiver Grants represent a use of limited City resources and potential foregone revenue. Accordingly, staff proposes prioritizing these subsidies for events that are primarily community-serving in nature and provide broad public benefit, rather than those that include private financial incentives.

During its review of the proposed Special Events Policy Guide and fee updates, the Commission recommended not approving staff’s recommendation pertaining to events offering prize pools, cash awards, or other form of participant compensation, as such incentives increase event participation. Staff recommends that City Council consider approval of either staff’s recommendation or the Commission’s alternative approach pertaining to this matter. The proposed Special Event Policy Guide (Attachment 2) reflects staff’s recommendation.

Additionally, the Commission recommends simplifying the Fee Waiver Grant Program eligibility criteria to only include that the approved event must provide a unique benefit to the City or the community, provide a large economic impact, and a partial fee waiver would make a meaningful difference to the event producer’s ability to produce the event. Staff supports this recommendation and the change is reflected in the proposed Special Event Policy Guide (Attachment 2).

LTA Program Procedures
Under the current policy for the LTA program, the following steps are required to guide the development and implementation of an LTA:

1. Submittal of an LTA Application and corresponding letter to the Parks and Recreation Department demonstrating how the organization meets the criteria.

2. Review and recommendation for City Council approval by the Commission.

3. Review and approval by the City Council to begin LTA negotiations with City staff.

4. LTA negotiations and development.

5. Presentation of the final LTA to the City Council for approval.

To reduce redundancy in the approval process, improve administrative efficiency, and maintain appropriate oversight by both the Commission and City Council at key decision points, staff proposes modifying this process. Specifically, staff recommends eliminating the City Council’s review and approval to initiate LTA negotiations (Step 3) and instead authorizing the Commission to provide this approval.

City of Hermosa Beach | Page 6 of 11
Under the proposed approach, the Commission would review applications and authorize staff to proceed with LTA negotiations, while City Council would retain final approval authority upon completion of negotiations. This modification preserves City Council’s ultimate oversight and decision-making authority on the final agreement.

LTA Program Obligations
Under the current policy for the LTA Program, organizations approved through an LTA are required to provide both a pre-event and post-event presentation to the Commission, including detailed information on anticipated attendance, event setup, and projected community impacts, as well as a follow-up on actual outcomes and event performance.

Staff proposes eliminating the pre-event presentation requirement, retaining only a postevent presentation within 60 days following the event, focused on actual attendance, community impacts, and event successes and challenges.

This change is intended to reduce administrative burden on staff and event producers and focus staff and Commission time on evaluating actual event outcomes rather than projections, while still maintaining accountability and oversight.

Additional Commission Feedback
During its review of the proposed Special Events Policy Guide and fee updates, the Commission recommended eliminating all LTA program eligibility criteria and only maintaining the criteria that an event must have been held in Hermosa Beach for a minimum of three consecutive years in order to be considered for an LTA. Staff supports this recommendation and the change is reflected in the proposed Special Event Policy Guide (Attachment 2).

Additionally, the Commission recommended the removal of the “Returning or New Event” classification from the Impact Characteristic Matrix in the Special Events Policy Guide, providing justification that whether an event is returning or new, it doesn’t change the impact level of the event itself. Staff also supports this recommendation, and the change is reflected in the proposed Special Event Policy Guide (Attachment 2).

Updated or Added Special Event Permit Program Fees
Included in Table 1 below are staff’s proposed fee updates or additions to the Special Event Permit Program, supported by the Commission. These proposed fees are intended to support improved cost recovery, ensure equitable application of fees across event types, and more accurately reflect the staff time, coordination, and City resources required to support special events.

City of Hermosa Beach | Page 7 of 11
Table 1: Proposed Special Event Permit Program Fee Updates or Additions Proposed Fee Update or Addition Discussion
Modification:

Events with participant plus spectator crowds
less than 500 per event day:

Commercial: $300 per location, per day
Nonprofit: $250 per location, per day
The current fee requires event producers to
submit participant rosters and applies a rate of
$2 per participant for non-profit events and
30% of registration costs for commercial
events.

The current fee presents challenges
due to the lack of verification
mechanisms and does not account for
the actual use of City facilities or public
resource impacts. The proposed flat
fee was developed based on an
analysis of historical event data,
including the average cost paid by
event producers under the existing fee
structure and reflects the goal of
maintaining accessibility for smaller
events.

Removal:

Pass-through Application: $365
“Because ‘pass-through applications’
require the same level of staff review,
coordination, and permitting as
standard special event applications,
they do not result in reduced staff effort
or cost. Removing this category
ensures equitable cost recovery.

Addition:

Late Commercial Application: $1,204
Late Nonprofit Application: $802
Currently, there is no fee associated
with late application submittals.

Establishing a late application fee, with
a 10% increase from the standard
application fees for both commercial
and nonprofit events, accounts for the
additional administrative impact
associated with expedited review. Late
applications can require reallocation of
staff resources and potential impacts
on other City operations and initiatives.

The proposed fee is intended to also
encourage timely compliance with
established application deadlines and
review processes.

City of Hermosa Beach | Page 8 of 11
Proposed Fee Update or Addition Discussion
Addition:

Commercial LTA Application: $485
Nonprofit LTA Application: $291
Currently, there is no fee associated
with submitting an application for the
LTA Program. The review and approval
process for LTAs requires a significant
investment of staff time and resources,
including application review,
preparation of staff reports,
Commission presentations,
negotiation of agreement terms,
preparation of agreements for City
Council approval, and ongoing
coordination and oversight.

Establishing an LTA application fee
would support cost recovery for the
administrative and professional staff
time required to manage the full
lifecycle of the LTA process, while
ensuring that applicants contribute
proportionately to the resources
required to evaluate and implement
these agreements.

Addition:

Reserved Parking Staging: $207
Currently, there is no fee associated
with the staff time and materials
required to implement temporary
parking restrictions for events. This
work includes the preparation, posting,
monitoring, and removal of “No
Parking” signage. Establishing a
staging fee would reflect the average
staff time, materials, and logistical
coordination required to implement
reserved parking and staging areas,
and would ensure appropriate cost
recovery for these services.

City of Hermosa Beach | Page 9 of 11
Proposed Fee Update or Addition Discussion
Addition:

Event Modification: $114
Currently, there is no fee associated
with event modifications requested
after initial approval. Event producers
may request changes such as
additional event days, modifications to
event scope, or date changes, which
require staff to update internal
systems, calendars, permits, and
coordinate with multiple departments
and governing bodies. Establishing an
event modification fee would recover
the administrative costs associated
with processing these changes and to
encourage complete and accurate
applications at the time of initial
submittal.

Addition:

Public Hearing: $38 plus costs of publication
of public notice
Currently, the City absorbs the costs
associated with public noticing
requirements for events that require a
public hearing. This includes staff time
to prepare notices, coordination with
the City Clerk’s Office, compliance with
publication requirements, and direct
costs charged by news publications.

Shifting these costs to the event
producer would ensure full cost
recovery for both staff time and
required public noticing expenses
associated with the public hearing
process.

Addition:

Nonprofit Pier Plaza Use Fee: $9,076 per
event day
Staff proposes establishing a nonprofit
Pier Plaza Use Fee to align with the
City’s consistent application of a

33.4% nonprofit discount across fee
categories. This adjustment promotes
equity and consistency in the City’s fee
structure while continuing to recognize
the community benefit provided by
nonprofit organizations.

City of Hermosa Beach | Page 10 of 11
Next Steps
Staff would proceed with the Special Event Policy Guide and fee updates approved by City Council by preparing the necessary amendments to the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code, as applicable, and updates/additions to the City’s Master Fee Schedule for City Council review and consideration through a public hearing.

Options for Council Consideration:

Staff recommends the City Council consider approval of the following Special Event Policy Guide and fee updates:
 Require new events to submit applications at least 90 days in advance, regardless of Impact Level.
o This would replace the current policy, which establishes different deadlines based on Impact Level. Currently, new events classified as Impact Level I or II are required to submit applications at least 90 days in advance, while new Impact Level III events must be submitted by July 30 for the following calendar year.
 Eliminate the public hearing requirement for new events and provide the Director with the discretion to elevate events to a public hearing based on anticipated impacts or other considerations.
 Establish a consistent timeline for returning events with event dates for the following calendar year due by July 31 for all Impact Level events. o This would replace the current policy, which includes varying deadlines based on Impact Level. Currently, returning Impact Level III events must be submitted by July 30, and returning Impact Level II events must be submitted at least 90 days in advance.
 Eliminate City Council review of returning Impact Level III events, unless otherwise directed by City Council or due to significant changes proposed from prior years.  Add that special considerations for locations not listed in the Special Event Policy Guide may be considered upon request.
 Expand the peak season limits from 45 to a maximum of 50 special event days for Impact Level III events and modify the peak season to begin the Saturday preceding Memorial Day, in line with the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code.  Expand the applicability of the peak season limits from just the coastal locations to city-wide.
 Add eligibility criteria to specify that events offering prize pools, cash awards, or other forms of participant compensation are not eligible for fee waiver consideration.
 Modify the Fee Waiver Grant Program eligibility requirements to only include that the approved event must provide a unique benefit to the City or the community, provide a large economic impact, and a partial fee waiver would make a meaningful difference to the event producer’s ability to produce the event.

City of Hermosa Beach | Page 11 of 11
 Eliminate City Council review and approval to initiate LTA negotiations and instead authorize the Commission to provide this approval.
o City Council would retain final approval of the LTA following negotiations.  Eliminate the pre-event presentation requirement before the Commission as part of the LTA Program obligations.
 Modify the LTA Program eligibility requirements to only include that an event must have been held in Hermosa Beach for a minimum of three consecutive years to be considered for an LTA.
 Remove the ‘Returning or New Event’ classification from the Impact Characteristic Matrix.
 Approve the fee additions/updates outlined in Table 1.

Fiscal Impact:

Implementation of the proposed fee updates/additions is expected to generate additional revenue for the City to offset staff time and administrative costs associated with reviewing, approving, and monitoring special event-related procedures. The total revenue generated would vary.

Attachments:

1. Current Special Events Policy Guide

2. Proposed Special Event Policy Guide
Respectfully Submitted by: Lisa Nichols, Parks and Recreation Director Noted for Fiscal Impact: Henry Chao, Finance Manager
Reviewed by: Brandon Walker, Administrative Services Director Approved: Steve Napolitano, City Manager

HERMOSA BEACH

SPECIAL EVENTS POLICY GUIDE

This policy guide has been developed to clarify and carry out the City’s mission statement related to events that occur on outdoor public spaces within the City of Hermosa Beach.

Mission Statement
Hermosa Beach strives to offer a safe and enjoyable environment for special events to take place in a way that balances resident and visitor needs. Special events in Hermosa Beach are celebrated for being community-friendly, enhancing local beach culture, and offering a myriad of benefits to the local community. The City of Hermosa Beach works collaboratively with event operators in an efficient and clear manner to process and carry out permits in compliance with this policy.

City Contact Information
The City of Hermosa Beach Parks and Recreation Department is available to assist and answer any questions related to the special events process.

Website: www.hermosabeach.gov
Phone: (310) 318-0280
Email: [email protected]
Address: 710 Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Cover Image: Hermosa Beach Murals Project - John Van Hamersveld

General Information + Frequently Asked Questions
When is a Special Event Permit required?
• For any organized event, activity, celebration, or function involving the use of the beach at which one hundred or more persons are to be assembled or the use of other outdoor public spaces or rights-ofway at which twenty-five or more persons are to be assembled. • For any commercial organization requesting use of any outdoor public space within the City. • For any nonprofit organization requesting use of any outdoor public space within the City.

How do I apply for a Special Event Permit?
Special Event Applications must be submitted using the online form on the City’s website.

What is the “Nothing Weekend”?
On at least one weekend during the Peak Season (Memorial Day to Labor Day), no Special Event Permits will be issued. This means that any application for a Special Event Permit that coincides with a designated “Nothing Weekend” will be asked to provide alternate event dates for the event to be considered.

How will this policy be enforced?
The Special Events Policy Guide will be strictly enforced by City staff. Those found to be violating City policy or failing to comply with any of the requirements of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code may be subject to penalties or fines. Special events, and any of its participants, vendors, or spectators, found to have caused damage or whom are in violation of any City policy, or the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code may be subject to greater deposits, regulation, or restrictions when submitting Special Event Applications in the future.

Where are special events allowed?
To ensure adequate space and resources are available, and to limit potential disturbances to the community, special events are limited to the following locations:
• North and South of Pier (within the Commercial Zone between 10th to 15th Street) • The Strand
o Strand use is only permitted for events continuously moving with no obstruction to public access • Pier Plaza
• Rights-of-way
• The following City parks:
o Valley Park, 2521 Valley Drive
o Community Center, 710 Pier Avenue
o Clark Field, 861 Valley Drive
o Edith Rodaway Park, 350 Prospect Avenue
Special Event Applications for City parks not included above will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

However, Special Event Permits will not be issued for South Park, 425 Valley Drive, or Noble Park, 1400 The Strand.

Use Classifications + Impact Characteristics
Special events are evaluated based on several factors and will be categorized as Impact Level I, II, or III based on the information provided in the Special Events Application. Once the information is submitted and reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Department, City staff will determine the Impact Level of the event using the Impact Characteristics Matrix.

The Impact Level of the event will be used to determine:
• the deadline for Special Event Application submittal; and • the level of review for approval (City staff, Parks, Recreation and Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, and City Council).

Impact Characteristics Matrix
If more than one option is applicable, the highest characteristic will be used to determine the impact level.

Characteristic Impact Level I Impact Level II Impact Level III Total Attendees and Spectators
Per Event Day
100-500 501 – 1,999 2,000 or More
Event Location(s) Park or Beach The Pier or Pier Plaza Streets, the Strand, or Public Right of Way
Use of Volleyball Courts and
Beach Tennis Courts
None North or South
Volleyball Courts; or
Beach Tennis Courts
North and South
Volleyball Courts; or
North and South
Volleyball Courts and
Beach Tennis Courts; or
North Volleyball Courts
and Beach Tennis Courts
Event Season(s) Winter Spring or Fall Summer –
Peak Season
(Memorial Day to
Labor Day)
Event Day(s) Monday - Thursday Friday, Saturday, or
Sunday
Holiday
Total Consecutive Event Days
(Including Set-up and Tear-down)
1-2 3-4 5 or More
(May not exceed 15)
Additional requests/services such
as Film/Still Photo Permit, Building
and Safety Review, Police Services,
Reserved Parking, Street
Closures/Traffic Control Plan
Review, or Amplified Sound Permit
None 1-2 3 or more
Impact Level 5 or More
Applicable
=Impact Level I
2 or More
Applicable
= Impact Level II
2 or more
Applicable =
Impact Level III
Pass-Through Events
An event where participants pass through the City of Hermosa Beach and the event does not start or end in Hermosa Beach is considered a Pass-Through Event. A Special Event Application is required for a Pass-Through Event and the approval process is determined based on the Impact Level assigned to the event.

Pier Plaza Promotions
The Pier Plaza Promotion option is designed to provide organizations with a one-day promotional opportunity on Pier Plaza or an agreed-upon area downtown. These events must be strictly commercial for brand awareness, or product or service launches. Organizations that wish to hold a Pier Plaza Promotion will be required to submit a Special Event Application and subject to the Pier Plaza Use fee. Exceptions may be considered by Parks & Recreation Director through administrative review and approval.

Approval Guidelines + Requirements
Event Approval Findings
A Special Event Permit may be issued upon finding that the event producer can adhere to all of the terms outlined in this Special Events Policy Guide.

Application Submittal Deadlines and Approval Process
Special Event Applications must be submitted as follows:
• New events: If the new event is an Impact Level I or II, the application must be submitted at least 90 days in advance of the event. If the new event is an Impact Level III, the application must be submitted no later than July 30 for the following calendar year. New events to Hermosa Beach will be subject to a Public Hearing by both the Parks, Recreation and Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission and City Council.

• Returning Level III events: Must be submitted no later than July 30 for the following calendar year.

Returning Impact Level III will be subject to review by both the Parks, Recreation and Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission and City Council.
• Returning Level II events: Must be submitted at least ninety (90) days in advance of the event. Returning Impact Level III will be subject to review by the Parks, Recreation and Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission.
• Returning Level I events: Must be submitted at least 30 days in advance of the event. Level I events will be subject to review by City staff.
• Pier Plaza Promotions: Review and approval of Pier Plaza Promotion events will follow the same approval process as Level I events.

Any returning event to the City that is requesting a significant change to the event format including the location, total event days, or estimated attendance total may be subject to the application submittal deadlines and approval process outlined for new events at the discretion of the Parks and Recreation Director.

At the discretion of the Parks and Recreation Director, Special Event Applications may be submitted for consideration after the application submittal deadline has passed, provided:
• there are unforeseeable circumstances (memorial service, team victory celebration, need for minimal marketing/advertising);
• the event does not exceed Peak Season (Memorial Day to Labor Day) Event Limits; and • the event can still meet all of the event approval findings The Parks, Recreation, and Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission and City Council will evaluate and recommend approval of returning Impact Level III events and a “Nothing Weekend” first. The Parks, Recreation and Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission will then consider approval of returning Impact Level II events.

City staff will then consider approval of Impact Level I events. New events are considered after all returning events.

Event producers are requested to be present at any Parks, Recreation, and Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission and City Council meetings where the event is scheduled to be reviewed.

Event Limits
To balance coastal access with events, the Beach, the Strand, and Pier Plaza will be limited to the following number of events during the peak summer season (Memorial Day to Labor Day):
o Maximum of 45 days used by Impact Level III events; and o Maximum of 25 days used by Impact Level II and II events, and (on days not used by Level III events.)
The monthly number of event days for events outside of the Peak Season (Labor Day to Memorial Day) will be limited to a maximum of 15. Additionally, only two events on any given day will be permitted in the City.

Event Type First Day to
Submit Application
Last Day to
Submit Application
Parks, Recreation, and Parks
and Recreation Advisory
Commission Review
City Council
Review
Impact Level I
Late May/Early June
(for following
calendar year)
30 days prior to event n/a n/a
Impact Level II 90 days prior to event
If application is submitted
by August 31: October
If application is submitted
after August 31: TBD
n/a
Impact Level III July 30
(for following
calendar year)
September October
New Events
Impact Level I or II: at least
90 days in advance of the
event
Impact Level III:
no later than July 30 for the
following calendar year.

November November

Event Notifications
The Parks and Recreation Department may require event producers to provide written notification to all residents and businesses within a 500-foot radius of the event site. The City shall provide the notice, which shall include the date and time of the event and the telephone number of the designated event representative.

Said written notice shall be provided to the surrounding residents and businesses by the event representative not less than 1 week prior to the event. Additionally, new event requests for locations outside of the Beach or downtown area, require event notifications to be posted at the event site leading up to the scheduled Public Hearing to provide the community additional notice of the proposed new event.

Economic Benefit
Event producers will be required to detail positive economic impacts as a result of the event in the Special Event Application. Event producers should encourage use of local businesses to event staff, participants, and spectators. The Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Bureau’s business directory is available at www.trulyhermosa.com. Additionally, event producers should engage with local businesses to explore partnership, and promotional opportunities.

Pre/Post Event Meetings
Pre-event and post-event meetings with City staff and event producers may be required. A “pre-event meeting” may be scheduled anytime between 3 months to several weeks prior to the actual event date as determined by City staff.

Site Plan and Signage
A detailed map schematic must be submitted with the Special Events Application that includes the proposed location of the event, including all temporary facilities, structures, signage, and /or equipment to be erected, ingress and egress, and whether existing structures and/or facilities are to be relocated or modified (such as Volleyball Courts or Beach Tennis Courts, for example). • All recreational activities and set-up of recreational equipment should remain at least 50 feet from the Strand wall. Special considerations may be made upon request. • All event-related activities and set-up shall not block beach access or hinder emergency access onto and from the beach by the Los Angeles County Lifeguards. • All tents must remain at least 10 feet from the Strand wall.

Event signage shall not be placed on City facilities or premises outside of event times. Signage shall not be affixed to City property. Event producers may apply for a Street Banner through the Public Work’s Department.

Simultaneous Use of North and South Volleyball Courts
One side of the north and south of Pier Volleyball Courts will be required to remain open for general public use during events occurring on weekends. An exception may be provided for events that occur at the same time as City-sponsored classes utilizing the north or south of Pier Volleyball Courts or at the discretion of the Parks, Recreation, and Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission and City Council.

Impact to Beach Tennis Courts
Any event requesting removal of the Beach Tennis Courts must provide one of the following:
• An event footprint that would allow for at least three of the permanent Beach Tennis Courts to remain for general public use; or
• Temporary Beach Tennis Courts available for general public use. o Temporary courts must remain at least 50 feet from the strand wall and shall not block beach access or hinder emergency access onto and from the beach by the Los Angeles County Lifeguards. If temporary courts are provided outside of the Commercial Zone, outside of the event footprint, it is the responsibility of the event producer to set-up and remove the courts daily as they are not permitted to remain overnight.
o The City and Beach Tennis community would assist with providing the temporary poles and nets to the event producer and provide guidance for installation/removal.

Portable Restrooms and Hand Sanitizing/Sink Facilities
Event producers may be required to provide portable restrooms and hand-sanitizing/sink facilities. The cost of such services shall be borne by the event producer. The number of portable restrooms and hand-sanitizing/sink

facilities required will be determined by City staff. City staff will designate the location for any portable restrooms and hand-sanitizing/sink facilities required at the event location.

Parking
If an event producer requests reserved parking, a parking plan outlining the public parking spaces requested with the times of use for each space must be submitted. The City shall enforce reserved parking by way of complaint only. Therefore, the event producer is responsible for monitoring the reserved parking during reserved hours as much as possible and reporting if non-event-related staff are parked in the reserved parking spot(s) by calling non-emergency dispatch at (310) 524-2750. The event producer or a designated representative must be present for the City to enforce and tow. The City does not issue refunds for any fees associated with parking.

Event producers may be required to secure satellite parking lots for event staff or attendee parking, and/or shuttle bus transportation.

Coastal Development Permit
Events that meet all of the following criteria will be subject to review by the California Coastal Commission:
• Held between Memorial Day and Labor Day;
• Occupies all or a portion of the beach; and
• Involves a charge for general public admission seating (not including participant entry fees).

Building and Safety Review
Per Chapter 31 of the California Building Code, as adopted by Hermosa Beach Municipal Code 15.04.010, a building permit and plan review is required when any special event on outdoor public spaces includes the temporary installation of the following structures:
• Awnings or canopies
• Marquees - A sign painted on, attached to, or supported by a marquee on a temporary building wall which supports the marquee
• Signs - A ground sign supported by one or more uprights, poles or braces or a sign wholly supported by a sign structure, or a portable sign with the surface temporarily fixed to a structure that is moved periodically
• Towers - A structure designed and constructed to support antennas • Antennas - Wires, poles, rods, reflecting discs or similar devices used for the transmission of electromagnetic waves
• Swimming pools - A structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over 18 inches deep
• Relocatable buildings
• Generators, or any other temporary power source
• Temporary structures or tents that exceed 10’ x 10’ that cover an area greater than 120 square feet, including connecting areas or spaces with a common means of egress or entrance that are used or intended to be used for the gathering together of 10 or more persons. • Stages
• Trusses
• Electrical equipment
• Mechanical equipment
• Heaters
• Large-scale ventilation equipment
Following event approval, event producers will be responsible for applying for the necessary permits through the City’s Community Development Department.
• Any event with temporary installation of any of the aforementioned structures, requires the event producer to submit an application for a Building Permit. • If electrical equipment, temporary power sources, or generators would be used, the event producer must submit an application for a Electrical Permit in addition to the Building Permit. • If mechanical equipment, heaters, or large-scale ventilation equipment would be used, the event producer must submit an application for a Mechanical Permit in addition to the Building Permit. • If plumbing equipment, pools, or water supply lines would be used, the event producer must submit an application for a Plumbing Permit in addition to the Building Permit. This is not required for the use of portable restrooms.

Applications are available on the City’s website. Plan review and permit fees would be applied and are determined by the level of review required. Special Event Permits will not be issued until all appropriate Building and Safety permits have been provided to the Parks and Recreation Department.

County of Los Angeles Fire Department Review
The Fire Prevention Bureau in Carson oversees events taking place in the City. Therefore, event producers may be required to apply for approval by the Bureau through submission of a Public Assemblages and Event Declaration Form. Once the application is submitted, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department will review, determine if a Field Inspection will be required for the event, and generate the permit fees. Once approval is obtained, an Operational Permit would be issued to the event producer.

Filming or Still Photo Permit
A Film/Still Photo Permit is required for any event recording or photographing activities resulting in commercial use. Information about professional filming permits may be obtained on the City’s website.

Emergency Action Plan
It is the event producer’s responsibility to have a comprehensive emergency action plan to the City that proposes the steps to be taken for crisis situations, such as event shut down due to severe weather, fire, active hostile attack, or for a missing person, medical emergency or threat of violence. Event producers are also responsible for providing an evacuation plan, including a script for the evacuation announcement and the means to how the evacuation plan and locations will be communicated to event attendees. The event producer’s proposed plan will be evaluated and formalized with the Emergency Management Coordinator in the City Manager’s office.

Trash
Event producers cannot leave any trash at any event site outside of the permanent trash receptacles and may be required to secure additional containers, dumpsters, or services from Athens at a cost borne by the event producer.

Accessibility Plan
It is the event producer’s responsibility to comply with all City, County, State and Federal disability access requirements applicable to the event, including the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). All indoor and outdoor sites, activities and programs must be accessible to persons with disabilities.

Traffic Plan
Event producers requesting street closures must provide a traffic control plan that illustrates all road closures, detours, and the exact placement of all traffic control devices including crash test certified barricades, signage, and message boards. The traffic control plan must be approved by the Police and Public Works Departments. The event producer is responsible for securing and deploying the required traffic control devices outlined in the City approved traffic control plan. The Public Works Department inspects all traffic control devices once deployed to ensure all devices are effective and correctly positioned at a cost to the event producer.

Amplified Sound
Event producers are required to obtain an Amplified Sound Permit if the event intends to use a loudspeaker or sound amplifying equipment for the purpose of giving instructions, directions, lectures, or transmitting music. The Chief of Police will consider the following in the issuance of Amplified Sound Permits:
• The volume and intensity of the noise;
• Whether the noise is prolonged and continuous;
• How the noise contrasts with the ambient noise level; • The proximity of the noise source to residential and commercial uses; • The time of day; and
• The anticipated duration of the noise.

Speakers must be facing westward (towards the ocean) at all times.

Food, Beverage, or Merchandise Sales
In accordance with HBMC Section 12.20.300, the sale of food, non-alcoholic beverages, or branded merchandise from the event producer on the beach is allowed for events approved through the Special Events

Permit Program. The sale of these items from any vendor other than the event producer, or any other commodity, merchandise, wares, products, or service on the beach is not allowed. Event producers wishing to sell within these guidelines would be responsible for obtaining a business license from the City, and for obtaining any applicable food or beverage permits through the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health.

Requests for alcohol on the beach will not be considered.

For events not on the beach, the sale of food, non-alcoholic beverages, alcoholic beverages, or merchandise may be considered through the Special Events Permit Program. The event producer would be responsible for ensuring any vendors associated with its event has a current business license with the City and for obtaining any applicable food or beverage permits through the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health. If the sale of alcohol is approved through the Special Event Permit Program, the event producer must secure the appropriate license from the State of California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC). The City may place restrictions on the way in which alcohol is managed at a proposed event and/or a requirement of security officers and/or assigning City staff to monitor the cost of such services shall be borne by the event producer.

Security
City staff or law enforcement may deem a special event warrants the presence of one or more Police Officers or security personnel and the cost of such services shall be borne by the event producer. Security personnel must be licensed, in uniform and are subject to approval by the City.

Insurance
At least ten (10) days prior to the event, event producers will provide the City with a certificate of insurance providing liability insurance with the following requirements:

Event producer agrees to furnish the City of Hermosa Beach evidence of comprehensive general liability insurance in the form of a certificate naming "the City of Hermosa Beach, its officers, agents, volunteers, and employees as additional insureds." This exact verbiage is required. Event producer shall notify the City at least thirty (30) days prior to the termination, reduction, cancellation, suspension, modification, or expiration of the policy. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Event producer shall maintain insurance coverage meeting the standards outlined in this Section at all times during the term of the activity or activities for which the Event producer submitted its application, as reflected in and permitted by this Agreement. All certificates are subject to approval of the City’s Risk Manager.

Coverage shall be at least as broad as Insurance Services Form CG 00 01 covering commercial general liability on an "occurrence" basis, including property damage, bodily injury, death, and personal and advertising injury with limits no less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) per occurrence. If a general aggregate limit applies, either the general aggregate limit shall apply separately to this Agreement, or the general aggregate limit shall be twice the required occurrence limit. The City reserves the right to request greater or lesser amounts of insurance coverage.

If the use includes athletic activities, shall provide evidence of that the commercial general liability insurance includes coverage for injuries to athletic participants and participant accident insurance.

If the Event producer maintains broader coverage and/or higher limits than the minimums shown above, the City requires and shall be entitled to the broader coverage and/or the higher limits maintained. Any available insurance proceeds in excess of the specified minimum limits of insurance and coverage shall be available to the City.

Event Day Expectations
In order to immediately address any issues or changes that may arise during the course of an event, producers are responsible for:
• Providing contact information for an event representative that City staff may reach at any time during the event.
o The assigned event representative must be on-site and may not actively participate in the event.
• Maintaining copies of all applicable Special Event Permits and any other permits issued by the City onsite during the event.

Compliance

Applicable Codes + Regulations
The City of Hermosa Beach Municipal Code governs the approval, review, and enforcement of events. The Special Events Policy Guide must be strictly adhered to and all pertinent City Ordinances shall be enforced. The sections of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code relevant to events include, but are not limited to:

Title 8 – Health and Safety

8.24 Noise Control

8.64 Ban on Polystyrene Food Service Ware
Title 10 – Vehicles and Traffic

10.28 Loading and Unloading

10.32 Stopping, Standing and Parking
Title 12 Street, Sidewalks and Public Places

12.20 Beach and Strand Regulations

12.28 Parks, Playgrounds and Other Public Areas

12.30 Special Events on Public Property
Environmental Requirements
Events in Hermosa Beach are expected to implement the following measures to reduce impacts and costs to the environment, the city, and the community.

MEASURE
Recycling and Waste Reduction

1. Reduce waste and single-use items
No single-use paper, plastics, packaging, and décor items Reduce size/bulk of plates, containers, cups
Use products with high recycled content
No sale or give-away of single-use plastic drinking water bottles.

At 'beer or drink gardens' use recycled or compostable cups Recycle fry-grease for bio-diesel fuels
Limit and reduce size of handouts, flyers and giveaways

2. Recycling containers:

Place well-marked recycle containers adjacent to every trash container Provide onsite 'monitors' directing people to recycling at prime locations or provide secondary trash sorters

3. Staging
Recycle or reuse event construction materials
Use ‘no emission/no VOC’ paints/sealants

4. Transportation
No-idling policy for all vehicles
Sponsor free shuttle or low-cost bus passes
Use electric, hydrogen, hybrid or CNG vehicles

4. Energy
Use energy-efficient lighting
Turn lighting and devices off when not in use
Turn off generators when not in use for significant period Use alternative energy (solar, wind, fuel cell) to supply some power Use alternative fuel generators (CNG, fuel cell, biodiesel)

5. Marine environment
No hosing of surfaces
Full containment of all wastes
Full containment of all six-pack plastic rings. Cut rings prior to disposal

6. Education
Event and vendors must have waste and recycling a prominent theme Ensure vendors and service providers with green measures Report on compliance with above applicable measures
Applicable Fees
All events are subject to an application fee, daily category fees, and additional fees established by resolution of the City Council and any additional costs incurred by the City on behalf of the event. Payment of event fees is due upon receipt. The Parks and Recreation Department has the discretion to revoke a permit if all applicable fees are not paid in a timely manner. Special Event Permit fees are subject to change. Additional direct costs may apply due to required staffing and/or services from the City of Hermosa Beach’s Community Development Department, Police Department, Public Works Department and/or the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Current Fee Schedule
Daily Event Fees Fee
Participant plus spectator crowd less than 500 per event day.

Non-profit: $2 per registrant
and roster of participants
due to City
Commercial: 70/30
split of proceeds
and roster of participants
due to City
Participant plus spectator crowd more than 500 but less than 3,000 per event day;
• Impacts public areas for no longer than one day, including set-up and tear-down; and
• Is conducted in the off-season (not between Memorial Day and Labor Day) and not on any holiday.
$3,480
Participant plus spectator crowd more than 500 but less than 3,000 per event day;
• Impacts public areas for no longer than one day and is conducted in the Peak Season (between Memorial Day and
Labor Day) or on any holiday; or
• Impacts public areas for one or more days, including set-up and tear-down
Participant plus spectator crowd more than 3,000 but less than 5,000 per event day.
$3,830
Participant plus Spectator crowd exceeds 5,000 per event day. $6,962 Additional Fees Fees
Commercial Application Fee - non-refundable (direct cost) $1,094 Non-Profit Application Fee - non-refundable(direct cost) $729 Pass-Thru Application Fee - non-refundable (direct cost) $365 Amplified Sound Permit (direct cost) $214
Pier Plaza Use Fee $14,574 per event day
Event Co-sponsor* $368 per sponsor
Event Setup/Teardown $330 per location, per day
Parks and Recreation Staff (direct cost) $438 per day
Parking Space Fee (direct cost) Fees vary based on parking location

*The Event Co-sponsor fee is charged for each organization listed as a presenting sponsor of the event on any or all marketing materials for the event or that may be using an area on public property not within the event footprint, such as Schumacher Plaza.

Damage Deposit
Monetary deposits, bonds and other security may be necessary to guarantee performance of all required conditions, clean-up and repair of any City property or facilities damaged as a result of the event. Events may be required to submit a deposit to cover any potential damage to City facilities. All or a portion of the deposit may be refunded upon post event inspection. Events will be billed for the costs to repair or replace any City property damaged as a result of the event if the damage exceeds the deposit provided.

Refund/Cancellation Policy
Once a permit is approved and issued, daily category fees or additional fees may be refunded when written notice is given to the Parks and Recreation Department at least two weeks prior to the event date.

Fee Waiver Grants
To support qualified organizations that have received approval to hold their event, the City provides event fee waiver grant opportunities to assist in its success by relieving the financial burden associated with the cost of the City’s event fees. Events and organizations that qualify for a long-term agreement or in contract are not bound to the terms of this policy. The annual award limit of fee waiver grants is approved by the City Council each fall for the upcoming calendar year. Grants will be awarded up to a maximum of $2,500 per event or a 50% reduction of indirect City event fees, whichever is the lesser amount. Fee waiver grants may only be used toward indirect costs charged by the City; direct costs are not eligible for and organizations are required to pay those in full. The minimum amount of a requested fee waiver grant must total at least $250.

Eligibility
In order to be eligible to apply for a fee waiver grant, the event must be a returning event to the City. Fee waiver grants will not be considered for new events or events taking place during the Peak Season (between Memorial Day and Labor Day). Following approval of an event, a completed Special Event Fee Waiver Grant Application is required to be submitted to the Parks and Recreation Department at least 60 days prior to the event. The request will be reviewed by the Parks, Recreation, and Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission at one of its regularly scheduled meetings for consideration of approval.

Event producers will be requested to demonstrate the following:
• A financial need or other economic justification to be considered for a fee waiver grant; • A positive community benefit through the organization or its event by meeting at least two of the following criteria:
• The organization and/or event serves, involves, and/or promotes Hermosa Beach, its residents, schools, and/or businesses;
• The organization and/or event can demonstrate broad community support and sponsorship; • The event appeals to a wide segment of community members; • The organization and/or event enhances the quality of life to the Hermosa Beach community; offering recreational, cultural, social, and or and/or educational activities of interest to the community;
• The organization can demonstrate a commitment to supporting the City’s active and healthy lifestyle as a result of the event; and/or
• The organization/and or event addresses an unmet community need. • A positive economic impact as a result of the event by providing the following information:
• If the event is consecutive days, data indicating the total number of participants that utilize overnight lodging in the City of Hermosa Beach; and
• Data indicating the participants spending in Hermosa Beach during the duration of the event at any of the businesses in the City of Hermosa Beach.

Additionally, event producers must be able to fully fund their event should they not receive a fee waiver grant and may not be dependent on the fee waiver grant to determine their ability to hold the event.

Events specifically prohibited from receiving a fee waiver grant include those events that:

• Promote, advocate, or advance a political message or belief. • Projects or organizations who have unsatisfactorily fulfilled its obligations from previous fee waiver grants.

Obligations
Organizations approved for a fee waiver grant will be required to complete the following:
• Include that the event “is brought to you with support from the City of Hermosa Beach” on all marketing materials. The City requests this exact verbiage be used. o A copy of event marketing materials with this exact verbiage must be provided to the City prior to the City’s issuance of the Special Events Permit.
• A formal presentation to the Parks, Recreation and Parks and Recreation Advisory Parks, Recreation, and Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission at one of its regular meetings no more than 60-days following the event. The presentation shall include discussion of:
o Number of attendees.
o Beneficiary of funds raised by the event (if applicable). o Overview of event budget and financial outlook.
o Overview of the community benefit and/or positive economic impact to the City of Hermosa Beach.

Disqualification
Failure to complete these requirements in accordance with this policy shall automatically disqualify the organization from submitting a future request to receive a fee waiver grant for the remainder of the current calendar year plus one additional calendar year.

If any information submitted as part of the Special Event Fee Waiver Grant is found to be fraudulent, event approvals already granted for the remainder of the calendar year will be automatically revoked. While the organization will be permitted to reapply for approval of event(s) in the following calendar year, it will no longer be eligible to apply for a fee waiver grant.

Long-term Agreements
The City of Hermosa Beach recognizes the value in hosting a variety of beloved community events that help create a balanced and enjoyable events calendar for its residents. To support and develop a long-term approach to the scheduling of events, eligible events can qualify for a long-term agreement (LTA) with the City.

Eligibility
In order for an organization to be eligible for consideration of a long-term agreement, the event(s) must meet at least three of the following:
• The event(s) must qualify as an Impact Level II or III (per the Impact Worksheet), and at least one of the following:
o Have a combined estimated total of 5,000 people in attendance; or o The event must be at least two (2) consecutive days (including setup and teardown). • Have held its event in Hermosa Beach for at least three consecutive years • The event must be produced by an organization that serves, involves, and/or promotes Hermosa Beach’s coastal lifestyle, its residents, schools, and/or businesses; and • The organization or event producer must be able to demonstrate how its programs (outside of those provided at the event) provide a positive impact to the City including enhancements to quality of life to the Hermosa Beach community; or the offering of recreational, cultural, social, and/or educational activities of interest to the community.
• The event can demonstrate:
o A community benefit; or
o A positive economic impact as a result of the event.

Event producers will be requested to demonstrate a positive community benefit through the organization or its event by meeting at least two of the following criteria:
• The organization and/or event serves, involves, and/or promotes Hermosa Beach, its residents, schools, and/or businesses;
• The organization and/or event can demonstrate broad community support and sponsorship;

• The event appeals to a wide segment of community members; • The organization and/or event enhances the quality of life to the Hermosa Beach community; offering recreational, cultural, social, and or and/or educational activities of interest to the community; • The organization can demonstrate a commitment to supporting the City’s active and healthy lifestyle as a result of the event; and/or
• The organization/and or event addresses an unmet community need.

Event producers will be requested to demonstrate a positive economic impact as a result of the event by providing the following information:
• If the event is consecutive days, data indicating the total number of participants that utilize overnight lodging in the City of Hermosa Beach; and
• Data indicating the participants spending in Hermosa Beach during the duration of the event at any of the businesses in the City of Hermosa Beach.

Upon request of an organization whose event does not satisfy one or more of the above eligibility criteria, the City Council may authorize such organization to apply for an LTA where its event provides a demonstrable or differentiated benefit to the community or a service that the City would otherwise be unable to provide.

Term Limits
LTA’s shall be for no less than two (2) years but shall not exceed a maximum of three (3) years unless otherwise determined by the City Council.

Procedures
The following steps are required to guide the development and implementation of an LTA:

1. Submittal of an LTA Application and corresponding letter to the Parks and Recreation Department demonstrating how the organization meets the criteria.

2. Review and recommendation for City Council approval by the Parks, Recreation and Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission.

3. Review and approval by the City Council to begin LTA negotiations with City staff.

4. LTA negotiations and development.

5. Presentation of the final LTA to the City Council for approval.

Obligations
Organizations whose event(s) are approved through an LTA are required to provide a formal presentation to the Parks, Recreation, and Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission at one of its regular monthly meetings no more than 60 days prior and 60 days following its event(s). The pre-event presentation shall include a general event overview including anticipated number of attendees; an overview of the event footprint and individualized setup; and its anticipated impact(s) to the community, etc. The post-event presentation shall include a general overview including the actual number of attendees; actual impact(s) to the community; and any event struggles and successes.

Additionally, the event marketing materials must state the event “is brought to you with support from the City of Hermosa Beach” on all marketing materials. The City requests this exact verbiage be used. • A copy of event marketing materials with this exact verbiage must be provided to the City prior to the City’s issuance of the Special Events Permit.

Hermosa Beach Murals Project - John Van Hamersveld

HERMOSA BEACH

SPECIAL EVENTS POLICY GUIDE

Mission Statement
The City of Hermosa Beach supports safe, community-friendly special events that balance resident and visitor needs while enhancing local beach culture.

City Contact Information
Parks and Recreation Department
www.hermosabeach.gov | (310) 318-0280 | [email protected] 710 Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
When a Special Event Permit is Required
A Special Event Permit is required for any organized event, activity, celebration, or function involving the use of:
• The beach with 100+ attendees
• Other public outdoor spaces with 25+ attendees
• Any commercial or nonprofit organization's use of public outdoor space • Pass-through events, which participants travel through the City of Hermosa Beach, but the event neither starts nor ends within the City
Special Event Applications must be submitted using the online form on the City’s website.

Special Event Locations
Permitted locations include:
• Beach within the Commercial Zone (the beach north and south of the Pier between 10th–15th Street) • The Strand (continuous movement only)
• Schumacher Plaza
• Pier Plaza
• Public rights-of-way
• Valley Park, Clark Field, Edith Rodaway Park
o Other parks reviewed on a case-by-case basis
• Community Center Courtyard or Lawn
Not permitted: South Park, Noble Park
Special considerations for locations not listed above may be considered upon request.

Special Event Approval Guidelines
New Events
• Special Event Application due at least 90 days in advance • Reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission • Approval required by City Council
Depending on the anticipated community impact, the Parks and Recreation Director may determine that the event must be reviewed through a Public Hearing by both the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission and City Council.

Returning Events
The Parks and Recreation Department will reach out to all returning event producers to retrieve requested event dates for the upcoming calendar year in June annually. • Requested event dates are due July 31
o If a returning event producer requests a significant change to its returning event format, including but not limited to location or total event days, the returning event may be subject to the approval process outlined for new events, at the discretion of the Parks and Recreation Director.

• Returning events are reviewed and considered for approval in September by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
Returning events receive priority over new events in the review process, unless otherwise recommended by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission and approved by City Council.

Nothing Weekend
At the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission’s September meeting, the Commission shall also designate at least one weekend during the Peak Season (Memorial Day through Labor Day) when no Special Event Permits will be issued.

Event producers are requested to be present at any Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission and City Council meetings where their event is scheduled to be reviewed.

Special Event Impact Levels
Special events will be categorized as Impact Level I, II, or III based on the information provided in the Special Events Application. City staff will determine the Impact Level of the event using the Impact Characteristics Matrix.

Impact Characteristics Matrix
If more than one option is applicable, the highest characteristic will be used to determine the impact level.

Characteristic Impact Level I Impact Level II Impact Level III Total Attendees and Spectators
Per Event Day
100-500 501 – 1,999 2,000 or More
Event Location(s) Park or Beach The Pier or Pier Plaza Streets, the Strand, or Public Right of Way
Use of Volleyball Courts and
Beach Tennis Courts
None North or South
Volleyball Courts; or
Beach Tennis Courts
North and South
Volleyball Courts; or
North and South
Volleyball Courts and
Beach Tennis Courts; or
North Volleyball Courts
and Beach Tennis Courts
Event Season(s) Winter Spring or Fall Summer –
Peak Season
(Memorial Day to
Labor Day)
Event Day(s) Monday - Thursday Friday, Saturday, or
Sunday
Holiday
Total Consecutive Event Days
(Including Set-up and Tear-down)
1-2 3-4 5 or More
(May not exceed 15)
Additional requests/services such
as Film/Still Photo Permit, Building
and Safety Review, Police Services,
Reserved Parking, Street
Closures/Traffic Control Plan
Review, or Amplified Sound Permit
None 1-2 3 or more
Impact Level 5 or More
Applicable
=Impact Level I
2 or More
Applicable
= Impact Level II
2 or more
Applicable =
Impact Level III
Special Event Limits
The total maximum number of special event days shall be permitted during the peak season (Saturday before Memorial Day to Labor Day):
• Impact Level III events: Maximum of 50 days
• Impact Level II and Level I events: Maximum of 25 days on days not used by Impact Level III events The monthly number of special event days outside of the peak season will be limited to a maximum of 15 per month. Additionally, no more than two events will be permitted in the City on any given day.

Special Event Operational Requirements
Site Plan
A detailed site plan or map schematic must be submitted with the Special Events Application, showing the event layout, structures, access routes, and event-related equipment. • All recreational activities should remain at least 50 feet from the Strand wall. o Special considerations may be granted upon request.
• All event-related activities must not block beach access or hinder emergency access to and from the beach by Los Angeles County Lifeguards.
• All tents must remain at least 10 feet from the Strand wall.

Event signage shall not be placed on City facilities or premises outside of event times. Signage shall not be affixed to City property. Event producers may apply for a street banner through the Public Works Department.

Simultaneous Use of North and South Volleyball Courts
One side of the north and south of Pier volleyball courts should remain free of special event activity on weekends to allow for general public use or City-sponsored programming. An exception may be granted by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission or City Council.

Special Event Impact on Beach Tennis Courts
Any event requesting the temporary removal of the beach tennis courts must provide one of the following:
• An event footprint that would allow for at least three of the permanent Beach Tennis Courts to remain available for general public use; or
• Temporary Beach Tennis Courts made available for general public use. o Temporary courts must remain at least 50 feet from the Strand wall and shall not block beach access or hinder emergency access to and from the beach by Los Angeles County Lifeguards.

If temporary courts are provided outside of the Commercial Zone, it is the responsibility of the event producer to set up and remove the courts daily, as they are not permitted to remain overnight.
o The City and beach tennis community may assist with providing temporary poles and nets to the event producer and provide guidance for installation and removal.

Special Event Notifications
The Parks and Recreation Department may require event producers to provide written notification to all residents and businesses within a 500-foot radius of the event site, depending on the anticipated community impact.

Parking
If an event producer requests reserved parking, a parking plan must be submitted outlining the public parking spaces requested and the times of use for each space. The City shall enforce reserved parking only in response to complaints. Therefore, the event producer is responsible for monitoring the reserved parking during the reserved hours and reporting any non-event-related vehicles parked in the reserved spaces by calling nonemergency dispatch at (310) 524-2750. The event producer or a designated representative must be present for the City to enforce and tow vehicles. The City does not issue refunds for any fees associated with parking.

Event producers may be required to secure satellite parking lots for event staff or attendee parking, and/or shuttle bus transportation.

Traffic Plan
Event producers requesting street closures must submit a comprehensive traffic control plan that illustrates all road closures, detours, and the exact placement of traffic control devices, including crash-tested barricades, signage, and message boards. The traffic control plan must be approved by the Police and Public Works Departments. The event producer is responsible for securing, deploying, and maintaining all required traffic control devices as outlined in the City-approved traffic control plan. The Public Works Department will inspect all traffic control devices once deployed to ensure proper placement and effectiveness.

Food, Beverage, or Merchandise Sales
For approved events on the beach, the sale of prepared food, non-alcoholic beverages, and/or merchandise by vendors is permissible. Per the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code, “prepared food” is defined as food or

beverage that (1) is ready to consume without any further preparation, alteration, or repackaging, and (2) is prepared, provided, sold, or served by a food provider using any cooking, packaging, or food preparation technique. Requests for alcohol sales on the beach will not be considered.

For events not held on the beach, the sale of food, non-alcoholic beverages, alcoholic beverages, or merchandise may be considered. If alcohol sales are approved, the event producer must secure the appropriate license from the State of California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC). The City may impose restrictions on the management of alcohol at the event and/or require security officers or City staff monitoring, with all associated costs borne by the event producer.

The event producer is fully responsible for all vendors operating within the approved event footprint. Only vendors pre-approved by the City may operate within the approved event footprint. The presence of any unpermitted vendor constitutes a violation attributable to the event producer, may result in fines, and may impact the approval of future events.

Event producers are responsible for a per-vendor daily fee. A 25% discount will be applied to vendors that are Hermosa Beach-based businesses holding a valid City business license.

The City of Hermosa Beach does not collect or remit sales tax on behalf of event producers or vendors and assumes no responsibility for ensuring vendor compliance with State tax laws. The event producer shall be responsible for ensuring that all vendors participating in an approved special event comply with applicable State of California sales and use tax requirements. The event producer shall distribute any applicable sales tax or temporary seller information forms, as required.

Additional Permits
• Amplified Sound Permit: Required if the event includes the use of loudspeakers or sound-amplifying equipment for instructions, directions, lectures, or music. For events downtown, all speakers must be oriented westward, toward the ocean, at all times.
• Building and Safety Permit: May be required if the special event includes temporary installation of structures, such as tents over 10’ x 10’, stages, trusses, awnings, marquees, towers, antennas, relocatable buildings, pools, electrical or mechanical equipment, heaters, or large-scale ventilation equipment.
• Coastal Development Permit: May be required if the special event is held between Memorial Day and Labor Day, occupies all or a portion of the beach, and involves a charge for general public admission or seating (not including participant entry fees).
• County of Los Angeles Fire Department Operational Permit • Film/Still Photo Permit: Required for any special event recording or photographing activities resulting in commercial use.

Event Modifications
Event producers requesting event modifications such as additional locations, event days, additional City staff and services, or an event date change may be subject to an Event Modification fee.

Economic Benefit
Event producers should encourage the use of local businesses for event staff, participants, and spectators. The Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Bureau’s business directory is available at www.trulyhermosa.com. Additionally, event producers should engage with local businesses to explore partnership and promotional opportunities.

Pre/Post Event Meetings
Pre-event and post-event meetings with City staff and event producers may be required.

Portable Restrooms and Hand Sanitizing/Sink Facilities
Event producers may be required to provide portable restrooms and hand-sanitizing or sink facilities. The cost of such services shall be the responsibility of the event producer. The number of portable restrooms and handsanitizing/sink facilities required will be determined by City staff, who will also designate the location of these facilities at the event site.

Emergency Action Plan
It is the event producer’s responsibility to have a comprehensive emergency action plan to the City that outlines procedures for crises, such as severe weather, fire, active hostile attacks, missing persons, medical emergencies, or threats of violence. The plan should include an evacuation plan, a script for evacuation announcements, and methods for communicating evacuation procedures and locations to event attendees.

The proposed plan may be reviewed and finalized in coordination with the City’s Emergency Management Coordinator.

Trash
Event producers are prohibited from leaving any trash at the event site outside of permanent trash receptacles.

Event producers may be required to provide additional trash containers, dumpsters, or collection services through Athens, with all associated costs borne by the event producer.

Accessibility Plan
Event producers are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable City, County, State, and Federal disability access requirements, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). All indoor and outdoor event sites, activities, and programs must be fully accessible to persons with disabilities.

Security
The Hermosa Beach Police Department may determine that a special event requires the presence of one or more Police Officers or licensed security personnel. The cost of such services shall be borne by the event producer. All security personnel must be licensed, in uniform, and are subject to approval by the City.

Insurance
At least ten (10) days prior to the event, event producers will provide the City with a certificate of insurance providing liability insurance with the following requirements:

Event producer agrees to furnish the City of Hermosa Beach evidence of comprehensive general liability insurance in the form of a certificate naming "the City of Hermosa Beach, its officers, agents, volunteers, and employees as additional insureds." This exact verbiage is required. Event producer shall notify the City at least thirty (30) days prior to the termination, reduction, cancellation, suspension, modification, or expiration of the policy. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Event producer shall maintain insurance coverage meeting the standards outlined in this Section at all times during the term of the activity or activities for which the Event producer submitted its application, as reflected in and permitted by this Agreement. All certificates are subject to approval of the City’s Risk Manager.

Coverage shall be at least as broad as Insurance Services Form CG 00 01 covering commercial general liability on an "occurrence" basis, including property damage, bodily injury, death, and personal and advertising injury with limits no less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) per occurrence. If a general aggregate limit applies, either the general aggregate limit shall apply separately to this Agreement, or the general aggregate limit shall be twice the required occurrence limit. The City reserves the right to request greater or lesser amounts of insurance coverage.

If the use includes athletic activities, shall provide evidence of that the commercial general liability insurance includes coverage for injuries to athletic participants and participant accident insurance.

If the Event producer maintains broader coverage and/or higher limits than the minimums shown above, the City requires and shall be entitled to the broader coverage and/or the higher limits maintained. Any available insurance proceeds in excess of the specified minimum limits of insurance and coverage shall be available to the City.

If the event producer utilizes, operates, or causes to be operated any motor vehicles on public rights-of-way connection with the permitted event, the event producer shall provide evidence of automobile liability insurance. Coverage shall be written on ISO form CA 00 01 or equivalent and shall include coverage for “any auto” (Symbol 1) or, at a minimum, all owned, hired, and non-owned vehicles. Limits shall be no less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) combined single limit per accident for bodily injury and property damage. The policy shall name "the City of Hermosa Beach, its officers, agents, volunteers, and employees" as additional insureds and shall be primary and non-contributory with respect to any insurance maintained by the City.

The City reserves the right to request higher limits if deemed warranted upon event review.

Event Day Expectations
To ensure timely response to any issues or changes during an event, event producers are responsible for:
• Providing contact information for an event representative who can be reached by City staff at any time during the event.
o The assigned event representative must be on-site and may not actively participate in the event.
• Maintaining copies of all applicable Special Event Permits and any other City-issued permits on-site throughout the event.

Compliance
The City of Hermosa Beach Municipal Code governs the approval, review, and enforcement of events. The Special Events Policy Guide must be strictly adhered to, and all pertinent City Ordinances shall be enforced.

Environmental Requirements
Events in Hermosa Beach are expected to implement measures to minimize impacts and costs to the environment, the City, and the community. Upon receipt of a Special Events Application, event producers will be provided a “Green Matrix Form” to complete, demonstrating their understanding of and compliance with required environmental measures.

Applicable Fees
Payment of event fees is due upon receipt. The Parks and Recreation Department has the discretion to revoke a permit if all applicable fees are not paid in a timely manner. Special Event Permit fees are subject to change.

Additional direct costs may apply due to required staffing and/or services from the City of Hermosa Beach’s Community Development Department, Police Department, Public Works Department and/or the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Application fees are nonrefundable.

Current Fee Schedule
Event Fees Fee
Participant plus spectator crowd less than 500 per event day.

Commercial:
$300 per location, per day
Nonprofit:
$250 per location, per day
Participant plus spectator crowd more than 500 but less than 3,000 per event day;
• Impacts public areas for no longer than one day, including set-up and tear-down; and
• Is conducted in the off-season (not between Memorial Day and Labor Day) and not on any holiday.
$3,480 per location, per day
Participant plus spectator crowd more than 500 but less than 3,000 per event day;
• Impacts public areas for no longer than one day and is conducted in the Peak Season (between Memorial Day and
Labor Day) or on any holiday; or
• Impacts public areas for one or more days, including set-up and tear-down
Participant plus spectator crowd more than 3,000 but less than 5,000 per event day.
$3,830 per location, per day
Participant plus Spectator crowd exceeds 5,000 per event day. $6,962 per location, per day Additional Fees Fees
Commercial Application Fee (direct cost) $1,094
Late Commercial Application Fee (direct cost) $1,204

Nonprofit Application (direct cost) $729
Late Nonprofit Application (direct cost) $802
Commercial Long-term Agreement Application Fee (direct cost) $485 Nonprofit Long-term Agreement Application Fee (direct cost) $291 Public Hearing (direct cost) $38 plus publication costs Event Modification (direct cost) $114
Amplified Sound Permit (direct cost) $214
Commercial Pier Plaza Use Fee $14,574 per event day
Nonprofit Pier Plaza Use Fee $9,076 per event day
Event Vendor $115 per vendor, per day
Hermosa Beach-based Event Vendor with Valid City Business License $86.25 per vendor, per day Event Setup/Teardown $330 per location, per day
Parks and Recreation Staff (direct cost) $438 per day
Reserved Parking Staging (direct cost) $207
Reserved Parking Space (direct cost) Fees vary based on parking location Refund/Cancellation Policy
Once a permit is approved and issued, indirect costs may be refunded when written notice is given to the Parks and Recreation Department at least two weeks prior to the event date.

Promotional Activation Program
The Promotional Activation Program option provides organizations with a promotional opportunity on Pier Plaza or another mutually agreed-upon downtown location. These events must be strictly commercial in nature and are intended for brand awareness or product or service launches. Organizations wishing to host a promotional activation must submit a Special Event Application. Approval is granted administratively by the Parks and Recreation Director. More information can be found on the City website.

Fee Waiver Grants
To support qualified organizations that have received approval to hold an event, the City offers Fee Waiver Grant opportunities to help reduce the financial burden associated with City event fees. Events and organizations operating under a long-term agreement or other contractual agreement with the City are not subject to this policy. The annual allocation for Fee Waiver Grants shall be approved by the City Council each fall for the upcoming calendar year. Grants may be awarded in an amount up to $2,500 per event, or 50% of eligible indirect City event fees, whichever is less. Fee Waiver Grants may only be applied toward indirect costs charged by the City. Direct costs are not eligible for waiver and must be paid in full by the event producer. The minimum Fee Waiver Grant request shall be $250.

Eligibility
Event producers must be able to demonstrate how its event provides a unique benefit to the City, provide a large economic impact, and that a partial fee waiver would make a meaningful difference to the event producer’s ability to produce the event.

Obligations
Organizations approved for a Fee Waiver Grant shall be required to comply with the following:
o Include the statement “is brought to you with support from the City of Hermosa Beach” on all event marketing materials. The City requests that this exact language be used. o A copy of the marketing materials containing this language must be submitted to the City prior to issuance of the Special Event Permit.
o Provide a formal presentation to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission at a regular meeting no more than 60 days following the event. The presentation shall include discussion of the following:

▪ Number of attendees.
▪ Beneficiary of funds raised by the event, if applicable. ▪ Overview of the event budget and financial outcome.
▪ Overview of the community benefit and/or positive economic impact to Hermosa Beach.

Disqualification
Failure to comply with the requirements of this policy shall automatically disqualify the organization from submitting a Fee Waiver Grant request for the remainder of the current calendar year and for one additional calendar year.

If any information submitted as part of a Special Event Fee Waiver Grant request is found to be fraudulent, any event approvals already granted for the remainder of the calendar year shall be automatically revoked. While the organization may reapply for event approval in the following calendar year, it shall no longer be eligible to apply for a Fee Waiver Grant.

Long-term Agreements
The City of Hermosa Beach recognizes the value of hosting a variety of community events that contribute to a balanced and engaging events calendar for residents. To support long-term planning and consistency in event scheduling, eligible events may qualify for a Long-Term Agreement (LTA) with the City.

Eligibility
To be eligible for consideration of a Long-Term Agreement, the event must have been held in Hermosa Beach for at least three consecutive years.

Term Limits
LTA’s shall not exceed a maximum of three years, unless otherwise determined by the City Council.

Procedures
The following steps are required to guide the development and implementation of an LTA:

1. Submittal of an LTA Application

2. Review and approval by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission to begin LTA negotiations with City staff.

3. LTA negotiations and development.

4. Presentation of the final LTA to the City Council for approval.

Obligations
Organizations with approved LTAs must:
• Provide a post-event presentation to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission within 60 days following the event. The presentation shall include attendance figures, community impacts, and a summary of successes and challenges; and
• Include the following statement on all event marketing materials: “This event is brought to you with support from the City of Hermosa Beach.”
• Submit copies of all marketing materials containing the required language to the City prior to issuance of the Special Event Permit.

CONSIDERATION OF

SPECIAL EVENT POLICY

GUIDE AND FEE UPDATES

PROPOSED UPDATE
Special Event Approval Guidelines
• Current:
o different application deadlines based on impact level or whether an event is new or returning.
• Proposed Update:
o all new events require applications to be in at least 90 days in advance, regardless of impact level
o returning events requested to provide event dates by July 31 for the following calendar year and only reviewed by the Commission (unless otherwise directed by City Council or staff due to significant event changes)

PROPOSED UPDATE
Special Event Locations
• Current:
o Specific locations listed
• Proposed Update:
o Add language that allows for “special considerations for locations not listed above”

PROPOSED UPDATE
Special Event Limits
• Current:
o Peak season limits only apply to coastal locations; beach, Strand, Pier Plaza o Limits: 45 for impact level III, 25 for impact level II or I • Proposed Update:
o Appy peak season limits city-wide
o Increase impact level III limit to 50
o Align peak season start-end to HBMC: Saturday preceding Memorial Day to Labor Day

PROPOSED UPDATE
Fee Waiver Grant Eligibility
• Staff’s Proposed Update:
o Proposed ineligibility for events offering:
 Prize pools
 Cash rewards
 Participant compensation
• Commission did not support

PROPOSED UPDATE
Fee Waiver Grant Eligibility
• Current:
o Event being classified as an Impact Level II or III with a minimum attendance of 5,000 or an event duration of at least two consecutive days. o Event producers must demonstrate:
 Financial need or economic justification
 Positive community benefit by meeting at least two community-based criteria related to:
• supporting Hermosa Beach residents, schools, or businesses • Community support and participation
• Broad public appeal
• Recreational, cultural, social, or educational value
• Promoting active and healthy lifestyles
• Addressing unmet community needs
• Proposed Update:
o Approved events must:
 Provide a unique benefit to the City or community
 Generate significant economic impact
 Demonstrate that a partial fee waiver would meaningfully assist event

PROPOSED UPDATE
Long-term Agreement Program Procedures
• Current:
o LTA application submitted - Commission review and recommendation - City Council approval to begin negotiations - Staff negotiations and agreement development - Final LTA returned to City Council for approval • Proposed Update:
o Remove City Council first approval step to begin negotiations o Authorize Commission to initiate LTA negotiations

PROPOSED UPDATE
Long-term Agreement Program Obligations
• Current:
o Organizations with an LTA must provide:
 Pre-event presentation to the Commission
 Post-event presentation to the Commission
• Proposed Update:
o Eliminate pre-event presentation requirement
 Retain post-event presentation only

ADDITIONAL COMMISSION FEEDBACK
• Remove all existing LTA eligibility
criteria
• Retain only requirement that an event
must have occurred in Hermosa Beach
for at least 3 consecutive years
• Remove “Returning or New Event”
classification in the Impact
Characteristic Matrix

PROPOSED FEE UPDATES OR ADDITONS P
Modification:

Events with participant plus spectator crowds less than 500 per event day:

Commercial: $300 per location, per day
Nonprofit: $250 per location, per day
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The current fee requires event producers to submit participant rosters and applies a rate of $2 per participant for non-profit events and 30% of registration costs for commercial events.

Removal:

Pass-through Application: $365
Addition:

Late Commercial Application: $1,204
Late Nonprofit Application: $802
Addition:

Commercial LTA Application: $485
Nonprofit LTA Application: $291
Addition:

Reserved Parking Staging: $207
Addition:

Event Modification: $114
Addition:

Public Hearing: $38 plus costs of publication of public notice Addition:

Nonprofit Pier Plaza Use Fee: $9,076 per event day

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATION
Event Application & Review Process
• Require all new events to apply at least 90 days in advance • Establish July 31 deadline for all returning events requesting dates for following year • Eliminate automatic public hearing requirement for new events • Eliminate automatic City Council review for returning Impact Level III events • Remove “Returning or New Event” classification from Impact Matrix Event Operations & Location Updates
• Allow special consideration for event locations not listed in Policy Guide • Increase maximum Impact Level III peak-season event days from 45 to 50 days • Modify peak season start date to align with HBMC
• Expand peak-season limits citywide rather than only coastal locations Fee Waiver Grant Program Updates
• Proposed ineligibility for events offering prize pools, cash awards or participant compensation • Simplify eligibility criteria to focus on unique community benefit, economic impact and meaningful financial assistance to producer
Long-Term Agreement (LTA) Updates
• Eliminate City Council approval step to begin negotiations • Eliminate pre-event presentation requirement
• Retain post-event reporting only
• Simplify LTA eligibility to only be the event must have operated in Hermosa Beach for at least 3 consecutive years Approve proposed fee additions and updates Page 923 of 1336 City of Hermosa Beach | Page 1 of 4
Meeting Date: May 26, 2026
Staff Report No. 26-CMO-033
Honorable Mayor and Members of the Hermosa Beach City Council ENDORSEMENT OF ARAKELIAN ENTERPRISES, INC’S (DBA ATHENS

SERVICES) REQUEST FOR AN ANNUAL RATE ADJUSTMENT TO THE MAXIMUM

RATES FOR SOLID WASTE SERVICES
(Environmental Programs Manager Douglas Krauss)
Recommended Action:

Staff recommends City Council:

1. Endorse the proposed service rate adjustment from Arakelian Enterprises, Inc. (DBA Athens Services) (“Athens Services”) at amounts not to exceed the attached rate schedule effective July 1, 2026; and

2. Adopt a resolution Approving the Annual Rate Adjustment to the Maximum Rates for Solid Waste Services Pursuant to the Integrated Solid Waste Management Services Agreement with Arakelian Enterprises, Inc. (DBAAthens Services) (Attachment 3).

Executive Summary:

The City entered into a contract on July 1, 2013, with Athens Services to provide residential and commercial waste disposal services for the City (“Agreement”); and extended the Agreement in December 2022 for an additional ten years. Per the Agreement, Athens Services may request an annual adjustment to the maximum rates by March 1 of each year. Rate adjustments are calculated in accordance with Section 6.4 of the Agreement and subject to City Council approval.

If approved, the annual rate increase would become effective July 1, 2026; and result in a five percent increase in residential and commercial rates. The separate agreement with Athen Services for street sweeping services has a fixed annual rate increase of three percent.

Background:

Since entering into the Agreement with Athens Services effective July 1, 2013, annual solid waste rate adjustments have been implemented in accordance with the rate adjustment methodology contained in Section 6.4. The most recent annual rate increase was approved by City Council at its May 27, 2025, meeting.

City of Hermosa Beach | Page 2 of 4
At its December 13, 2022 meeting, City Council approved a ten-year extension and amendment to the agreements for solid waste and street sweeping and cleaning services.

The amendment to the solid waste agreement included a change to the index used to calculate the annual rate adjustment. Previously, the annual rate adjustment was based on various Consumer Price Index (“CPI”) and Producer Price Index (“PPI”). Per the amendment, annual rate adjustments will be calculated based on only the Trash CPI plus one percent. As part of the ten-year contract extension and amendment, an extraordinary rate increase was approved and was implemented in three phases occurring on January 1, 2023, July 1, 2023, and July 1, 2024.

Past Council Actions
Meeting Date Description
October 12, 2010 Approved Agreement with Athens Services for Street Sweeping and Cleaning Services
March 26, 2013 Approved Agreement with Athens Services) September 10, 2019 Approved special rate increase for Organics Recycling Service
May 25, 2021 Approved Seventh Annual Rate Adjustment
May 10, 2022 Considered proposal from Athens for contract extension and amendment and directed staff to negotiate with Athens
May 24, 2022 Approved Eighth Annual Rate Adjustment
October 25, 2022 Approved proposal for amendment and extension of contract with Athens Services
December 13, 2022 Held public hearing on proposed customer rates for new Athens Services contract extension and amendment
May 23, 2023 Approved annual rate adjustment including second installment of extraordinary rate adjustment
May 28, 2024 Approved annual rate adjustment including third and final installment of extraordinary rate adjustment
May 27, 2025 Approved annual rate adjustment
Discussion:

The Agreement prescribes the format by which Athens Services can request an annual rate adjustment. Rate years run from July 1 through June 30 of the following year. In order to consider an annual rate adjustment for an upcoming rate year, Athens Services must submit a written request to the City by March 1 of each year.

City of Hermosa Beach | Page 3 of 4
Staff reviewed the annual rate adjustment request dated February 27, 2026, and accompanying letter submitted May 1, 2026 (Attachment 1), according to the rate adjustment methodology outlined in Section 6.4 of the Agreement. The rate adjustment calculations were previously performed separately for the three service categories consisting of single-family service carts, multi-family and commercial service bins, and roll-off bins. The new adjustment formula is based solely on the Trash CPI plus one additional percentage. The Trash CPI index for the period of March 2025 to March 2026 increased by four percent.

Staff reviewed the rate schedules and calculations and confirmed that the rate adjustments were made in accordance with the terms of the Agreement. Staff confirmed the accuracy of the indices and that the rate adjustment formulas are correctly applied to the rates.

Based on the rate adjustment methods and prescribed formulas, the City’s net residential and commercial rate would increase on July 1, 2026, by five percent. This includes the CPI index increase of four percent, plus one percent per the approved adjustment formula. Simultaneously, per a separate agreement between Athens and the City, street sweeping rates paid by the City will also increase by a fixed three percent annually on July 1 (Attachment 1).

Per the Agreement, Athens Services will notify all customers of the rate adjustment at least 30 days in advance of the effective date of the adjustment, July 1, 2026.

Fiscal Impact:

Rate increases affect the franchise fees paid by Athens Services to the City. The impact of the five percent adjustment would result in an increase of approximately $30,000 in franchise fees paid to the City. The impact of the rate increase on the most common service levels is shown here:
3-Yard Bin serviced
once per week
Residential
64-Gallon Trash and 35-
gallon organics cart
Current Rate $331.45 $32.31
Proposed Rate $347.86 $33.91
The increase of three percent for street sweeping and cleaning services has been included in the 2026–27 Preliminary Budget.

City of Hermosa Beach | Page 4 of 4
Attachments:

1. Rate adjustment request letters from Athens Services for Solid Waste Services and Street Sweeping and Cleaning Services

2. Proposed Rates

3. Resolution
Respectfully Submitted by: Douglas Krauss, Environmental Programs Manager Noted for Fiscal Impact: Henry Chao, Finance Manager
Reviewed by: Brandon Walker, Administrative Services Director Legal Review: Jason Baltimore, Interim City Attorney
Approved: Steve Napolitano, City Manager

P.O. Box 60009, City of Industry, CA 91716
(888) 336-6100
April 30, 2026
City of Hermosa Beach
Steve Napolitano, City Manager
1315 Valley Drive
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Re: Annual Request to Adjust the Maximum Rates Effective July 1, 2026 Mr. Napolitano:

Per our original letter dated February 26, 2026, we are following up to provide the rate adjustment calculations and rate sheets to be effective July 1, 2026.

Per Section 6.4.2 in Amendment #2, the annual rate adjustment is based on the percentage increase in the Trash CPI for the prior 12-month period (March of the prior year to March of the current year) plus 1%. The change in the Trash CPI from March 2025 to March 2026 was 4.00%. Adding 1.00% to the CPI results in a total rate adjustment of 5.00% for all rates to be effective July 1, 2026.

Please handle the administrative processing of this request to make the rates effective July 1, 2026. In addition, upon your review and approval, please send an email or letter by mail indicating your approval of this rate adjustment. Upon our receipt of your approval, we will update our billing records and billing system to reflect this rate adjustment effective with the July 1, 2026 billing.

As always, we appreciate your assistance & support. Please feel free to call me at (626) 255-6174 with any questions or to discuss.

Sincerely,
Christian Warner
SVP of Market Intelligence & Contract Compliance
Encl:

CC: Doug Krauss, Environmental Programs Manager, City of Hermosa Beach

Monthly Residential Cart Service Rates Net Rate AB939 Collector Fee Total Rate Standard Service includes one refuse cart and one or more recycling carts. Green waste carts are provided on a subscription basis.

Cart Size:

Standard Service - based upon refuse cart size
20-gallon $12.03 $0.25 $1.34 $13.62
35-gallon $14.11 $0.25 $1.57 $15.93
64-gallon $22.54 $0.25 $2.50 $25.29
96-gallon $30.91 $0.25 $3.43 $34.59
Additional Refuse Cart - above one
35-gallon $8.38 $0.00 $0.93 $9.31
64-gallon $12.63 $0.00 $1.40 $14.03
96-gallon $16.82 $0.00 $1.87 $18.69
Each Yard Waste Cart
35-gallon $7.76 $0.00 $0.86 $8.62
64-gallon $8.86 $0.00 $0.99 $9.85
96-gallon $9.90 $0.00 $1.10 $11.00
Alternative "Can" Service (if carts not feasible) - Equivalent cart rates based on capacity Active Military Rate Reduction - above rates reduced by 25% Senior Low Income Discount - above rates (excluding 20-gallon rate) reduced by 10% Other Cart Rates and Services (Charged in Addition to Monthly Cart Service Rates) Walk-out Service - upon request $8.38 $0.00 $0.93 $9.31 Walk-out Service - authorized disabled customers $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 No charge Additional Special Overage Pickup for Automated Cart Customers $10.50 $0.00 $1.17 $11.67 (in excess of six pickups per year)
Additional Bulky Item pickups (in excess of two free pickups per $63.04 $0.00 $7.01 $70.05 dwelling unit per year)
Cart Exchanges (in excess of free exchanges to be provided) $31.54 $0.00 $3.50 $35.04 Returned Check (NSF) Fee (applicable to all customers) $46.43 $0.00 $5.16 $51.59 Credit Card Declined Fee (applicable to all customers) $46.43 $0.00 $5.16 $51.59 Optional HHW Door-to-Door Collection - per dwelling unit $0.94 $0.00 $0.10 $1.04 * Including all City fees, including $0.25/home/month AB939 fee.

CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH

MAXIMUM RATES
Effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027

Extra
Container Size 1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00 6.00 7.00 Empty Refuse
32-gallon cart (2) $75.01 $131.28 $184.46 $240.79 $293.88 $350.16 $437.68 $46.39 64-gallon cart (2) $118.81 $206.48 $291.01 $375.52 $460.06 $547.71 $679.00 $46.39 96-gallon cart (2) $162.60 $272.21 $381.88 $491.56 $601.07 $710.76 $820.39 $46.39 1 yard bin $221.69 $332.93 $447.78 $559.19 $667.08 $781.89 $913.88 $130.84

1.5 yard bin $246.32 $371.99 $528.69 $623.30 $745.56 $998.74 $1,169.31 $130.84 2 yard bin $298.59 $459.23 $623.33 $784.09 $920.56 $1,060.66 $1,238.62 $130.84 3 yard bin $347.86 $537.19 $723.10 $912.46 $1,098.28 $1,284.18 $1,508.04 $168.19 4 yard bin $417.86 $642.73 $970.97 $1,095.97 $1,320.87 $1,549.15 $1,811.93 $168.19 6 yard bin $523.43 $805.61 $1,091.22 $1,373.42 $1,659.10 $1,941.23 $2,271.75 $168.19 8 yard bin $649.58 $1,002.88 $1,345.84 $1,685.32 $2,011.11 $2,354.00 $2,758.92 $199.04 Recycling
18-gallon cart (3) $23.95
32-gallon cart (3) $37.41 $65.47 $91.96 $119.99 $146.58 $174.65 $221.46 $23.12 64-gallon cart (3) $59.27 $102.80 $144.96 $187.11 $229.16 $272.79 $338.23 $23.12 96-gallon cart (3) $81.03 $135.63 $190.20 $244.72 $299.29 $353.88 $408.38 $23.12 1 yard bin $99.76 $149.65 $201.09 $250.96 $299.29 $350.71 $410.03 $58.75

1.5 yard bin $110.67 $166.81 $236.91 $279.07 $333.59 $447.38 $523.78 $58.75 2 yard bin $134.07 $205.78 $279.07 $350.71 $411.54 $473.91 $553.38 $58.75 3 yard bin $155.87 $240.11 $322.65 $406.86 $489.52 $572.05 $671.81 $75.31 4 yard bin $187.11 $286.82 $433.41 $487.86 $587.63 $688.99 $805.90 $75.31 Locking Bin Service $17.21 $34.43 $51.64 $68.85 $86.07 $103.28 $120.49 Cart Push-out 10-50 FT $18.19 $36.38 $54.57 $72.76 $90.95 $109.14 $127.33 Cart Push-out 51-100 FT $23.61 $47.22 $70.83 $94.44 $118.05 $141.66 $165.27 Cart Push-out 101-150 FT $30.71 $61.42 $92.13 $122.84 $153.55 $184.26 $214.97 Cart Push-out 151+ $39.92 $79.84 $119.76 $159.68 $199.60 $239.52 $279.44 Bin Scout 10-50 FT $36.35 $72.70 $109.05 $145.40 $181.75 $218.10 $254.45 Bin Scout 51-100 FT $47.25 $94.50 $141.75 $189.00 $236.25 $283.50 $330.75 Bin Scout 101-150 FT $61.43 $122.86 $184.29 $245.72 $307.15 $368.58 $430.01 Bin Scout 151+ $79.84 $159.68 $239.52 $319.36 $399.20 $479.04 $558.88 (1) Including all City fees.
(2) Applicable to businesses. All residential cart customers are charged in accordance with the Residential Cart Service Rates.
(3) Not applicable to residents with cart refuse service; such customers receive recycling service at no additional charge.
n/a

CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH

MAXIMUM RATES
Effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027
Monthly Bin GROSS Rates (1)
Pickups per week