Huntington Beach
International Surfing
Museum License
Agreement
March 3, 2026
SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: 3/3/2026 Item No. 20. (26-182) Background
On July 1, 2025, Mayor Burns, Mayor Pro Tem McKeon and Council Woman Van Der Mark brought forward a Councilmember Item directing staff to evaluate the feasibility of co-locating the Huntington Beach Surfing Museum (HBISM) within the underutilized space at the Main Street Branch Library (Library).
On December 16, 2025, City Council was presented a study session on the feasibility of the co-location.
Analysis
• The co-location of HBISM in the Library, in combination with the Huntington Beach Art Center (HBAC) provides the opportunity to create a cultural hub in the downtown area.
• The combination of programming, events and educational opportunities will enhance cultural offerings, increased foot traffic and reinforce Huntington Beach’s identity as “Surf City USA.” City Key Obligations
• Provide a designated space at Main Street Branch Library. • Maintain common areas.
• Provide reasonable support for HBISM
o Co-sponsorship of up to eight (8) Surfin’ Sundays per year, including use of the Show Mobile at no cost.
o Recommendations on resources for best practices on
organizing, preserving and storage of HBISM items,
including the “P.T. Collection.”
City Key Obligations
• Provide reasonable space for HBISM
o Space for up to twelve (12) meetings per year
o Use of a separate work area to receive, store, organize and prepare static displays and art sales.
• Permit HBISM use of parking at HBAC on a “first come, first served” basis.
• Publicize events using a variety of channels.
HBISM Key Obligations
Financial Obligations:
• Pay $500 monthly base rent, pay any fees for late
payments and pay yearly CPI adjustment.
• Any possessory interest subject to California Revenue and Taxation Code 107.6.
• City staff costs related to Show Mobile use
• Bear the full cost of any improvements, including but not limited to environmental compliance, entitlements and
construction mitigation of designated area.
• Bear the full cost of maintenance, repairs and upkeep of improvements of designated area.
HBISM Key Obligations
• Obtain approval from the City for any exterior building signage. • Strive to increase community’s awareness of Library and Surf Museum through publicity and fundraising efforts.
• Collaborate on grant applications.
• Track programming and visitor statistics.
Main Street Library Footprint
Branch: ~9,500 sq. ft.
HBISM: ~1,200 sq. ft.
Library: ~4,000 sq. ft.
Shared: ~3,600 sq. ft.
Recommendation
Approve and authorize execution of a License Agreement
between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum for use of a designated space at the Main Street Branch Library located at 525 Main Street.
Questions?