Hermosa Beach City Zoning Code

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.

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

Effective on: 7/23/2026

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.

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

Effective on: 7/23/2026

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.

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

Effective on: 7/23/2026

1. A.
   Application. Applications for Minor Use Permits shall be filed with the Community Development Department on application forms as prescribed by the Director.
2. 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 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 Use Permit no more than thirty (30) days following the filing of a complete application.

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

Effective on: 7/23/2026

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.

1. 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;
2. B.
   The proposed use is consistent with the General Plan and any applicable specific plan;
3. 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;
4. D.
   The design, location, size, and operating characteristics of the proposed activity are compatible with the land uses and circulation in the vicinity; and
5. E.
   The site is physically suitable for the type of the use being proposed, including access, utilities, and the absence of physical constraints.

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

Effective on: 7/23/2026

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:

1. 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;
2. B.
   Achieve the general purposes of this Title or the specific purpose of the zone in which the project is located;
3. C.
   Achieve the findings for a Minor Use Permit listed in Section 17.68.050; or
4. D.
   Mitigate any potentially significant impacts identified because of environmental review conducted in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act.

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

Effective on: 7/23/2026

1. A.
   Appeals. Appeals of Minor Use Permits shall be processed pursuant to Section 17.03.120 (Appeals and Calls for Review).
2. 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).
3. C.
   Revocation and Expiration. Revocation and Expiration of any Minor Use Permit shall be processed pursuant to Section 17.03.110 (Revocation of Permits).
4. 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.

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

Effective on: 7/23/2026