Hermosa Beach City Zoning Code

This Chapter establishes procedures for the consideration, adoption, and implementation of specific plans for the purpose of implementing the General Plan on an area-specific basis.

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

Effective on: 7/23/2026

1. 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.
2. 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 Council.

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

Effective on: 7/23/2026

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.

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

Effective on: 7/23/2026

1. A.
   Application. Applications for Specific Plans shall be filed with the Community Development Department on application forms prescribed by the Director.
2. 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).
3. C.
   Planning Commission Hearing. Before submitting a recommendation to the City Council, the Planning Commission shall conduct at least one public hearing.
4. 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. 1.
      Approval. If the Planning Commission has recommended approval of the proposed amendment, the City Council is required to take final action pursuant to subsection E, City Council Hearing and Action.
   2. 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)
5. E.
   City Council Hearing and Action

   1. 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. The notice for the hearing shall include a summary of the Planning Commission recommendation.
   2. 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.
6. 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. 1.
      Determination if the new application has resolved the review authority’s previous objections shall be made by the Director.
   2. 2.
      Said revision shall require a new application process and payment of fee.

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

Effective on: 7/23/2026

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

1. A.
   The specific plan or amendment is consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies of the General Plan;
2. B.
   The specific plan or amendment will not create conditions materially detrimental to the public health, safety, and general welfare;
3. 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;
4. D.
   The specific plan or amendment is suitable and appropriate for the location, access, and topography for the development of the subject property;

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

Effective on: 7/23/2026

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

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

Effective on: 7/23/2026