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Title 17 — ZoningChapter 17.04 — Definitions

§ 17.06

Hermosa Beach Zoning Code · 2026-07 edition · updated 2026-07-25 · Hermosa Beach

17.06.010 Names of zones.

In order to classify, regulate, restrict and segregate the uses of land and buildings, to regulate and restrict the height and bulk of buildings and to regulate the area of yards and other open spaces about buildings and to regulate the density of population, eighteen (18) classes of zones are by this ordinance established to be known as follows:

SPA Specific Plan Areas Specific Plan Areas Specific Plan Areas Specific Plan Areas ded to approximate the future location for that
circumscribed symbols within such designated
R-1 Single-familyresidential zone.
R-1A Two
dwelling unitsper
lot zone.
R-2 Two-familyresidential zone.
R-2A Medium Densityresidential(22)zone.
R-2B Limited multiple-familyresidence zone.
R-3 Multiple-familyresidential zone.
MHP Mobilehomepark development district.
R-P Residentialprofessional zone.
C-1 Limited business and residential.
C-2 General commercial district.
C-3 General and highwaycommercial district.
M-1 Light manufacturingzone.
PF Public facilityzone.
RPD Residential
planned development.
O-S Open space zone.
O-S-1 Restricted open space zone.
Where areas are shown upon the
O-S-2
zoningmapenclosed with an O,the areas thus shown are inten
Restricted open space zone.
type of land
use indicated by the s
areas represent classification.
ymbol therein enclosed within a circle. (See
Chapter 17.42.) Un

(Ord. 16-1371 §1.1, 2016; Ord. 12-1334 §2, 2012; Ord. 09-1300 §2, 2009; Ord. 96-1155 §34, 1996; prior code § 300)

  • (Ord. # 23 1471 §3, adopted 11/14/2023, effective 08/05/2024)

Effective on: 8/5/2024

17.06.020 Degree of restrictiveness.

"More restrictive uses" as employed in this title means the following:

  1. A. Those uses first permitted in the R-1 zone are the most restrictive. 2. B.

All other uses are less restrictive in the order they are first permitted in the zones in the sequence shown R-2, R-3, R-P, C-1, C-2, C-3 and M. (Prior code Appx. A, § 301)

Effective on: 1/1/1901

17.06.030 Establishment of zones by map.

The location and boundaries of the various zones are such as are shown and delineated on the zoning map of the city of Hermosa Beach, a copy of which is on file in the clerk’s office and by this reference made a part of this title. (Prior code Appx. A, § 302)

Effective on: 1/1/1901

17.06.040 Division of zoning map.

The zoning map may, for convenience, be divided into parts and each such part may, for purposes of more readily identifying areas within such zoning map, be subdivided into units and such parts and units may be separately employed for purposes of amending the zoning map or for any official reference to the zoning map. (Prior code Appx. A, § 303)

Effective on: 1/1/1901

17.06.050 Changes in boundaries.

Changes in the boundaries of the zones shall be made by ordinance adopting an amended zoning map, or part of said map, or unit of a part of zoning map, which said amended maps, or part or units of parts, when so adopted, shall be published in the manner prescribed by law and become a part of this title. (Prior code Appx. A, § 304)

Effective on: 1/1/1901

17.06.060 Uncertainty of boundaries.

Where uncertainty exists as to the boundaries of any zone shown upon a zoning map or any part or unit thereof, the following rules of construction shall apply:

1. A.
Where such boundaries are indicated as approximately following
street and alley lines or
lot lines, such lines shall be construed to be
such boundaries.
2. B.
In the case of unsubdivided
property,and where a zone boundary divides a lot, the location of such boundaries, unless the same are
indicated by dimensions, shall be determined by
use of the scale appearing on said zoning map.
3. C.
Where a public street or alley is officially vacated or abandoned, the area comprising such vacated street or alley shall acquire the
classification of the property to which it reverts.
4. D.
Areas of dedicated streets or alley and railroad rights-of-way other than such as are designated on the zoning map as being classified in
one (1) of the zones provided in this title, shall be deemed to be unclassified and, in the case of streets, permitted to be used only for
purposes lawfully allowed and, in the case of railroad rights-of-way, permitted to be used solely for the purpose of accommodating
tracks, signals, other operative devices and movement of rolling stock.
5. E.
Any property which, for any reason is not designated on the zoning map as being classified in any of the zones established hereby, or
any property annexed to or consolidated with the
city subsequent to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter shall be
deemed to be classified as R-1 zone until the same shall have been otherwise classified in the manner set forth in
Chapter 17.66.
6. F.
The city
council may, upon recommendation of the planning
commission,invoke a classification other than R-1 (single-family
residential) upon properties being annexed to or consolidated with the city by the adoption of an emergency interim ordinance. Formal
proceedings, however, must be instituted within a reasonable length of time in order to properly amend the zoning ordinance in the
manner set forth in
Chapter 17.66 and repeal the emergency ordinance. (Prior code Appx. A, § 305)

Effective on: 1/1/1901

17.06.070 Limitation of land use.

Except as provided in this title, no building shall be erected, reconstructed or structurally altered, nor shall any building or land be used for any purpose except as hereinafter specifically provided and allowed in the same zone in which such building and land is located. (Prior code Appx. A, § 306)

Effective on: 1/1/1901

17.06.080 Density limited by official zoning map.

Where a number follows the zoning symbol on the zoning map, it shall represent the number of square feet of lot area required for each dwelling unit in lieu of the minimum area established in each zone. If no number follows the zoning symbol, the area prescribed in the chapter governing each zone shall apply. (Prior code Appx. A, § 307)

Effective on: 1/1/1901

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Contents — Hermosa Beach Zoning Code
Hermosa Beach Zoning Code
  1. Title 17 — Zoning
    Overview
    1. Chapter 17.02 — Declaration of Purpose
    2. Chapter 17.04 — Definitions
    3. Chapter 17.08 — R-1 Single-Family Residential Zone
    4. Chapter 17.10 — R-1A Two Dwelling Units Per Lot Zone
    5. Chapter 17.12 — R-2 Two Family Residential Zone
    6. Chapter 17.13 — R-2A – Medium Density Residential (22)
    7. Chapter 17.14 — R-2B Limited Multiple-Family Residential Zone
    8. Chapter 17.16 — R-3 Multiple-Family Residential Zone
    9. Chapter 17.18 — MHP Mobilehome Park Development District
    10. Chapter 17.20 — R-P Residential Professional Zone
    11. Chapter 17.21 — Accessory Dwelling Units
    12. Chapter 17.22 — Condominiums, Stock Cooperatives and Community…
    13. Chapter 17.24 — RPD Residential Planned Development
    14. Chapter 17.26 — C1, C2 and C3 Commercial Zones
    15. Chapter 17.28 — M-1 Light Manufacturing Zone
    16. Chapter 17.29 — Public Facility Zone
    17. Chapter 17.32 — O-S-1 Restricted Open Space Zone
    18. Chapter 17.34 — O-S-2 Restricted Open Space Zone
    19. Chapter 17.36 — OS-O Open Space Overlay Zone
    20. Chapter 17.38 — Specific Plan Areas
    21. Chapter 17.39 — Housing Element Sites Inventory Overlay
    22. Chapter 17.40 — Conditional Use Permit and Other Permit Standa…
    23. Chapter 17.42 — General Provisions, Conditions and Exceptional…
    24. Chapter 17.44 — Off-Street Parking
    25. Chapter 17.46 — Yard, Height and Area Restrictions
    26. Chapter 17.48 — Trip Reduction and Travel Management
    27. Chapter 17.50 — Signs
    28. Chapter 17.52 — Nonconforming Buildings and Uses
    29. Chapter 17.53 — Historic Resources Preservation
    30. Chapter 17.54 — Variances
    31. Chapter 17.56 — Conditional Use Permits
    32. Chapter 17.58 — Precise Development Plans
    33. Chapter 17.60 — Determination of Legality of Nonconforming Res…
    34. Chapter 17.62 — Planning Commission Authority—Building Code
    35. Chapter 17.64 — Development Agreements
    36. Chapter 17.66 — Amendments
    37. Chapter 17.68 — Procedure, Hearings, Notices and Fees
    38. Chapter 17.70 — Revocation and Expiration
    39. Chapter 17.74 — Penalty
    40. Chapter 17.76 — Conditional use permits.
    41. Chapter 17.80 — Certificates of occupancy.

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