Hermosa Beach City Zoning Code

The purpose of this Chapter is to establish a means of granting minor relief development standards.

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

Effective on: 7/23/2026

The following changes to development standards may be approved through a Minor Exception.

1. A.
   Up to ten percent reductions in setback and open space requirements for existing buildings;
2. 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;
3. 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;
4. 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;
5. E.
   Up to a ten percent reduction in parking stall dimensions for structural reasons, when providing parking in existing buildings;
6. 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.

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

Effective on: 7/23/2026

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.

1. 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.

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

Effective on: 7/23/2026

1. A.
   Application. An application for a Minor Exception shall be filed to the Community Development Department on the application forms prescribed by the Director.
2. B.
   Public Notice. An application for a Minor Exception shall require a public notice prior to the Director’s decision pursuant to Section 17.03.050 (Public Notice).
3. 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.

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

Effective on: 7/23/2026

The Community Development Director 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. A.
   The requested minor exception is warranted by practical difficulties;
2. B.
   The requested minor exception is necessary to avoid inconsistencies with the general intent of this Title; and
3. C.
   The requested minor exception for the same development standard has not been approved within the last 10 years.

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

Effective on: 7/23/2026

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.

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

Effective on: 7/23/2026

1. A.
   Appeals. Appeals of Minor Exceptions shall be processed pursuant to Section 17.03.120 (Appeals and Calls for Review).
2. B.
   Expiration and Extension. An approved Minor Exception may expire or be extended pursuant to Section 17.03.090 (Effective Dates: Expiration and Extension).
3. C.
   Revocation and Expiration. Revocation and Expiration of any Minor Exception shall be processed pursuant to Section 17.03.110 (Revocation of Permits).

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

Effective on: 7/23/2026