Local zoning · Hermosa Beach

Hermosa Beach — Zoning

Q: What are Hermosa Beach setback and height requirements?

The code centralizes bulk controls in Chapter 17.46 (Yard, Height and Area Restrictions); the R‑zone chapters reference and supplement those standards. The numeric setbacks and height caps are in Chapter 17.46 and the applicable zone chapter — numeric specifics were Not found in the retrieved snippets; verify in § 17.46 or with planning staff (§ 17.46 ) .

Q: How do Specific Plan Areas (SPAs) change the base zone rules?

SPAs (Chapter 17.38 ) set area‑specific permitted uses, first‑tier/second‑tier standards, incentives and findings; SPA provisions can supplement or override base zone rules where explicitly stated (see § 17.38.530–550 ) — e.g., SPA‑11 prioritizes pedestrian‑oriented ground‑floor uses and provides incentive processes (§ 17.38.530–550 ) .

Q: Where are parking requirements found for a new use?

Off‑street parking and loading are governed by Chapter 17.44 of Title 17 and SPA chapters may add parking requirements or incentives; consult § 17.44 and the SPA chapter that applies to your parcel, plus the city’s parking guidance /us/california/hermosa-beach/parking (§ 17.44 ) .

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

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

Hermosa Beach’s zoning ordinance is codified in Title 17 of the municipal code and establishes named zones (R-1, R-2, C-1, C-2, C-3, M-1, SPA, O‑S, etc.), a legal zoning map on file at the city clerk, and chapter-level development, use and procedural rules that control what may be built where. The ordinance treats the zoning map as the controlling location tool (§ 17.06.030) and lists each zone with a short purpose and linking chapters for permitted uses and standards (§ 17.06.010) . For site development you must satisfy the zone’s permitted-use rules, the applicable development standards (yards, height and area), parking, and any Special Plan Area or overlay rules (see the specific plan chapters) — see the city’s pages on parking and development standards for operational details/us/california/hermosa-beach/parking /us/california/hermosa-beach/development-standards.

How the ordinance structures Zoning (quick)

The list of official zone names (e.g., R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-3, C-1, C-2, C-3, M-1, PF, RPD, O‑S, SPA) is found at § 17.06.010; the map on file establishes where those zones apply (§ 17.06.030) .
The degree of restrictiveness is explicit: uses first permitted in R-1 are most restrictive, then R-2, R-3, R-P, C-1, C-2, C-3, M in that order (§ 17.06.020) .
Specific Plan Areas (SPA chapters under Chapter 17.38) sit alongside the base zones and can have their own permitted uses and dimensional standards (examples: SPA‑8, SPA‑11, Plan Area No. 10) (§ 17.38.310 et seq.) .

Use the city’s design-review and overlay pages where the SPA/overlay procedures are relevant /us/california/hermosa-beach/design-review /us/california/hermosa-beach/overlay-districts.

District-by-district breakdown

Below are the principal zone summaries pulled from Title 17. For each district I cite the ordinance chapter or section that establishes the rule. Where the ordinance text in the retrieved materials does not provide a numeric standard (for example a specific front-yard depth), I state that the numeric standard is Not found in retrieved materials and point to the chapter that contains the development standards.

Notes on terminology: I bold the district code (e.g., R-1) and the specific controlling code citation (e.g., § 17.08.010).

R-1 — Single‑Family Residential

Purpose: Protect single‑family character and assure access to community facilities (§ 17.08.010) .
Typical permitted uses: accessory buildings (garages, tool sheds), small day‑care homes, home occupations; the ordinance lists permitted accessory items and household uses at § 17.08.020 .
Key dimensional standards: development standards exist in the R‑1 chapter (see § 17.08.030) and the city’s general yard/height/area chapter § 17.46 controls yard/height/area requirements; specific numeric setbacks/height caps are Not found in retrieved materials (verify with § 17.46) .
Where it applies: wherever the zoning map shows R-1; the zoning map is on file (§ 17.06.030) .

R-1A — Two‑Dwelling‑Units‑Per‑Lot (Limited)

Purpose/intent: provides rules for lots with two units; governed by Chapter 17.10 (R-1A) which sets development standards and allowable density (§ 17.10 referenced in other plan area sections) .
Permitted uses & standards: the chapter contains lot-area-per-unit rules; numeric lot area rules for some plan areas reference Chapter 17.10 (e.g., Plan Area No. 10 uses R‑1A standards) — see § 17.38.500 and § 17.10 .
Where it applies: map-designated R-1A parcels per the official zoning map (§ 17.06.030) .

R-2 / R-2A / R-2B — Two‑Family and Medium/Limited Multiple Family

Purpose: allow two‑family or limited multiple‑family residential development. The R‑2 family of chapters (e.g., Chapter 17.12, 17.13, 17.14) set permitted uses, lot width limits and sign rules (§ 17.14.090, § 17.14.100 appear in the code) .
Typical uses: duplexes, small multi‑family subject to the specific R‑2A/R‑2B provisions; conversion and sign rules are handled in those chapters (§ 17.14 excerpts) .
Dimensional standards and lot widths: some lot‑width minima (example: 40 ft at rear line of required front yard in R‑2B) appear in R‑2B provisions (§ 17.14.090) .
Where it applies: per the zoning map (§ 17.06.030) .

R-3 — Multiple‑Family Residential

Purpose & rules: established under Chapter 17.16; multiple‑family development standards, open space rules and floor area/open space formulas are in that chapter (e.g., open space minimums, roof deck allowances) (§ 17.16 and § 17.14/17.13 cross references) .
Typical uses: apartment buildings, multi‑unit residential subject to open space and common area requirements (see Chapter 17.16) .
Where it applies: per the zoning map (§ 17.06.030) .

R‑P — Residential Professional

Purpose: allows limited combinations of residential and professional office uses; the ordinance ranks R‑P by restrictiveness in § 17.06.020 and contains rules in its chapter (see Chapter 17.20) .
Typical uses: small offices compatible with residential character (refer to Chapter 17.20 for details) .

C‑1 / C‑2 / C‑3 — Commercial Districts

Purpose: C-1 limited business/residential, C-2 general commercial, C-3 general/highway commercial; see Chapter 17.26 for use matrices and specific rules (§ 17.26.040 referenced by SPAs) .
Typical permitted uses: retail, restaurants, offices, service uses subject to the C‑zone matrices and conditional use rules in Chapter 17.40 and CUP procedures (§ 17.26.040, § 17.40) .
Parking and loading: off‑street parking chapter 17.44 applies; SPA chapters may add parking or incentive rules — see the city’s parking page /us/california/hermosa-beach/parking and § 17.44 .

M‑1 — Light Manufacturing

Purpose and uses: light industrial/manufacturing uses with city‑specified limits; see Chapter 17.28 for allowed uses and standards (§ 17.28) .
Where it applies: map‑designated M‑1 parcels (§ 17.06.030) .

PF — Public Facility

Purpose: sites for public facilities; see Chapter 17.29 and related chapters in Title 17 for permitted uses and special rules (§ 17.29) .

O‑S, O‑S‑1, O‑S‑2 — Open Space & Restricted Open Space

Purpose: conserve open areas; the three open‑space classifications and their map symbol rules are in § 17.06.010 and/or Chapters 17.30–17.36; where the map shows an "O" symbol special interpretation rules apply (§ 17.06.010, Chapter 17.30) .

SPA (Specific Plan Areas) — examples and how they interact with base zones

SPA general rule: specific plan chapters (Chapter 17.38, Plan Areas 7–11, etc.) provide area‑specific permitted uses, first‑tier/second‑tier standards, incentive options, and findings for deviations; SPAs can override or supplement base zone rules (§ 17.38.310–17.38.550) .
Example SPA‑11 (Upper Pier Avenue): purpose (pedestrian‑oriented village), permitted uses that emphasize ground‑floor retail and pedestrian uses, incentive procedures and development standards are in § 17.38.520–17.38.550; location described as Pier Avenue between Valley Drive and Hermosa Avenue (§ 17.38.520) .
Example Plan Area No. 10: allows uses permitted in R-1, attached/detached multi‑family and sets a specific minimum lot area per dwelling of 3,350 sq ft and max 4 units per lot in that plan area (§ 17.38.500) .

Decision‑relevant standards table (select highlights)

Topic / District	What matters for decisions	Code Reference
Zoning map controls where zones apply	The official map on file at the city clerk is the controlling map (§ map is part of Title 17)	§ 17.06.030
Permitted uses in R-1	Lists accessory buildings, small day care, home occupations; short‑term rentals prohibited (see R‑1 permitted‑use list)	§ 17.08.020, § 17.08.025
Development standards (yards, height, area)	Regulated in the zone chapters and consolidated chapter 17.46 for yard/height/area	Chapter 17.46 (see TOC)
SPA permitted uses & incentives (example SPA‑11)	Pedestrian‑oriented ground floor use priorities; incentives/deviation process; parking rules not eligible as incentives	§ 17.38.530–17.38.550
Density shown on map	If a number follows the zoning symbol on the map it represents sq ft/du instead of chapter minimums	§ 17.06.080
Administrative variances	Up to 10% reductions in setbacks/open space for existing buildings, and other minor items	§ 17.54.030
Certificate of Occupancy requirement	CO required before occupancy, changes of use or alterations to ensure parking/zone compliance	§ 17.72.010

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy before building or changing use)

Confirm parcel zone on the official zoning map at the city clerk and note any numeric density marker (map numbers supersede default lot-area rules) (§ 17.06.030, § 17.06.080)
Verify permitted uses for the zone (e.g., R-1 permitted uses in § 17.08.020) and whether a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) or Administrative Permit is required (§ 17.08.020, Chapter 17.40)
Confirm dimensional standards: yards, height, lot coverage, FAR in Chapter 17.46 and applicable zone chapter (§ 17.46)
Meet off‑street parking/ loading required by Chapter 17.44 and the city parking rules /us/california/hermosa-beach/parking
Check SPA/overlay rules (Chapter 17.38 and overlay chapters) and design‑review triggers; where SPA applies follow its first‑tier/second‑tier procedures (§ 17.38.530–550) /us/california/hermosa-beach/design-review
If proposing minor relief, evaluate administrative variance options (up to 10% in certain categories) (§ 17.54.030)
Obtain Certificate of Occupancy when work is complete or if use changes (§ 17.72.010)

For accessory dwelling units (ADUs) you must also check Hermosa Beach ADU rules and the state ADU law /us/california/hermosa-beach/adu /us/california/california-adu-laws.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Zoning‑map boundary uncertainty	Boundaries on the map may be approximate; lot splits or vacated streets can change classification (§ 17.06.060)	Verify exact boundary with city planning staff and examine the official hard‑copy zoning map (§ 17.06.030)
Map density numbers vs. chapter minima	A number next to the zone on the map controls lot area per dwelling (§ 17.06.080)	Confirm whether your parcel has a map number and which rule applies (§ 17.06.080)
SPA deviations and "incentives"	SPA chapters may allow incentives or deviations subject to findings; parking cannot be offered as an incentive in SPA‑11 (§ 17.38.550)	If in an SPA, read the specific SPA chapter and confirm required findings; verify with planning commission staff (§ 17.38.550)
Missing numeric setbacks/height in retrieved snippets	Title 17 references yard/height/area control (Chapter 17.46) but numeric specifics were not present in the retrieved extracts	Check Chapter 17.46 directly in the municipal code and confirm with the city (parcel‑specific) — Verify with the jurisdiction (§ 17.46)
Nonconforming uses and alterations	Nonconforming status affects ability to expand or change uses (Chapter 17.52)	If the building/use may be nonconforming, have the city determine legality and apply Chapter 17.52 procedures

Plain‑English Summary

Hermosa Beach’s zoning rules live in Title 17: look up your parcel on the city’s official zoning map to find its zone (R‑1, R‑2, C‑2, SPA, etc.), then read that zone chapter for permitted uses and Chapter 17.46 for yard/height/area rules, plus parking and SPA rules as applicable; where the map or a SPA has a numeric note that number controls density. Always verify boundary/density issues with city planning because some numeric specifics and parcel‑level determinations are not fully reproduced in the extracted materials (§ 17.06.030, § 17.06.080) .

Source References

Names of zones and map rules: § 17.06.010, § 17.06.020, § 17.06.030 .
R‑1 chapter: § 17.08.010 (purpose) and § 17.08.020 (permitted uses), § 17.08.025 (short‑term rental prohibition) .
Specific Plan Areas (examples SPA‑11, Plan Area No. 10): § 17.38.520–550, § 17.38.500 (3,350 sq ft / unit in Plan Area No. 10) .
Development standards / table of contents referencing Chapters: Table of Contents, Title 17 (Chapters 17.44, 17.46, 17.52, 17.54, 17.72, etc.) .
Administrative variances: § 17.54.030 (10% reductions and other scopes) .
Certificate of Occupancy requirement: § 17.72.010 .
Use matrices and SPA use lists: Chapter 17.38 use tables (example SPA‑11 permitted/conditional uses) § 17.38.540 et seq. .

If you want, I can pull the full text of the specific chapters you need (for example the entire Chapter 17.46 yard/height/area rules or Chapter 17.26 commercial use matrix) and produce a parcel‑focused checklist — tell me which chapter(s) or the parcel address and I’ll extract the precise numeric standards and citations. Verify parcel‑specific interpretations with the city; where I mark "Not found in retrieved materials" the ordinance text or map image was not available in the uploaded excerpts.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (§ 301) High relevance
Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (Chapter 17.10) High relevance
Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (Section 17.40.090.) High relevance
Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (Chapter 17.42.) High relevance
Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (Article 8) High relevance
CBC § 100 (Title 17) High relevance
Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (Chapter 17.12) High relevance
Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (§2) High relevance

Cited sections

Names of zones and map rules: § **17.06.010**, § **17.06.020**, § **17.06.030** .
**R‑1** chapter: § **17.08.010** (purpose) and § **17.08.020** (permitted uses), § **17.08.025** (short‑term rental prohibition) .
Specific Plan Areas (examples SPA‑11, Plan Area No. 10): § **17.38.520–550**, § **17.38.500** (3,350 sq ft / unit in Plan Area No. 10) .
Development standards / table of contents referencing Chapters: Table of Contents, Title 17 (Chapters **17.44**, **17.46**, **17.52**, **17.54**, **17.72**, etc.) . (Title 17)
Administrative variances: § **17.54.030** (10% reductions and other scopes) .
Certificate of Occupancy requirement: § **17.72.010** .
Use matrices and SPA use lists: Chapter **17.38** use tables (example SPA‑11 permitted/conditional uses) § **17.38.540** et seq. .
HermosaBeach_ZoningCode.md

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R‑1 lot in Hermosa Beach?

R‑1 allows single‑family dwellings and accessory buildings (garage, tool shed, patio covers), small day‑care homes and home occupations consistent with § 17.08.020; specific dimensional limits are in the R‑1 development standards and Chapter 17.46 (yards/height/area) so check those chapters for numeric setbacks (§ 17.08.020, § 17.46) .

What are Hermosa Beach setback and height requirements?

The code centralizes bulk controls in Chapter 17.46 (Yard, Height and Area Restrictions); the R‑zone chapters reference and supplement those standards. The numeric setbacks and height caps are in Chapter 17.46 and the applicable zone chapter — numeric specifics were Not found in the retrieved snippets; verify in § 17.46 or with planning staff (§ 17.46) .

Do I need design review in Hermosa Beach?

Design review requirements and planning commission authority are handled through Title 17 (SPAs often include incentives and findings), and the city’s design‑review processes are implicated when a project requests deviations or is in an SPA (§ 17.38.550) — consult the city’s design review page and the applicable SPA chapter for triggers /us/california/hermosa-beach/design-review .

Where is the legal zoning map and how binding is it?

The official zoning map is on file in the City Clerk’s office and is expressly made part of Title 17; that map delineates where each zone applies (§ 17.06.030) and a map number next to a zoning symbol controls lot‑area/density if present (§ 17.06.080) .

Can I get a small reduction in setbacks without a variance?

The administrative variance provisions permit limited relief (for example up to 10% reductions in setbacks/open space for existing buildings) under § 17.54.030; other adjustments require full variance procedures (§ 17.54.030) .

How do Specific Plan Areas (SPAs) change the base zone rules?

SPAs (Chapter 17.38) set area‑specific permitted uses, first‑tier/second‑tier standards, incentives and findings; SPA provisions can supplement or override base zone rules where explicitly stated (see § 17.38.530–550) — e.g., SPA‑11 prioritizes pedestrian‑oriented ground‑floor uses and provides incentive processes (§ 17.38.530–550) .

If my lot is on a zoning map boundary, how is the boundary interpreted?

Where uncertainty exists the ordinance provides rules of construction (approximate boundaries follow street/lot lines; use the map scale for unsubdivided property; vacated streets take the zoning of the abutting properties) in § 17.06.060; if unclear, verify with the city GIS and planning staff (§ 17.06.060) .

Does the city allow Short‑Term Rentals in R‑1?

The R‑1 chapter explicitly addresses short‑term rentals: see § 17.08.025 (short‑term rentals prohibited in R‑1 as cited in the R‑1 chapter table of contents and permitted‑use listing) — confirm the current effective ordinance text with planning staff (§ 17.08.025) .

Where are parking requirements found for a new use?

Off‑street parking and loading are governed by Chapter 17.44 of Title 17 and SPA chapters may add parking requirements or incentives; consult § 17.44 and the SPA chapter that applies to your parcel, plus the city’s parking guidance /us/california/hermosa-beach/parking (§ 17.44) .

Who enforces the zoning code and issues a Certificate of Occupancy?

The Community Development Director enforces Title 17 and the city requires a Certificate of Occupancy before new occupancy or a change of use to ensure compliance with parking and zoning rules (§ 17.72.010) .

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