Hermosa Beach City Zoning Code

This Chapter lays out the basic roles, responsibilities, and functions of all planning authorities under this Title, including the City Council, Planning Commission, and Community Development Director (Director).

(Ord. # 26-1500 §5 (Exh. B), adopted 06/23/2026, effective 07/23/2026)

Effective on: 7/23/2026

The powers and responsibilities of the City Council include, but are not limited to the following:

1. A.
   Consider and adopt, deny, or modify proposed General Plan Amendments, Local Coastal Program, Specific Plans, and environmental documents related to any of the foregoing, pursuant to Chapter 17.86 (General Plan Amendments).
2. B.
   Consider and adopt, deny or modify proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map and environmental documents related to any of the foregoing, pursuant to Chapter 17.84 (Zoning Amendments).
3. C.
   Consider and adopt, deny, or modify Development Agreements, following a public hearing and recommended action by the Planning Commission, pursuant to Chapter 17.80 (Development Agreements).
4. D.
   Hear and decide appeals from decisions of the Planning Commission pursuant to Section 17.03.120 (Appeals and Calls for Review).
5. E.
   Establish, by resolution, a Master Fee Schedule charges, and deposits for various applications and services provided, pursuant to Chapter 2.64 (Fees and Service Charges).

(Ord. # 26-1500 §5 (Exh. B), adopted 06/23/2026, effective 07/23/2026) 

Effective on: 7/23/2026

The powers and responsibilities of the Planning Commission include, but are not limited to the following:

1. A.
   Annually review of progress towards implementation of the General Plan and make recommendations to the City Council based on any new legislation, development trends, or changing economic, social, and environmental conditions.
2. B.
   Approve, modify, or deny Precise Development Plans, Conditional Use Permits, Variances, Certificates of Appropriateness, and other entitlements as outlined in Section 17.02.050 (Review Authorities for Decisions and Appeals).
3. C.
   Make recommendations to the City Council on Development Agreements.
4. D.
   Make recommendations to City Council on proposed amendments to the General Plan, Specific Plan(s), Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map and environmental determinations related to any of the foregoing.
5. E.
   Hear and approve, modify, or deny appeals from decisions of the Community Development Director.
6. F.
   Hear and approve, modify, or deny proposals to revoke permits, pursuant to Section 17.03.110 (Revocation of Permits).
7. G.
   Make environmental determinations on any powers and responsibilities listed in this section and that are subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act, except as excluded above.
8. H.
   Such other powers and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the City Council.

(Ord. # 26-1500 §5 (Exh. B), adopted 06/23/2026, effective 07/23/2026) 

Effective on: 7/23/2026

The powers and responsibilities of the Community Development Director or their designee, include, but are not limited to the following:

1. A.
   Maintain, interpret, and administer the Zoning Ordinance, including the processing of applications, abatements, interpretations, and other enforcement actions.
2. B.
   Review applications for permits and licenses for conformance with this Title and issue a Zoning Clearance when the proposed use, activity or building is allowed by right and conforms to all applicable development and use standards.
3. C.
   Approve, modify, or deny Permits, as authorized pursuant to Section 17.02.050 (Review Authorities for Decisions and Appeals).
4. D.
   Initiate Specific Plans and related amendments; zoning code and zoning maps Amendments; and General Plan Amendments, including amendments to the General Plan Land Use Map.
5. E.
   Refer items to the Planning Commission where, in the Director’s determination, the public interest would be better served by a Planning Commission public hearing and action.
6. F.
   Make environmental determinations on any powers and responsibilities listed in this section and that are subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act, pursuant to State law.
7. G.
   Make recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council on all applications, appeals, and other matters upon which they have the authority and the responsibility to act under this Title.
8. H.
   Investigate and report to the Planning Commission on permit violations when the City has initiated revocation procedures, pursuant to Section 17.03.110, Revocation of Permits.
9. I.
   Delegate administrative functions to members of the Community Development Department.
10. J.
    Other duties and powers as may be assigned by the City Manager or may be established through legislation.

(Ord. # 26-1500 §5 (Exh. B), adopted 06/23/2026, effective 07/23/2026) 

Effective on: 7/23/2026

Summary of Review Authorities for Decisions and Appeals, summarizes the powers and duties that each review authority has under this Title. Where a project requires more than one type of application, all permit requests may be reviewed and decided on by the highest review authority established for any of the applications.

(Ord. # 26-1500 §5 (Exh. B), adopted 06/23/2026, effective 07/23/2026) 

Effective on: 7/23/2026