by Kevin Cody
Almost all residences within Hermosa Beach’s residential parking district, west of Morningside and Loma drives, will be eligible for a single guest parking permit under a plan approved by the City Council at its Tuesday night meeting.
The popular permits had been eliminated under a parking permit plan the council approved in February. The plan was intended to free up parking for businesses, to increase parking revenue, and to cut down on parking permit abuses. Previously, there were no restrictions on the number of permits issued to residences. Last year, 10 residences purchased 10 or more $40 guest parking permits, and one residence purchased 24 guest permits.
Last year the city issued 3,313 guest permits. The guest permits allow free parking at approximately 1,500 yellow parking meters in the commercial district; and free, time-exempt parking in residential neighborhoods, where 1,600 spaces are otherwise restricted to one-hour parking.
Residents noted that without a guest permit, the cost of parking at a meter is prohibitive for overnight guests. Meter parking in the parking district is $39 for 24 hours.
The council’s restoration of the guest parking permits will come with penalties for selling the permits, which will cost $50. Councilmember Raymond Jackson and Mayor Justin Massey suggested the penalty be a one- to two-year suspension of the right to purchase any city parking permits.
The council rejected resident requests that it rescind the new requirement that parking permits (with the exception of guest permits) only be issued for cars registered at the applicant’s home. Many residents living within the parking district said they register their cars at their business addresses for business and security reasons.
The council also rejected requests from parking district property owners who live elsewhere that they be allowed to purchase guest parking permits. They need the permits to visit their properties, and for repair people, they said. Property owners had previously been allowed to purchase guests permits. In 2023, the city sold 748 guest parking permits, according to the staff report.
The guest permits plan was approved 5 to 0, though Mayor Massey, and Councilmember Jackson expressed reluctance in supporting the plan.
Massey contended guess permits are unnecessary because under the February plan, residents could purchase a transferable “hanging” parking permit for use by guests.
He also noted that even without the guest permit, distric residents were eligible for up to five street parking permits (four residence permits, and one driveway blocking permit). The newly approved guest parking passes are expected to be available for purchase in November. Until then, the council agreed the 2022-23 passes will remain valid. ER
