Local zoning · Hermosa Beach

Hermosa Beach — Parking

Q: Are mechanical car lifts allowed to meet parking requirements?

Yes — subject to limits and conditions in § 17.44.240 : lifts may be used to meet residential parking requirements on lots ≤ 2,100 sq ft ; for larger lots they may be used only where the lift adds spaces in excess of minimums or with an approved parking plan; lifts must be inside a fully enclosed garage and meet vertical clearance and safety requirements. They cannot be used to satisfy guest parking.

Q: How many bicycle parking spaces do I need to provide for a multi‑family project?

The ordinance requires a minimum of 1 bicycle parking space per 5 residential units for Residential, Group Residential and SRO uses; for other uses, an establishment with 25 or more full‑time equivalent employees must provide bicycle parking at a ratio of 1 bicycle space per 25 vehicle spaces . Long‑term bicycle parking must be secure (locker, covered/fenced locked area, or other approved secure storage) and located on the same lot as the use. See the bicycle parking standards in the mixed‑use/parking provisions.

Q: What are the stall size and driveway minimums I must design to?

Indoor residential spaces must be at least 8 ft 6 in wide and 20 ft long (inside). Minimum driveway width is 9 ft clear of obstructions for vehicular access to parking facilities; guest/tandem parking lengths and other special dimensions are in § 17.44.100 and § 17.44.120 .

Q: If my project wants fewer parking spaces, how do I proceed?

You must submit a Parking Plan for Planning Commission approval under § 17.44.210 documenting demand reduction measures (shared parking, valet, bicycle/foot mode, varied shifts, consolidated parking, mechanical lifts where allowed). The Commission may require covenants to guarantee parking availability.

Q: Does Hermosa Beach allow compact car stalls and what percentage?

The ordinance allows inclusion of up to 30% compact car spaces in parking lots of ten or more stalls for commercial/manufacturing uses (parking lot design standards). See § 17.44.100 (design standards excerpt).

Parking under the Hermosa Beach local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Hermosa Beach Zoning Ordinance (Title 17) requires about parking — how many spaces are required, where they must sit, bicycle parking, mechanical lifts, consolidated/shared parking and downtown exceptions. The rules are principally in Chapter 17.44 (Off‑Street Parking); implementation often references the city's zoning chapters (e.g., R-1, R-2, R-3, C-1/C-2/C-3) and specific plan areas such as the Downtown district. For background on citywide zoning and procedures, see the Hermosa Beach zoning & planning overview and the city’s Zoning menu.

Notes up front

This page sticks strictly to the local zoning ordinance (Title 17). For building-code (Title 24), permits, or tenant law, see the appropriate pages (e.g., California Building Standards Code and Hermosa Beach ADUs).
Where the municipal text is unclear in the excerpts available, I flag that and advise verification with the Community Development Department.

How the Hermosa Beach code organizes parking rules

The parking rules live in Chapter 17.44 (Off‑Street Parking). See the chapter table of contents and definitions in § 17.44.010 and following.
Downtown has special parking rates and in‑lieu options in § 17.44.040.
Bicycle parking and secure storage standards for projects (including mixed‑use/condo projects) appear alongside mixed‑use/transportation standards and reference Chapter 17.44 for vehicle parking. See the bicycle rules in Chapter 17 provisions cited below.

(Internal links used in this page: the first natural mention of parking links to the city overview Hermosa Beach zoning & planning overview; mentions of zoning, Development Standards, Design Review, Overlay Districts, ADUs, and California Building Standards Code are linked as they first appear.)

District-by-district (zoning‑specific) parking summary

The Hermosa Beach ordinance applies the off‑street parking rules across the city's zones. Below are Hermosa‑specific district notes that matter for parking compliance. For each district the underlying parking standard is in Chapter 17.44, with some district or specific‑plan exceptions noted.

R-1 (Single‑Family Residential) — Chapter 17.08

Purpose / typical uses: single‑family homes; accessory structures. See Title 17 zone list.
Key parking rules that apply here:
- Residential parking must generally be provided on the same lot and, for residential uses, spaces may be tandem; in the R-1 zone tandem parking may be accessed directly from the public street (but the space assignment and dimensions rules still apply). See § 17.44.090, § 17.44.110.
- Garage/front setback for stalls fronting a public street: 17 ft for roll‑up doors or 20 ft for standard doors (measured from edge of sidewalk or planned sidewalk). See § 17.44.090(C).
- Mechanical vehicle lifts may be used to meet residential parking requirements on small lots (≤ 2,100 sq ft) subject to conditions in § 17.44.240.

R-2 / R-2A / R-2B (Two‑Family / Medium Density / Limited Multiple Family) — Chapter 17.12/17.13/17.14

Purpose / typical uses: duplexes, small multi‑family.
Key parking rules:
- Multi‑family parking standards (per‑unit rates and guest spaces) are set by § 17.44.020; guest spaces must be open and not in tandem if shared. See § 17.44.020 and § 17.44.100(3).
- Driveway and driveway‑setback requirements apply (driveway widths, paving). See § 17.44.120.

R-3 (Multiple‑Family Residential) — Chapter 17.16

Purpose / typical uses: apartment buildings and higher density residential.
Key parking rules:
- Parking areas in R-3 (and R‑P) have additional site‑specific provisions in § 17.44.170 (screening, circulation, fencing/landscaping, lighting).
- Where projects qualify for reduced‑demand housing parking formulas (affordable/senior/disabled), the alternative ratios in § 17.44.230 may apply.

R‑P (Residential‑Professional) — Chapter 17.20

Purpose / typical uses: mixed residential and professional office uses.
Key parking rules: mixed uses must provide combined parking per § 17.44.070, and R‑P special parking provisions in § 17.44.170 apply where parking is located in R‑P zones.

C‑1 / C‑2 / C‑3 (Commercial zones) — Chapter 17.26

Purpose / typical uses: neighborhood retail (C‑1), downtown/commercial corridors (C‑2), general commercial (C‑3).
Key parking rules:
- Base commercial and business parking rates are in § 17.44.030 (see the chapter index). The Downtown district has special rates for retail and office—1 space per 333.33 sq ft as the default for several downtown uses in § 17.44.040. In‑lieu fees and parking districts are expressly allowed under § 17.44.040(B) and § 17.44.220 for consolidated parking.

M‑1 (Light Manufacturing), Public Facility, Open Space, Specific Plan Areas

Purpose / typical uses: industrial/service, public uses, parks, and plan areas.
Key parking rules: standard Chapter 17.44 provisions apply unless a specific plan modifies requirements (e.g., Plan Area No. 3 or Plan Area No. 7 include local parking provisions in their sections). See Plan area provisions and the general chapter.

Most decision‑relevant standards at a glance

Topic	Key rule / decision point	Code reference
Location of required parking	Must be on same lot; commercial parking may be on a different lot within 300 ft if under common ownership; residential required spaces no more than 200 ft walking distance.	§ 17.44.090
Downtown rates (retail, general office, medical office)	1 space per 333.33 sq ft (3 per 1,000 sf) for several downtown uses.	§ 17.44.040(A)
Consolidated/shared parking reduction	If consolidated in centers > 10,000 sf, required spaces may be computed at 1 per 250 sf of GFA (with Planning Commission approval).	§ 17.44.220
Reduced‑demand affordable/senior housing ratios	Studio = 0.5/unit; 1‑bed = 1/unit; 2‑3 beds = 2/unit (see full table in ordinance). Guest and staff spaces specified.	§ 17.44.230
Residential parking space size	Indoor residential parking min 8 ft 6 in wide × 20 ft long. Guest/tandem dimensions noted in § 17.44.100.	§ 17.44.100
Tandem parking	Allowed in residential zones; in R‑1 tandem may be accessed from public street; non‑residential tandem limited to 2 vehicles and assigned to one establishment.	§ 17.44.110
Mechanical vehicle lifts	Permitted to meet residential requirements on lots ≤ 2,100 sq ft; on larger lots only if in excess of minimum or with a parking plan; lifts must be enclosed and meet vertical‑clearance/safety rules.	§ 17.44.240
Off‑street parking improvements	Paving, curb/stop, drainage, lighting and screening requirements for parking areas (paving thickness, curbs, masonry walls abutting R zones).	§ 17.44.160 and § 17.44.150 for underground parking.
Bicycle parking	Residential: 1 bicycle space per 5 units. For employers: if ≥25 FTE, 1 bicycle space per 25 vehicle spaces required. Long‑term bicycle parking must be secure (locker, fenced/covered locked area, or otherwise approved).	Bicycle rules in mixed‑use/transportation standards and tied to Chapter 17 / § 17.44 references. § 17.42/17.58 entries for mixed‑use reference bicycle standards; see § 17.44 and associated mixed‑use text.

Checklist — what an applicant must provide / satisfy

Confirm which zone(s) apply to the parcel and read the underlying zone rules in Title 17 (e.g., R‑1, R‑3, C‑2) and any specific plan or overlay that covers the property. See Zoning and Overlay Districts.
Provide a parking plan/site plan showing location, number, dimensions, assignments (guest vs. private), driveway access and walking distances to units, per § 17.44.090, § 17.44.100, and § 17.44.120.
Calculate required vehicle parking using Chapter 17.44 rates (residential: § 17.44.020; commercial: § 17.44.030; downtown exceptions: § 17.44.040). If relying on reduced ratios (affordable/senior), include evidence and request under § 17.44.230.
Provide bicycle parking count and security details (long‑term and short‑term) per the bicycle standards in the ordinance. Provide location (same lot) and, for garages, location near building entrance for long‑term storage.
If proposing consolidated parking, valet, tandem for commercial uses, mechanical lifts, or reduced spaces, prepare a Parking Plan submittal documenting demand and mitigation measures for Planning Commission review per § 17.44.210.
If project is in the downtown boundary and you intend to pay an in‑lieu fee or use consolidated parking district provisions, reference § 17.44.040 and any council resolutions establishing the in‑lieu program.
Show compliance with off‑street parking improvement standards (drainage, surfacing, curbs, lighting, screening) in § 17.44.160.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Residential per‑unit ratios (standard market multi‑family)	Multiple ordinance excerpts in the available file show different numeric lists for residential per‑unit requirements; using the wrong table will under/over‑provide parking and jeopardize approvals.	Verify the final adopted table in § 17.44.020 in the official code and confirm with staff.
Applicability to ADUs / Junior ADUs	ADU statewide rules may preempt or change parking requirements; Hermosa has ADU provisions in Chapter 17.21 but the interplay with Chapter 17.44 must be checked.	Check Chapter 17.21 (ADUs) and confirm whether the local code exempts ADUs from parking or defers to state law. See ADUs. Not found in retrieved materials for exact cross‑reference.
Mechanical vehicle lifts vs. guest parking	Lifts cannot be counted as guest parking and have clearance/safety rules; relying on lifts without understanding limits will create noncompliance.	Confirm lot area threshold (2,100 sq ft), safety/clearance and whether lifts count toward required spaces in your situation per § 17.44.240.
Downtown in‑lieu program details	The code allows in‑lieu contributions but the fee amount and fund use are set by Council resolution — not contained in Chapter 17 text.	If using in‑lieu, ask the Community Development Department for the current in‑lieu fee schedule and map of the vehicle parking district. See § 17.44.040(B).
Bicycle parking security/long‑term definitions	Ordinance requires secure long‑term bicycle storage but does not define every acceptable hardware option.	Provide details (locker, fenced/covered locked storage, racks inside visible rooms) and get Director approval per § 17.42/17.44 references on bicycle parking.

Plain‑English summary

Hermosa Beach requires on‑site off‑street parking for homes, apartments and businesses under Chapter 17.44: where to locate spaces (same lot or nearby for commercial), minimum stall sizes and setbacks, downtown exceptions and in‑lieu options, rules for tandem or mechanical lift parking, and minimum bicycle parking (residential: one bike space per five units). If you want to reduce required spaces — shared parking, valet, lifts or an affordable‑housing formula — you must submit a Parking Plan for Planning Commission review. Key rules live in § 17.44.020–§ 17.44.240.

Source References

Hermosa Beach Municipal Code, Title 17 (Zoning) — Chapter 17.44 Off‑Street Parking, contents and definitions: § 17.44.010 and table of contents.
Off‑street parking location, setbacks and garage rules: § 17.44.090.
Parking plans and consolidated/shared parking: § 17.44.210, § 17.44.220.
Downtown district parking rates and in‑lieu fees: § 17.44.040.
Residential parking dimensions and tandem rules: § 17.44.100, § 17.44.110.
Reduced‑demand housing parking formulas (affordable/senior/SRO): § 17.44.230.
Mechanical vehicle lifts: § 17.44.240.
Off‑street parking improvements (paving, curbs, screening, lighting): § 17.44.160 and § 17.44.150 (underground).
Bicycle parking standards and security/location rules (mixed‑use chapter referencing parking): bicycle rules and application in mixed‑use standards, see ordinance excerpts tied to Chapter 17 (bicycle parking counts/security). § 17.42 / attendant mixed‑use references and Chapter 17.44.

If you want, I can pull the full operative text of any specific § above (for example, § 17.44.020 residential ratios) into a single PDF excerpt for your project submittal; indicate which section(s) you need. Verify parcel‑specific ambiguities with the Community Development Department or the site's assigned planner.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (Section 17.44.240) High relevance
Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (§5) High relevance
Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (Section 17.44.130.) High relevance
Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (Chapter 17.16) High relevance
Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (Section 17.44.240) High relevance
Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (§ 1163) High relevance
CBC § 7 (Chapter 17.44) Medium relevance
Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (Chapter 17.22.) Medium relevance
Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (§ 1154) High relevance
Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (§ 1165) High relevance
Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (§38) Medium relevance
Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (Section 17.44.020) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Hermosa Beach Municipal Code, Title 17 (Zoning) — Chapter **17.44 Off‑Street Parking**, contents and definitions: **§ 17.44.010** and table of contents. (Title 17)
Off‑street parking location, setbacks and garage rules: **§ 17.44.090**. (§ 17.44.090)
Parking plans and consolidated/shared parking: **§ 17.44.210**, **§ 17.44.220**. (§ 17.44.210)
Downtown district parking rates and in‑lieu fees: **§ 17.44.040**. (§ 17.44.040)
Residential parking dimensions and tandem rules: **§ 17.44.100**, **§ 17.44.110**. (§ 17.44.100)
Reduced‑demand housing parking formulas (affordable/senior/SRO): **§ 17.44.230**. (§ 17.44.230)
Mechanical vehicle lifts: **§ 17.44.240**. (§ 17.44.240)
Off‑street parking improvements (paving, curbs, screening, lighting): **§ 17.44.160** and **§ 17.44.150 (underground)**. (§ 17.44.160)
Bicycle parking standards and security/location rules (mixed‑use chapter referencing parking): bicycle rules and application in mixed‑use standards, see ordinance excerpts tied to Chapter 17 (bicycle parking counts/security). **§ 17.42** / attendant mixed‑use references and Chapter **17.44**. (chapter referencing)
HermosaBeach_ZoningCode.md

Frequently asked questions

What are the parking requirements for a new apartment building in Hermosa Beach?

Hermosa Beach applies the multi‑family parking rules found in Chapter 17.44; required vehicle counts and guest parking are calculated under § 17.44.020 (and guest/assignment rules in § 17.44.200), with additional R‑3/R‑P parking area rules in § 17.44.170; if the building is affordable/senior/disabled housing, the reduced ratios in § 17.44.230 may apply. Verify unit‑by‑unit ratios in § 17.44.020 with staff.

Do downtown Hermosa Beach businesses need to provide full on‑site parking?

Downtown has its own rules: retail, general and medical office defaults are 1 space per 333.33 sq ft (3/1,000 sf) under § 17.44.040, and the city can accept in‑lieu fees or consolidated/public parking under the vehicle parking district provisions. Confirm the downtown district map and any current in‑lieu fee schedules with the city.

Can I locate required parking on a separate lot near my business?

Commercial parking may be on a different lot if all such lots are under common ownership and are within 300 ft of the use being served; the owner must record an affidavit per § 17.44.090. Residential required spaces cannot be more than 200 ft walking distance for the unit served (with parking districts as an exception).

Are mechanical car lifts allowed to meet parking requirements?

Yes — subject to limits and conditions in § 17.44.240: lifts may be used to meet residential parking requirements on lots ≤ 2,100 sq ft; for larger lots they may be used only where the lift adds spaces in excess of minimums or with an approved parking plan; lifts must be inside a fully enclosed garage and meet vertical clearance and safety requirements. They cannot be used to satisfy guest parking.

How many bicycle parking spaces do I need to provide for a multi‑family project?

The ordinance requires a minimum of 1 bicycle parking space per 5 residential units for Residential, Group Residential and SRO uses; for other uses, an establishment with 25 or more full‑time equivalent employees must provide bicycle parking at a ratio of 1 bicycle space per 25 vehicle spaces. Long‑term bicycle parking must be secure (locker, covered/fenced locked area, or other approved secure storage) and located on the same lot as the use. See the bicycle parking standards in the mixed‑use/parking provisions.

Can I use tandem parking to meet required spaces for a rental unit?

Tandem parking is allowed in residential zones and may be used to satisfy required parking, but guest spaces cannot be placed in tandem behind another guest space; in the R‑1 zone only, tandem parking can be accessed directly from the public street. For non‑residential uses, tandem parking is restricted to a maximum of two vehicles assigned to a single establishment. See § 17.44.110.

What are the stall size and driveway minimums I must design to?

Indoor residential spaces must be at least 8 ft 6 in wide and 20 ft long (inside). Minimum driveway width is 9 ft clear of obstructions for vehicular access to parking facilities; guest/tandem parking lengths and other special dimensions are in § 17.44.100 and § 17.44.120.

If my project wants fewer parking spaces, how do I proceed?

You must submit a Parking Plan for Planning Commission approval under § 17.44.210 documenting demand reduction measures (shared parking, valet, bicycle/foot mode, varied shifts, consolidated parking, mechanical lifts where allowed). The Commission may require covenants to guarantee parking availability.

Does Hermosa Beach allow compact car stalls and what percentage?

The ordinance allows inclusion of up to 30% compact car spaces in parking lots of ten or more stalls for commercial/manufacturing uses (parking lot design standards). See § 17.44.100 (design standards excerpt).

What if my existing building is nonconforming to current parking rules and I want to remodel?

There are limits and special rules for nonconforming buildings in Chapter 17.52; specifically § 17.52.035 addresses requirements and limits for buildings nonconforming to parking standards, including expansion caps tied to existing parking. Verify the nonconforming rules before planning an expansion.

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