by Dan Blackburn
The Hermosa Beach Planning Commission held a special meeting last Wednesday to discuss a lengthy staff report on updating the city’s zoning ordinance. It was last updated in 2017. The commission will vote at a future date to send the proposal on to the city council for public hearings and possible implementation.
One proposal would “refine” zones to “more clearly reflect the character and intent of each zone,” according to the city staff report. “Zone districts” define specific locations for different uses within the city.
Simplification of the zoning ordinance would be a priority, according to the staff report.
The current 14 residential zone designations would be condensed into three. Eleven commercial zone designations would reduce to six.
Upper story, and roof deck outdoor dining would be prohibited within 50 feet of a residential zone.
Standards for home occupations might be revised to allow cottage food operations; allow up to two on-site clients at a time between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.; expand allowed operations (including professional offices); and remove the annual home occupation renewal requirement, although business licenses would remain subject to annual renewal requirements.
According to the staff report, outdoor dining and seating “is allowed as an accessory use to a legally established eating and drinking establishment. Outdoor dining and seating areas between 400 and 1,000 square feet require Minor Use Permit approval; those larger than 1,000 square feet require Conditional Use Permit approval. All outdoor dining and seating areas shall be located at least 50 feet from a Residential Zone and may not be located within pedestrian pathways or required parking areas.” ER
