Hermosa Beach Municipal Code Ch. 17.28 M-1 Light Manufacturing Zone

Contents:

17.28.010 Specific purposes.

17.28.020 Permitted uses.

17.28.025 Similar use permitted.

17.28.030 Standards and limitations.

In addition to the general purposes listed in Chapter 17.01, the specific purposes of the light manufacturing zone is to:

1. Provide appropriately located areas consistent with the general plan for a range of light manufacturing, creative industrial, and "work/live" residential, including certain appropriate service commercial uses.
2. Strengthen the City’s economic base and employment base by creating flexible zoning for existing small businesses that are owned by, serve and employ City residents.
3. Create and maintain suitable environments for various types of light industrial use and compatible uses.
4. Minimize the impact of development in the M-1 zone by allowing for creative transitions between small scale light industrial and adjacent residential districts.
5. Ensure that the appearance and effects of buildings in the M-1 zone are harmonious with the character of the area which they are located.

(Prior code Appx. A, § 9-1)

(Ord. # 23-1471 §19,20, adopted 11/14/2023, effective 08/05/2024)

Effective on: 8/5/2024

In the following matrix, the letter "P" designates use classifications permitted and the letter "U" designates use classifications permitted by approval of a conditional use permit. Use classifications not listed are prohibited. Section numbers listed under "see section" reference additional regulations located elsewhere in the Zoning Ordinance or Municipal Code.

M-1 ZONE, LAND USE REGULATIONS P = Permitted U = C.U.P. Required (See Chapter 17.40)

(Ord. 20-1412 §4, 2020; Ord. 17-1378 §4, 2017; Ord. 14-1346 §2, 2014; Ord. 04-1243 §4, Oct 2004; Ord. 02-1221 §4, July 2002; Ord. 01-1214 §4(3), 2001)

(Ord. # 23-1469 §11, adopted 09/26/2023, effective 10/26/2023; Ord. # 23-1471 §21, adopted 11/14/2023, effective 08/05/2024; Ord. # 25-1487 §7, adopted 06/10/2025, effective 07/10/2025)

Effective on: 7/10/2025

When a use is not specifically listed in this chapter, it shall be understood that the use may be permitted if it is determined by the community development director that the use is similar to other uses listed.

It is further recognized that every conceivable use cannot be identified in this chapter, and anticipating that new uses will evolve over time, this section establishes the community development director with the authority to compare a proposed use and measure it against those listed for determining similarity subject to confirmation by the city council.

In determining similarity the director shall make all of the following findings:

1. The proposed use shall meet the intent of and be consistent with the goals, objectives and policies of the general plan;
2. The proposed use shall meet the stated purpose and general intent of the zone in which the use is proposed to be located;
3. The proposed use shall not adversely impact the public health, safety and general welfare of the city’s residents;
4. The proposed use shall share characteristics common with, and not be of greater intensity, density or general more environmental impact, than those uses listed in the zone in which it is to be located; and
5. The determination that the proposed used is similar must be confirmed by the city council. (Ord. 99-1193 §4 (part), 1999)

Every use permitted or maintained in the M-1 zone shall be subject to the following:

1. Parking. Parking shall be provided as specified in Chapter 17.44.

2. Enclosures. All uses shall be conducted wholly within a building enclosed on all sides, except for the following:

3. Outdoor uses permitted by conditional use permit as stated in the permitted use list;

4. Commercial parking lots;

5. Uses incidental to a use conducted primarily within a building located on the premises; provided, that such incidental uses are not conducted in whole or in part on sidewalks, public ways or within any required front or rear yard; and provided further, that such incidental uses are conducted within buildings. Where incidental uses are not conducted within a building, no part of the area devoted to the incidental uses shall be considered as part of the required parking facilities. All outdoor storage shall be substantially screened from public visibility, public streets, parks or other public places and property.

6. Signs. Signs for this section are regulated by Section 17.50.140.

7. Building Height. Any building may have a maximum of thirty-five (35) feet in height.

8. Front Yard Setback. No lot need provide a front yard except as may be required by a precise plan.

9. Alley Setback. Any building located on an alley shall maintain a distance of not less than three (3) feet from such alley.

10. Rear and Side Yard Setback Adjacent to Residential Zones. A minimum rear and/or side yard setback of eight (8) feet shall be provided, and additional two (2) feet of setback shall be provided for each story over the first story for structures that abut residential zones, except where public rights-of-way, twenty (20) feet or greater in width, separate the M-1 zone from the residential zone.

11. Landscaping Adjacent to Residential Zones. The required rear and/or side yard area shall be landscaped and provided with an automatic watering system. Size, quantity and type of landscaping shall be subject to review and approval by the planning director. Landscaping shall be appropriately maintained, trimmed and void of weeds. (Prior code Appx. A, § 9-3)

(Ord. # 23-1471 §22, adopted 11/14/2023, effective 08/05/2024)

Effective on: 8/5/2024