HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-03-13 PC AGENDA CONTINUATION OF ADJOURNED MEETINGSPlanning Commission
City of Hermosa Beach
Adjourned Meeting Agenda - Final
City Hall
1315 Valley Drive
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Council Chambers7:00 PMMonday, March 13, 2017
Adjourned Meeting
(Continuation of the February 22, 23 and 27, 2017 Meetings)
1
March 13, 2017Planning Commission Adjourned Meeting Agenda -
Final
CONTINUATION OF THE FEBRUARY 22, 23 AND 27, 2017 MEETINGS
LINKS TO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING VIDEOS:
February 22, 2017 Meeting:
<http://hermosabeach.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?
view_id=6&clip_id=4359>
February 23, 2017 Meeting:
<http://hermosabeach.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?
view_id=6&clip_id=4366>
February 27, 2017 Meeting:
<http://hermosabeach.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?
view_id=6&clip_id=4369>
17-0142
+++++Note: No Smoking Is Allowed in The City Hall Council Chambers+++++
THE PUBLIC COMMENT IS LIMITED TO THREE MINUTES PER SPEAKER
Planning Commission agendas and staff reports are available for review on the City's web site at
www.hermosabch.org. Wireless access is available in the City Council Chambers for mobile devices:
Network ID: CHB-Guest, Password: chbguest
Written materials distributed to the Planning Commission within 72 hours
of the Planning Commission meeting are available for public inspection immediately
upon distribution in the Community Development Department during normal business hours
from Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and on the City's website.
If you challenge any City of Hermosa Beach decision in court, you may be limited to raising only those
issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described on this agenda, or in a written
correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing.
To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, Assistive Listening Devices will be
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please call or submit your request in writing to the Community Development Department
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of your needs and to determine if/how accommodation is feasible.
1. Call to Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call
PUBLIC HEARING
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March 13, 2017Planning Commission Adjourned Meeting Agenda -
Final
Continuation of Public Hearing to Recommend Certification of the PLAN
Hermosa Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and Recommend
Adoption of PLAN Hermosa with Suggested Changes - with specific
discussion of Public Views and Implementation Actions
REPORT
17-0164
4.
Recommendation:While this is a continuation of the Public Hearings held on February 22, 23, and 27,
2017, the Planning Commission is not being asked to take formal action tonight.
Rather, tonight's discussion is focused on two topics:
* The goals and policies, implementation actions, and environmental analysis/mitigation
measures related to Public Views
* The draft implementation actions revised based on the Commission's comments on
PLAN Hermosa goals and policies (note that the Commission has already reviewed and
provided revisions to the Implementation Actions on cultural resources and greenhouse
gas emissions/carbon neutrality and no further action on those topics is necessary).
The changes that the Planning Commission directs tonight will be incorporated into the
documents for the Planning Commission to review and take final action on during the
regular meeting on March 21. The Planning Commission Recommended Draft of PLAN
Hermosa (the clean version that shows all of the Commission's directed changes) will
be provided to the Planning Commission following tonight's meeting after staff
incorporates the directions from this March 13 meeting.
5. Adjournment
Page 3 City of Hermosa Beach Printed on 3/21/2024
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City of Hermosa Beach
Staff Report
City Hall
1315 Valley Drive
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Staff Report
17-0142
LINKS TO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING VIDEOS:
February 22, 2017 Meeting:
<http://hermosabeach.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=6&clip_id=4359>
February 23, 2017 Meeting:
<http://hermosabeach.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=6&clip_id=4366>
February 27, 2017 Meeting:
<http://hermosabeach.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=6&clip_id=4369>
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City of Hermosa Beach
Staff Report
City Hall
1315 Valley Drive
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Staff Report
REPORT 17-0164
Honorable Chairman and Members of the Hermosa Beach Planning Commission
Adjourned Meeting of March 13, 2017
Continuation of Public Hearing to Recommend Certification of the PLAN Hermosa Final
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and Recommend Adoption of PLAN Hermosa with Suggested
Changes - with specific discussion of Public Views and Implementation Actions
Recommendation:
While this is a continuation of the Public Hearings held on February 22,23,and 27,2017,the Planning
Commission is not being asked to take formal action tonight.Rather,tonight’s discussion is focused on
two topics:
·The goals and policies,implementation actions,and environmental analysis/mitigation measures
related to Public Views
·The draft implementation actions revised based on the Commission’s comments on PLAN
Hermosa goals and policies (note that the Commission has already reviewed and provided
revisions to the Implementation Actions on cultural resources and greenhouse gas
emissions/carbon neutrality and no further action on those topics is necessary).
The changes that the Planning Commission directs tonight will be incorporated into the documents
for the Planning Commission to review and take final action on during the regular meeting on March
21. The Planning Commission Recommended Draft of PLAN Hermosa (the clean version that shows
all of the Commission’s directed changes) will be provided to the Planning Commission following
tonight’s meeting after staff incorporates the directions from this March 13 meeting.
Background:
This meeting is a continuation from meetings held by the Planning Commission on February 22,23,
and 27, 2017. The agendas, staff reports, and video of these previous meetings are available online.
·February 22 -
<http://hermosabeach.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=6&clip_id=4359>
·February 23 -
<http://hermosabeach.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=6&clip_id=4366>
·February 27 -
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REPORT 17-0164
<http://hermosabeach.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=6&clip_id=4369>
Public Views
During Planning Commission discussion on February 27,there were some questions regarding what
the City is obligated to address public views.Both the California Coastal Act and the California
Environmental Quality Act provide direction as to the City’s obligations with respect to public views.
·Section 30251 of the California Coastal Act States:The scenic and visual qualities of coastal
areas shall be considered and protected as a resource of public importance.Permitted
development shall be sited and designed to protect views to and along the ocean and scenic
coastal areas,to minimize the alteration of natural land forms,to be visually compatible with the
character of surrounding areas,and,where feasible,to restore and enhance visual quality in
visually degraded areas.New development in highly scenic areas such as those designated in
the California Coastline Preservation and Recreation Plan prepared by the Department of Parks
and Recreation and by local government shall be subordinate to the character of its setting.
·The California Environmental Quality Act requires agencies to evaluate whether a project would
“have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista”.Under CEQA the City is obligated to
evaluate the potential impact to scenic vistas,incorporate all feasible mitigations,and if there is
no feasible mitigation,adopt a statement of overriding considerations finding that the benefits of
the project outweigh the environmental impact.
·Further,during the development of PLAN Hermosa,the community articulated that public views
of the ocean and other important visual landmarks are an important value and contribute to the
character of Hermosa Beach.Thus,the community articulated that these public views should be
considered and addressed in the General Plan.
Staff understands there is concern about protection of property rights and additionally understands
there is not a desire or intent to have a private view protection ordinance.The PLAN and the EIR do not
propose a private view protection ordinance.Private views are protected only to the extent that the City
has height limits in each zone and all similarly situated properties in each zone have the right to build to
the identified height limit.
Based on discussion at the public hearing,staff has attempted to tailor the PLAN policies,
implementation actions,and environmental analysis to balance the community input,the legal
parameters of CEQA and the Coastal Act,and to provide more specificity as to how this might be
implemented in the future.The revisions proposed by staff and identified in Attachment 1 to the PLAN
Hermosa goals and policies,implementation actions,and environmental analysis reflect the community
interest and legal framework to adequately address public views.
Notably,by setting out the standards for evaluating public views,the City can provide certainty to
property owners that an overwhelming majority of properties in the City will not need to conduct a public
view evaluation before developing the site.To address concerns about restrictions on the development
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REPORT 17-0164
of private property, staff has proposed an additional policy and implementation action which provides:
·Projects that are determined to substantially obstruct,substantially interrupt,or substantially
detract from these public views shall be designed to minimize the obstruction,interruption or
detraction to views from the Prominent Public Viewpoints or Uninterrupted Viewing Areas,which
may include an exception to setback,open space,landscaping,or other development standards.
The purpose of the exception would be to accommodate the bulk of the building in a manner that
minimizes the impact to the public view while providing the property owner the same
development privileges enjoyed by other similar properties in the vicinity.
Additionally,some revisions to Figure 5.3 identifying the location,direction,and angle of prominent
public viewpoints have been made.This includes the deletion of two viewpoints and narrowing the
angle of two additional viewpoints.This leaves a total of 16 prominent viewpoints,of which twelve are in
commercial areas (including neighborhood commercial areas),and only four are in exclusively
residential areas.This figure is meant to be illustrative of the location and extent of public viewpoints,
and not to serve as precise “to scale”markers.A more precise illustration and/or location markers will
be an implementation of the goals and policies and incorporated into the Zoning Code.
Lastly,the mitigation measure originally called for projects within 50 feet of the public viewpoint to
evaluate the impacts on public views.Upon further examination,staff determined that a revision to this
standard was appropriate.The revised language incorporated into the policies and actions has been
changed such that properties adjacent to,rather than within 50 feet of,the Prominent Public Views and
Uninterrupted Viewing Areas will be required to evaluate and mitigate any substantial impact to a public
view.This language change is appropriate because the 50 foot requirement is not appropriate in all
situations and does not allow for any site specific flexibility.There are site specific conditions like width
of the road,setback requirements,and building height limits (which vary from 25-35 feet)that may
require variation in the distance needed to analyze impacts to views.
Evaluation requirements,criteria,and provisions to allow exceptions to setback,open space,
landscaping,or other development standards for projects with the potential to substantially obstruct,
interfere or degrade Prominent Public Views and Uninterrupted Viewing Areas will be incorporated into
the review process for Precise Development Plans under Chapter 17.58 of the Zoning Ordinance.
There are many approaches that jurisdictions can take to establishing and evaluating impacts to public
views.Examples from other jurisdictions include:qualitatively scoring views in different categories of
clarity,quality,range of view and assigning rankings from high to low;while others that identify the
degree of the cone of view and establish a certain reduction in the degree of the view (25%or more
reduction in the cone of view)that would be considered significant.Future evaluations will be based on
quantitative criteria established and adopted by the City to evaluate potential impacts to visual quality,
landform quality,community character,and view quality based on a public review and input process
before taking effect.
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Implementation Actions
The second item for review and discussion during the meeting is the Implementation Actions.These
have been revised and presented in Attachment 2 based on the input the Planning Commission has
already provided during previous meetings.Note that the Commission has already reviewed and
provided revisions to the Implementation Actions on cultural resources and greenhouse gas
emissions/carbon neutrality and no further action on those topics is necessary.To assist in your review
of the remaining implementation actions,changes already made to the Implementation Actions from the
version previously provided to the Planning Commission have been provided in a track changes format.
Several of the Implementation Actions are items that are currently required of development projects by
the Coastal Commission,but in order to obtain certification of our LCP,need to be incorporated into our
local municipal code.These are marked with comment bubbles in the document provided.The
Implementation Actions have further been labeled with comment bubbles to assist the Planning
Commission in identifying which actions are being utilized in the various impact sections of the EIR to
help mitigate impacts and/or reach conclusions that the impacts are less than significant.Additional
care and consideration will be needed when editing implementation actions that have been used to
mitigate impacts in the EIR and depending on the extent of the changes,could require additional
evaluation and/or re-circulation of the EIR if the changes result in new significant impacts that were not
identified already in the EIR.
Attachments:
1. Public Views Related Goals and Policies, Implementation Actions, Environmental Analysis, and
Mitigation Measures - Revised March 2017
2. Draft PLAN Hermosa Implementation Actions - Revised March 2017
Respectfully Submitted by: Leeanne Singleton, General Plan Coordinator
Approved: Ken Robertson, Community Development Director
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PLAN Hermosa
1
Proposed Changes to PLAN Hermosa Goals and Policies
Based on discussion on 2/27/17
Scenic Resources
The character and beauty of Hermosa Beach are inextricably linked to its coastal location and
natural topography. While the City has not enacted a viewshedview shed protection ordinance,
Vviews of the Pacific Ocean are plentiful, and on a clear day, there are several locations that
provide views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula to the south, the Santa Monica Bay and Santa
Monica Mountains to the north, and the Los Angeles Basin and San Gabriel Mountains to the
east and inland (see Figure 5.2). The beach and The Strand provide some of the most expansive
and uninterrupted scenic vistas in Hermosa Beach. Other scenic vistas are best viewed from
higher elevations along Loma Drive, Pacific Coast Highway, and Prospect Avenue as depicted
in(see Figure 5.32).
In addition to the ocean vistas, the visual character of Hermosa Beach itself is considered a
unique resource. Features such as the Hermosa Valley Greenbelt, the Downtown District,
Hermosa Pier, and the Bijou Theater represent aspects of the City’s history. Encouraging future
development and renovation projects enhance and build on the character of these areas is
described in the Land Use + Design eElement.
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PLAN Hermosa
2
Figure 5.3 Prominent Public Viewpoints and Uninterrupted Viewing Areas
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PLAN Hermosa
3
Goal 5. Scenic vistas, viewpoints, and resources
are maintained or protected and enhanced.
The culture and identity of Hermosa Beach is defined in part by scenic value. The City
seeks to preserve maintain and enhance the beauty of Hermosa Beach, and to ensure
future development does not impact substantially detract from identified scenic public
viewpoints or uninterrupted viewing areas or values, particularly within the Coastal Zone.
Policies
5.1 Identify public coastal Protection of views. Identify and protect the Prominent pPublic Vview
points, view corridors, and viewshedsand Uninterrupted Viewing Areas from which coastal
scenic vistas can be observed.
5.2 Visual character. Accommodate economic growth and new buildings in a way that
preserves is consistent with and reflects the visual character of the community.
5.3 Building sites and designs. Require mMassing, height, and orientation of new development
adjacent to Prominent Public Viewpoints and Uninterrupted Viewing Areas shall be evaluated
and to the extent feasible,be new development will be sited and designed to minimize
obstructions of protect public coastal views to and along the ocean and scenic areas.
5.4 Exceptions to protect views. Consider exceptions to setback, open space, landscaping, or
other development standards to minimize obstruction to the Prominent Public Viewpoints and
Uninterrupted Viewing Areas while providing projects the same development privileges enjoyed
by other similar properties in the vicinity.
5.54 Landscape design. Require new public and private landscape installations to cConsider
public access to public views and vistas and encourage landscape design that protects or
enhances those views.
5.65 Pacific Coast Highway. Protect Enhance Pacific Coast Highway as a potentially scenic
highway and important view corridor.
5.76 Signage and infrastructure. Encourage signage, infrastructure, and utilities that do not block
or detract from views of scenic vistas.
5.87 Light pollution. Preserve skyward nighttime views and lessen glare by minimizing lighting
levels along the shoreline.
5.8 Lifeguard structures and views. Limit the number, size, and spacing of lifeguard structures to
provide unobstructed views of the ocean from coastal access points while maintaining good
safety practices.
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PLAN Hermosa
4
Proposed Changes to PLAN Hermosa Implementation Actions
PARKS-10. Develop and apply design standards and evaluation procedures for development
projects that have the potential to substantially obstruct, substantially interfere, or substantially
degrade regionally important views or interfere with Pprominent pPublic vViewpoints or
Uninterrupted Viewing Areas. Evaluation requirements, criteria, and provisions to allow
exceptions to setback, open space, landscaping, or other building projection development
standards for projects with the potential to substantially obstruct, interfere or degrade or interfere
with Pprominent Ppublic Vviews and Uninterrupted Viewing Areas shall be incorporated into the
review process for Pprecise Ddevelopment Pplans under Chapter 17.58 of the Zoning Ordinance,
as identified in PLAN Hermosa as follows:
Projects located adjacent to and within the directional arrow of a Prominent Public
Viewpoint, or within the Uninterrupted Viewing Areas, as identified in PLAN Hermosa
Figure 5.3, shall be evaluated to determine the potential to substantially obstruct,
interrupt, or detract from Prominent Public Viewpoints, or the Uninterrupted Viewing
Areas.
The evaluation will be based on quantitative criteria established and adopted by the
City to evaluate potential impacts to visual quality, landform quality, community
character, and view quality.
Projects that are determined to substantially obstruct, interrupt, or detract from these
public views shall be designed to minimize the substantial obstruction, interruption or
detraction to views from the Prominent Public Viewpoints or Uninterrupted Viewing Areas,
which may include an exception to setback, open space, landscaping, or other
development standards. The purpose of the exception would be to accommodate the
bulk of the building in a manner that minimizes the impact to the public view while
providing the property owner the same development privileges enjoyed by other similar
properties in the vicinity.
PARKS-11. Protect public views of the Pacific Ocean by establishing and applying the following
development review requirements for public works and infrastructure projects such as:
Locate new and relocated utilities underground when possible. Place and screen all
other utilities to minimize public visibility.
Replace automobile-scale streetlights with shorter, pedestrian-scale streetlights where
safe and appropriate.
Fences, walls, and landscaping shall not block views of scenic areas from designated
viewpoints, scenic roads, parks, beaches, and other public viewing areas.
Hardscape elements such as retaining walls, cut-off walls, abutments, bridges, and
culverts shall incorporate veneers, texturing, and colors that blend with the surrounding
earth materials or landscape.
PARKS-12. Protect visual and aesthetic resources through design review and by establishing and
applying the following development review requirements:
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PLAN Hermosa
5
New development in areas visible from Pprominent Ppublic Vviewpoints shall incorporate
colors and exterior materials that are compatible with the surrounding landscape.
Public works projects adjacent to prominent public viewpoints that include hardscape
elements such as retaining walls, cut-off walls, abutments, bridges, and culverts shall
incorporate veneers, texturing, and colors that blend with the surrounding earth materials
or landscape.
Landscaping material shall be used to screen uses that detract from the scenic quality of
the coast from Pprominent Ppublic Vviewpoints.
PARKS-13. Minimize nighttime light pollution by establishing and applying the following
development review requirements:
Exterior lighting (except traffic lights, navigational lights, and other similar safety lighting)
shall be minimized, restricted to low intensity fixtures, shielded (full cutoff), and downcast
(emitting no light above the horizontal plane of the fixture) concealed to the maximum
feasible extent so that no light source is directly visible from public viewing areas, there is
no glare or spill beyond the property lines and the lamp bulb is not directly visible from
within any residential unit.
PARKS-14. Minimize the negative aesthetic impacts of signs by establishing or revising and
applying the following design requirements:
Enforce appropriate limits on height, size, design, and materials of signs.
Prohibit signs other than traffic or public safety signs that would obstruct views to the
ocean, beach, parks, or other scenic areas.
Enforce sign maintenance controls.
Continue restrictions on the use of lights and moving parts in signs, billboards, and rooftop
signs.
Proposed Changes to the EIR and Mitigation Measures
By incorporating additional specificity into the policies and implementation actions, staff
recommends that the mitigation measure proposed in the Draft EIR is no longer needed.
MM 4.1-1 Projects located within 50 feet and within the directional arrow of a prominent public
viewpoint, or within the uninterrupted viewing areas, as identified in Figure 4.12, shall
demonstrate Prominent Public Viewpoints, or the Uninterrupted Viewing Areas these the
substantial obstruction, interruption or detraction , which may include an exception to
setback, open space, landscaping, or other development standards. The purpose of the
exception would be to accommodate the bulk of the building in a manner that minimizes the
impact to the public view while providing the property owner the same development
privileges enjoyed by other similar properties in the vicinity. that existing public views of scenic
resources along the view corridors identified in Draft EIR Figure 4.1-2 are, at a minimum,
maintained in their current condition and that no features are added in the viewshed that
substantially obstruct or detract from the public views of the Pacific Ocean, the Palos Verdes
Peninsula, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the Los Angeles Basin and the San Gabriel
Mountains. This evaluation requirementrequirement, and shall be incorporated into the
review process for precise development plans under Chapter 17.58 of the Zoning Ordinance.
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PLAN Hermosa
6
Proposed Changes to the Project Findings and Statement of
Overriding Considerations
The Planning Commission will need to incorporate language into the Project Findings and
Statement of Overriding Considerations related to Aesthetics as to why the changes to the
policies and implementation actions do not create a new significant impact, and why the
mitigation measure is no longer necessary.
Suggested language for incorporation into the project findings as follows:
The EIR reached the original impact conclusion for Impact 4.1-1 because the policies
and implementation actions did not include “specific provisions to protect public view
corridors.” Thus, mitigation was required. The proposed changes to the policies and
actions related to public views are designed to provide more specificity on the
expectation and process for identifying, evaluating, and addressing potential impacts to
scenic vistas in a manner that is consistent with the Coastal Act and the California
Environmental Quality Act. The greater level of specificity contained within the policies
and implementation actions further helps to appropriately guide City staff and decision
makers in the future to objectively and consistently evaluate and mitigate impacts to
scenic vistas, and provide the opportunity for setback, open space, landscaping or other
relief to properties that may otherwise substantially obstruct, interrupt, or detract from a
scenic vista. This allows the property owner to minimize the impact to a public view while
providing the owner the same development privileges enjoyed by other similar properties
in the vicinity (similar to a variance). The specific exception to be applied to each
project will be evaluated on a project level to determine its appropriateness and
compatibility with the neighborhood and the list of available exceptions will be specified
in the zoning ordinance.
Through the public hearing process, the community and commissioners have had an
opportunity to synthesize PLAN Hermosa Figure 5.3, which shows the proposed Prominent
Public Views and Uninterrupted Viewing Areas. Based on community and commissioner
input, the Figure has been revised to remove two sites that do not meet the criteria for
Prominent Public Views. The two views deleted include 8th Street at Loma Drive and El
Oeste Drive. The 8th/Loma can be deleted because the view is already surrounded by
properties that have been developed close to or at the maximum extent allowed and
therefore, future development will not further impact the view beyond the existing
development. The El Oeste viewpoint can be deleted because, while it presents a highly
intact uninterrupted view, it does not meet the prominent viewpoint criteria of having a
large number of public viewers. This location is at the end of a dead end residential
street where the general public does not typically access, pass or congregate. Therefore,
it would be unlikely to have a large number of viewers.
Additionally, the language incorporated into the policies and actions has been changed
such that properties adjacent to, rather than within 50 feet of, the Prominent Public Views
and Uninterrupted Viewing Areas will be required to evaluate and mitigate any
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PLAN Hermosa
7
substantial impact to a public view. This language change is appropriate because the 50
foot requirement is not appropriate in all situations and does not allow for any site
specific flexibility. Additionally, it really is too precise for policy language and
implementation actions (and for the originally proposed mitigation measure). These types
of details are better worked out through the implementation process and development
of the ordinance. In some cases 50 feet may be too far, and in others it may not be far
enough. There are site specific conditions like width of the road, setback requirements,
and building height limits (vary from 25-35 feet) that may require variation in the distance
needed to analyze impacts to views. It is further noted that the changes to the policies
and implementation actions related to public views achieve the same purpose as
proposed Mitigation Measure MM 4.1-1, that the potential impact to scenic vistas is
adequately mitigated to a level that is less than significant, and that no new significant
impacts to Aesthetics have been identified based on these changes.
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PLAN Hermosa - Draft Implementation Actions
Revised March 2017
1
Governance
GOVERNANCE-1. Periodically review and consider whether new commissions, working
groups, or task forces are needed to accomplish City goals.
GOVERNANCE-2. Develop and regularly refine the City’s policy and best practices for
community engagement, communications, and use of technology to engage a diverse
and broad spectrum of the community it the decision-making process.
GOVERNANCE-3. Identify and implement opportunities to utilize technology and digital
resources to improve delivery of services to the community.
GOVERNANCE-4. Continue to participate and partner with neighboring cities and
regional organizations to implement projects and achieve goals that enhance the
livability of Hermosa Beach.
GOVERNANCE-5. Incorporate guidance related to Native American consultation and
treatment of prehistoric and Native American resources into local CEQA guidelines for
Hermosa Beach.
GOVERNANCE-6. Establish and maintain a business support toolkit to assist in the
attraction and retention of local businesses that serve the needs of the community.
GOVERNANCE-7. Partner with the Beach Cities Health District and local health institutions
to develop and implement a Health in All Policies framework and implementation
checklist.
GOVERNANCE-8. Prepare General Plan annual progress reports, including an assessment
of community indicators and status of implementation programs to the Planning
Commission and City Council.
Land Use + Design
LAND USE-1. Amend the Zoning Map to bring consistency between PLAN Hermosa Land
Use Designations and Zoning Ordinance Zoning Districts and review development
standards for non-conforming uses.
LAND USE-2. Establish development standards to correspond with any new land use
designations with consideration of neighborhood character areas.
LAND USE-3. Develop building design guidelines to illustrate and articulate the
appropriate building form, scale, and massing for each established character area. The
Design Guidelines shall be tailored to:
Identify and safeguard the prominent visual characteristics of each character
area in accordance with those key features and characteristics to ensure that the
overall visual character of the neighborhoods, centers, and districts is preserved.
Commented [LS1]: Transportation
Commented [LS2]: Cultural Resources
Commented [LS3]: Land Use and Planning, Population and
Housing
Commented [LS4]: Cultural Resources, Land Use and Planning
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Implementation Actions – Revised March 2017
2
Include provisions that ensure avoidance of significant shadow impacts from new
structures onto public recreational areas, parks or other public gathering places
during the hours of 10 AM to 2 PM.
LAND USE-4. Develop and periodically update standards and procedures to conduct
design review, and incorporate the design review process into the Zoning Code.
LAND USE-45. Integrate the intensity standards/ Floor Area Ratios established for non-
residential land uses into the Zoning Code.
LAND USE-565. Establish a design review process to confirm development projects have a
form, scale, and massing that is compatible with the character of each area, as defined
in PLAN Hermosa, and consistent with the applicable density/intensity standards.
LAND USE-676. Develop an inventory of underutilized or surplus property that may be
appropriate for City or School District use or purchase to serve community education and
recreational needs in the future.
LAND USE-787. Establish within the Zoning Code/Local Implementation Plan a method to
define and classify existing facilities and proposed projects providing overnight
accommodations in the Coastal Zone as low, mid-range, or high cost, and apply this
method to the Coastal Development Permit review process. The method should
compare hotel room rates to the California statewide and regional averages, and should
be updated as the City's fee schedule is updated.
LAND USE-898. Modify the Zoning Code/Local Implementation Plan and Zoning Map to
better accommodate coastal-dependent and coastal-related uses, as follows:
Establish definitions for coastal-dependent and coastal-related uses consistent
with the California Coastal Act. For each, identify a list of priority uses that meets
the definition.
Contract the C-2 (Downtown Commercial) zone district to match the Recreational
Commercial land use designation.
Modify the permitted use tables to allow specific coastal-dependent commercial
uses in the C-1, C-2, and SPA 11 zone districts.
Modify the permitted use tables to allow coastal-dependent and coastal-related
industrial uses in the M-1 zone district.
LAND USE-9109. Modify the Zoning Code/Local Implementation Plan to require any
proposal for visitor-serving accommodations providing a majority of units at mid-range or
high-cost levels to include public amenities such as plazas and spaces, restaurants, retail
units, garden viewing areas, or other day-use features that may be used by the general
public at no or relatively low cost. The quality and quantity of required amenities will be
determined in the Coastal Development Permit review process. This requirement does not
prohibit the proposed project from charging a user fee or resort fee for active amenities
such as pool and spa access, recreation activities and equipment, or organized group
activities on the property.
Commented [LS5]: Aesthetics
Commented [LS6]: Public Services
Commented [WU7]: Current Coastal Commission Requirement
Commented [WU8]: Current Coastal Commission Requirement
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PLAN Hermosa
3
LAND USE-1010. Establish a visitor-serving accommodations fee program for new high-
cost overnight accommodations. Fee revenues may provide funding to support specific
projects that preserve (first priority) or establish (second priority) low- or mid-cost overnight
visitor accommodations that improve access to the coast by providing visitors with an
affordable place to stay overnight. Collaborating with the Coastal Commission, the City
shall prepare and maintain a list of specific projects that fee revenues may be used to
support.
LAND USE-1121. Require new visitor-serving accommodations within the Coastal Zone to
maintain or improve public access to the coast by establishing and applying the
following development review requirements in the Zoning Code/Local Implementation
Plan:
Where a new hotel or motel development project would consist entirely of high-
cost overnight accommodations, the development shall be required to provide
mitigation as a condition of approval of a Coastal Development Permit. Such
mitigation may include, but is not limited to, a mitigation payment consistent with
the City’s visitor-serving accommodations fee program.
If a hotel or motel project proposes a certain number or percentage of on-site low
or mid-range cost units, such units shall remain available as low or mid-range cost
units for the life of the project.
LAND USE-1232. Protect existing visitor-serving accommodations within the Coastal Zone
by establishing and applying the following development review requirements in the
Zoning Code/Local Implementation Plan:
Any development project that directly displaces existing low and mid-range cost
accommodations in the Coastal Zone shall provide an equivalent number of
rooms or accommodations at an equivalent nightly rate in the Coastal Zone, or
elsewhere within the City of Hermosa Beach.
Replacement units must be subject to deed restrictions recorded against the title
of the property so that they mitigate the displacement of lower- and mid-range
cost accommodations for the life of the project.
LAND USE-1343. Create a checklist and resource guide comprising local, state, and
federal requirements for the development of offshore renewable energy facilities to
streamline permitting requirements and improve public awareness.
LAND USE-1454. Amend the CEQA documentation and initial study process to ensure
cultural and historical resources are studied in accordance with CEQA and any local
historic preservation programs.
LAND USE-156. Amend Hermosa Beach Historic Preservation Ordinance to align with
Historic Preservation goals and policies including but not limited to:
Clarify that the City Council may nominate City-owned properties and that only
the property owner may nominate private property.
Commented [WU9]: Current Coastal Commission Requirement
Commented [WU10]: Current Coastal Commission
Requirement
Commented [WU11]: Current Coastal Commission
Requirement
Commented [LS12]: Air Quality, Biological Resources
Commented [LS13]: Cultural Resources
18
Implementation Actions – Revised March 2017
4
Establish a list of encouraged actions that a property owner may take when a
property over 50 years in age is demolished, which could include photo
documentation of key architectural features, salvage or donation of key
architectural features or original materials, or installation of plaque, or other
actions to reflect or recognize the former structure.
LAND USE-1675. Develop Review and update eligibility criteria to use in the designation of
local historic sites or historic districts.
LAND USE-1786. Develop emergency preparedness and disaster response plans for
cultural resources, including a recovery action plan that addresses long-range decisions
likely to be faced by the City following a major disaster, including economic recovery,
protocols for demolition or restoration of damaged historic structures, and fee deferral for
repair permits.
LAND USE-1897. Create a program to provide for the voluntary installation of plaques
and/or public art related to historic buildings and sites in the city.
LAND USE-18. Establish design review procedures and establish effective means to
protect architectural features that have historical significance. Use the Secretary of
Interior’s Standards to evaluate impacts of alterations or new development on historical
resources.
LAND USE-19. Prepare design guidelines that illustrate and highlight important historic
design features of buildings.
LAND USE-1920. Research and develop innovative policies for preserving historic
properties.
LAND USE-2011. Work with community organizations to develop brochures, guides,
walking tours, and other marketing materials to highlight existing public art in Hermosa
Beach.
LAND USE-2122. Develop historic preservation expertise among staff and decision makers
on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, preservation ordinances,
the State Historical Building Code, environmental review for historical resources, and tax
credits and incentives.
LAND USE -2233. All discretionary projects that include ground disturbance or excavation
activities on previously undisturbed land shall be required to conduct archaeological
investigations in accordance with CEQA regulations to determine if the project is sensitive
for cultural resources. Additionally, as the Lead Agency for future discretionary projects,
the City is required under AB 52 to notify tribal organizations of proposed projects and
offer to consult with those tribal organizations that indicate interest. Following any tribal
consultation or archaeological investigation, the City shall weigh and consider available
evidence to determine whether there is a potential risk for disturbing or damaging any
cultural or tribal resources and whether any precautionary measures can be required to
Commented [LS14]: Cultural Resources
Commented [LS15]: Cultural Resources
Commented [LS16]: Cultural Resources
Commented [LS17]: Cultural Resources
Commented [LS18]: Cultural Resources
Commented [LS19]: Cultural Resources
19
PLAN Hermosa
5
reduce or eliminate that risk. Those precautions may include requiring construction
workers to complete training on archaeological and tribal resources before any ground
disturbance activity and/or requiring a qualified archaeologist or tribal representative to
monitor some or all of the ground disturbance activities. The City shall require the
preservation of discovered archaeologically significant resources (as determined based
on city, state, and federal standards by a qualified professional) in place if feasible or
provide mitigation (avoidance, excavation, documentation, curation, data recovery, or
other appropriate measures) prior to further disturbance.The City shall require
archaeological investigations for all applicable discretionary projects, in accordance
with CEQA regulations, for areas not previously surveyed and/or that are determined
sensitive for cultural resources. The City shall require the preservation of discovered
archaeologically significant resources (as determined based on city, state, and federal
standards by a qualified professional) in place if feasible or provide mitigation
(avoidance, excavation, documentation, curation, data recovery, or other appropriate
measures) prior to further disturbance.
LAND USE-234. Modify zoning and development standards to ensure the production of
art, artist studios, and ancillary sales at art galleries are defined, allowed, and
encouraged in commercial and light industrial zones.
LAND USE-245. Conduct and maintain an inventory of spaces suitable for both temporary
and permanent public art installations.
Commented [LS20]: Cultural Resources
20
Implementation Actions – Revised March 2017
6
Mobility
MOBILITY-1. Conduct an inventory and assessment of the City’s sidewalk network to
identify gaps, assess ADA accessibility, and prioritize improvements within the Capital
Improvement Program.
MOBILITY-2. Evaluate City right-of-ways and establish or update width and design
standards for the construction or maintenance of sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and parkways.
MOBILITY-3. Add definitions to the Municipal Code for street classifications, pedestrian
facilities, bicycle and multi-use facilities, and transportation amenities.
MOBILITY-4. Install new signage and instructions for accessing transit locations, local and
regional bicycle routes, and parking meters/machines in the Coastal Zone where existing
meters and machines have been shown to cause confusion for visitors.
MOBILITY-5. Evaluate operations in local neighborhood streets with considerations to
speed management strategies and traffic calming measures to increase safety for all
people using the street.
MOBILITY-6. Install traffic calming devices in areas appropriate to mitigate an identified
and documented traffic concern, as determined by the City Public Works Director or
designee. Potential traffic calming applications include clearly marked and/or protected
bike and pedestrian zones, bike boulevards, bulb outs, median islands, speed humps,
traffic circles, speed tables, raised crosswalks, signalized crosswalks, chicanes, chokers,
raised intersections, realigned intersections, and textured pavements, among other
effective enhancements.
MOBILITY-7. Work with commercial property owners to conduct an assessment for
utilization of private parking supplies to supplement private and public parking needs
and evaluate the potential for shared use agreements or MOUs.
MOBILITY-8. Implement a contingency-based overflow parking plan to address seasonal
and event- based parking demands.
MOBILITY-9. Periodically conduct a city-wide parking study to analyze existing parking
infrastructure in order to effectively address and manage current and future parking
needs.
MOBILITY-10. Set utilization and turnover rate goals and implement dynamically adjusted
(demand-based) pricing strategies for public parking supplies.
MOBILITY-11. Develop a smart technology street parking system in the Coastal Zone that
includes but is not limited to the following features:
Variable-cost parking linked to demand;
Smart phone application identifying available metered spaces; and
Parking pay-by-card and pay-by-phone programs.
Commented [LS21]: All Mobility Actions in Transportation
Section
Commented [LS22]: Air Quality, Transportation
21
PLAN Hermosa
7
MOBILITY-12. Maintain and periodically update the Transportation Demand Management
(TDM) Ordinance with activities that will reduce auto trips associated with new
development.
MOBILITY-13. Install and maintain transportation amenities such as bicycle parking and
electric vehicle charging stations so that they are available at each commercial district
or corridor, park, and public facility.
MOBILITY-14. Facilitate the operation of bicycle rental concessions in the Coastal Zone.
MOBILITY-15. Install additional bicycle parking facilities and wayfinding signage near the
beach, the Pier, and The Strand.
MOBILITY-16. Identify access improvements including, but not limited to, additional bus
stop pullouts, bus parking locations, a seasonal shuttle system, and drop off/pick up
areas, and prioritize these improvements in the five-year Capital Improvement Program.
MOBILITY-17. In conjunction with the Hermosa Beach City School District, the City will
identify school access points, a proposed network, education and enforcement
programs to provide a comprehensive Safe Routes to School Program.
MOBILITY-18. Develop congestion management performance measures and significant
impact thresholds that are in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) and Senate Bill 743 (S.B. 743) requirements for roadway segments and
intersections.
MOBILITY-19. Establish and maintain a comprehensive electric vehicle policy that
identifies current and future charging infrastructure, evaluates installation and
operational costs, and identifies funding opportunities, rebates, and incentives to support
electric vehicle deployment.
Sustainability + Conservation
SUSTAINABILITY-1. Establish a local greenhouse gas impact fee for discretionary projects to
provide an option to offset their fair share of greenhouse gas emissions generated above
established thresholds, by providing funding for implementation of local GHG reduction
projects.
SUSTAINABILITY-2. Establish greenhouse gas emissions thresholds of significance and
standardize potential mitigation measures for both non-exempt discretionary and
ministerial actions. pProjects.
SUSTAINABILITY-3. Develop marketing materials and participate in conferences and
events to highlight the City’s leadership efforts and sustainable beach city brand.
SUSTAINABILITY-4. Identify, prioritize, and implement greenhouse gas reduction projects
utilizing the City’s carbon reduction planning tools for community and municipal
operations.
Commented [LS23]: Air Quality, Public Services
Commented [LS24]: Air Quality, Public Services
Commented [LS25]: Air Quality
Commented [LS26]: Public Services
Commented [LS27]: Air Quality
Commented [LS28]: Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Commented [LS29]: Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Commented [LS30]: Greenhouse Gas Emissions
22
Implementation Actions – Revised March 2017
8
SUSTAINABILITY-5. Regularly monitor and evaluate the City’s greenhouse gas emissions
inventory and report on progress toward greenhouse gas reduction goals.
SUSTAINABILITY-6. Implement the City’s clean fleet policy through the purchase or lease of
vehicles and equipment that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.
SUSTAINABILITY-7. Concurrent with new State Building Code adoptions, periodically
update or amend Green Building Standards and conduct cost effectiveness studies to
incorporate additional energy-efficient features.
SUSTAINABILITY-8. Develop and market a program to offer incentives such as rebates, fee
waivers, or permit streamlining to facilitate the installation of renewable energy, energy
efficient, or water conservation equipment.
SUSTAINABILITY-9. Maintain and periodically update the Water Efficient Landscape
Ordinance and Water Conservation and Drought Management Plan sections of the
Municipal Code to facilitate the use of new technologies or practices to conserve water.
SUSTAINABILITY-10-. Create and adopt a Zero Waste Action Plan to reach 100% waste
diversion from landfills.
SUSTAINABILITY-11. Amend the Municipal Code to require that all commercial facilities
make full-service recycling available for both customer use and business use, placing
attractive and convenient bins in clear locations.
SUSTAINABILITY-12. Consistent with State law, Rrequire that all multi-family residential uses
provide an adequate number of attractive and convenient recycling bins to serve the
number of units in the complex.
SUSTAINABILITY-13. Require that all restaurants use compostable single-use items like
takeout boxes.
SUSTAINABILITY-14. Create and informational packet to be distributed to development
project applicants on the update a standard requirement for the use of recycled
materials in new development and redevelopment projects.
SUSTAINABILITY-15. In City-sponsored renovation or remodeling projects, contract with
companies that offer salvage services and maximize the use of such services.
SUSTAINABILITY-16. Revise the Municipal Code as necessary to ensure it reflects up-to-
date practices to reduce potential for soil erosion and ways to minimize or eliminate the
effects of grading on the loss of topsoil.
SUSTAINABILITY-17. Develop a citywide expansive and corrosive soils screening tool to
reduce the need for site-specific soil reports.
SUSTAINABILITY-18. Where feasible, new development or redevelopment shall be sited
and designed to minimize alteration of natural landforms by conforming to the local
topography; preventing substantial grading or reconfiguration of the project site;
requiring that man-made contours mimic natural contours; ensuring that graded slopes
Commented [LS31]: Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Commented [LS32]: Air Quality
Commented [LS33]: Air Quality, Transportation
Commented [LS34]: Air Quality, Public Services
Commented [LS35]: Air Quality, Public Services
Commented [LS36]: Hydrology and Water Quality, Public
Services
Commented [LS37]: Public Services
Commented [LS38]: Public Services
Commented [LS39]: Public Services
Commented [LS40]: Public Services
Commented [LS41]: Public Services
Commented [LS42]: Air Quality, Geology and Soils
Commented [LS43]: Air Quality, Geology and Soils
23
PLAN Hermosa
9
blend with the existing terrain of the site and surrounding areas; and clustering structures
to minimize site disturbance and to minimize development area.
Parks + Open Space
PARKS-1. Conduct needs assessments and evaluate recreational program offerings to
ensure community needs and priorities are being met. Conduct regular updates to the
Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
PARKS-2. Conduct periodic assessments of public facilities and maintain a list of priority
replacement or new facilities projects.
PARKS-3. Establish parks level of service and level of access standards to prioritize the
development, upgrade, and renovation of parks and open space facilities.
PARKS-4. Update City standards and fees related to the provision of parks and open
space and sustainable funding source for providing high quality and well maintained
facilities.
PARKS-5. Construct parkettes, open space, and pedestrian amenities at street ends as
they intersect with The Strand.
PARKS-6. Continue, renew, and expand as needed, joint use agreements with the School
District to allow community use of school fields and facilities.
PARKS-7. Partner with the School District, community groups, and neighboring
communities to identify and apply for grant opportunities to maintain, enhance, and
expand park and recreational opportunities.
PARKS-8. Identify and evaluate the ADA compliance of parks, public facilities, and
coastal public access points.
PARKS-9. Install accessible walkways at parks and onto the beach while minimizing or
avoiding negative effects on the aesthetics and ecology of the beach environment.
PARKS-10. Develop and apply evaluation procedures for development projects that
have the potential to substantially obstruct, substantially interfere, or substantially
degrade Prominent Public Viewpoints or Uninterrupted Viewing Areas. Evaluation
requirements, criteria, and provisions to allow exceptions to setback, open space,
landscaping, or other development standards for projects with the potential to
substantially obstruct, interfere or degrade or Prominent Public Views and Uninterrupted
Viewing Areas shall be incorporated into the review process for Precise Development
Plans under Chapter 17.58 of the Zoning Ordinance as follows:
Projects located adjacent to and within the directional arrow of a Prominent
Public Viewpoint, or within the Uninterrupted Viewing Areas, as identified in PLAN
Hermosa Figure 5.3, shall be evaluated to determine the potential to substantially
obstruct, interrupt, or detract from Prominent Public Viewpoints, or the
Uninterrupted Viewing Areas.
Commented [LS44]: Air Quality, Geology and Soils
Commented [LS45]: Public Services
Commented [LS46]: Public Services
Commented [LS47]: Public Services
Commented [LS48]: Public Services
Commented [LS49]: Public Services
Commented [LS50]: Public Services
Commented [LS51]: Public Services
Commented [LS52]: Transportation
Commented [LS53]: Transportation
24
Implementation Actions – Revised March 2017
10
The evaluation will be based on quantitative criteria established and adopted by
the City to evaluate potential impacts to visual quality, landform quality,
community character, and view quality.
Projects that are determined to substantially obstruct, interrupt, or detract from
these public views shall be designed to minimize the substantial obstruction,
interruption or detraction to views from the Prominent Public Viewpoints or
Uninterrupted Viewing Areas, which may include an exception to setback, open
space, landscaping, or other development standards. The purpose of the
exception would be to accommodate the bulk of the building in a manner that
minimizes the impact to the public view while providing the property owner the
same development privileges enjoyed by other similar properties in the vicinity.
PARKS-11. Protect public views of the Pacific Ocean by establishing and applying
requirements for public works and infrastructure projects such as:
Locate new and relocated utilities underground when possible. Place and screen
all other utilities to minimize public visibility.
Replace automobile-scale streetlights with shorter, pedestrian-scale streetlights
where safe and appropriate.
Fences, walls, and landscaping shall not block views of scenic areas from
designated viewpoints, scenic roads, parks, beaches, and other public viewing
areas.
Hardscape elements such as retaining walls, cut-off walls, abutments, bridges, and
culverts shall incorporate veneers, texturing, and colors that blend with the
surrounding earth materials or landscape.
PARKS-12. Protect visual and aesthetic resources through design review and by
establishing and applying the following development review requirements:
New development in areas visible from Prominent Public Viewpoints shall
incorporate colors and exterior materials that are compatible with the surrounding
landscape.
Landscaping material shall be used to screen uses that detract from the scenic
quality of the coast from Prominent Public Viewpoints.
PARKS-13. Minimize nighttime light pollution by establishing and applying the following
development review requirements:
Exterior lighting (except traffic lights, navigational lights, and other similar safety
lighting) shall be minimized, restricted to low intensity fixtures, shielded (full cutoff),
and downcast (emitting no light above the horizontal plane of the fixture)
concealed to the maximum feasible extent so that no light source is directly visible
from public viewing areas, there is no glare or spill beyond the property lines and
the lamp bulb is not directly visible from within any residential unit.
Commented [LS54]: Aesthetics
Commented [LS55]: Aesthetics
Commented [LS56]: Aesthetics
Commented [LS57]: Aesthetics
25
PLAN Hermosa
11
PARKS-14. Minimize the negative aesthetic impacts of signs by establishing or revising and
applying the following design requirements:
Enforce appropriate limits on height, size, design, and materials of signs.
Prohibit signs other than traffic or public safety signs that would obstruct views to
the ocean, beach, parks, or other scenic areas.
Enforce sign maintenance controls.
Continue restrictions on the use of lights and moving parts in signs, billboards, and
rooftop signs.
PARKS-15. Modify the Zoning Code/Local Implementation Plan to prohibit use of the
public beach for private commercial purposes without a Coastal Development Permit.
PARKS-16. Develop and implement a uniform coastal access sign program to assist the
public to locate and use coastal access points. Consider adding signs to walk streets that
intersect with Hermosa Avenue.
PARKS-17. Identify and remove any unauthorized/unpermitted structures, including signs
and fences that inhibit visibility of public coastal access points.
PARKS-18. Protect public access to the coast by establishing and applying the following
development review requirements:
Require a direct dedication of an easement for access in all new development
projects that cause or contribute to adverse public access impacts. Access ways
shall be a sufficient size to accommodate two-way pedestrian passage and
landscape buffer.
Implement building design and siting regulations to protect public access through
setbacks and other property development regulations that control building
placement.
New development and redevelopment projects shall protect public accessibility
to walk streets and street ends that provide access to the shoreline, the beach,
and The Strand.
New or improved beach access facilities shall accommodate persons with
physical disabilities.
PARKS-19. Provide detailed transit information to visitor centers and to local tourist
commercial businesses, and encourage them to share these materials with visitors and
patrons.
PARKS-20. Amend the Municipal Code to update administrative procedures for special
events occurring in the Coastal Zone. New administrative procedures include, but are not
limited to, the following:
The City will continue to utilize the Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources
Advisory Commission for event oversight.
The Recreation and Community Resources Department will continue to administer
the special event process, and in coordination with the Community Development
Commented [LS58]: Aesthetics
Commented [LS59]: Transportation
Commented [LS60]: Transportation
Commented [WU61]: Current Coastal Commission
Requirement
26
Implementation Actions – Revised March 2017
12
Department, will determine whether a proposed special event requires a Coastal
Development Permit.
If required, a Coastal Development Permit application will be processed by the
Community Resources Department. The Parks, Recreation, and Community
Advisory Commission will consider the application and make a recommendation
of the Coastal Development Permit to the City Council.
The City Council will consider Coastal Development Permit applications following
review by the Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources Advisory Commission
and may grant the permit following a public hearing. City Council actions related
to Coastal Development Permits may be appealed to the Coastal Commission.
PARKS-21. Amend the Local Implementation Plan/Zoning Code requirements to
implement the following provisions for special events:
Coastal Development Permits are not required for events that:
a) are within the adopted days used by event standard,
b) require fewer than 10 reserved parking spaces in the Coastal Zone on any
setup or event day, and
c) require payment of an admission fee for no more than 25% of scheduled event
activities.
Special Events not requiring a Coastal Development Permit are subject to
prescriptive traffic, parking, resource, access, and cleanup mitigation strategies
identified in the Local Implementation Plan/Zoning Code. The City will list each
event and identify the number of event days used and dedicated parking spaces
required on the annual Master Events Calendar.
A Coastal Development Permit is required for events that:
a) exceed the adopted Days Used by Event (DUE) standard,
b) require 10 or more reserved parking spaces in the Coastal Zone on any setup or
event day, or
c) require payment of an admission fee for 25% or more of scheduled event
activities.
Such events requiring a Coastal Development Permit shall incorporate event-
specific mitigation strategies to be specified in the Coastal Development Permit.
The Coastal Development Permit may be recommended by the Parks, Recreation,
and Community Advisory Commission to the City Council for approval and may
be appealed to the Coastal Commission.
PARKS-202. Amend the Local Implementation Plan/Zoning Code to require applicants for
summer events occurring on weekends or holidays between Memorial Day and Labor
Day with greater than 1,000 participants to provide and advertise predetermined shuttle
services and bicycle corrals.
PARKS-2103. Participate in regional and inter-jurisdictional environmental management
and mitigation plans and programs such as the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Plan.
Commented [WU62]: Delete - These action items have since
been incorporated into the municipal code through updates by the
Parks and Rec Commission
Commented [LS63]: Air Quality, Transportation
27
PLAN Hermosa
13
PARKS-2214. Partner with local nonprofits such as the Santa Monica Bay Restoration
Commission or the University of California, Los Angeles, to conduct education
demonstration projects or presentations on coastal and marine habitat conservation.
PARKS-2325. Evaluate existing beach conditions and identify areas that may be
appropriate to restore vegetated dune habitat. Pursue grant funding.
PARKS-2436. Review and revise as needed, the City’s tree ordinance to ensure protection
of existing parkway trees, and update the master tree list.
PARKS-2547. Complete and maintain a citywide public tree inventory, including quantity,
species type, diameter, condition, trimming strategies and geo-codes and
recommendations.
PARKS-2658. Maintain a list of approved plantings for trees and landscaping within City
parkways.
PARKS-2769. Amend the municipal code to incorporate tree removal and replacement
requirements. If preservation of existing mature trees is not feasible, removed trees shall
be replaced at a minimum 2:1 ratio either on-site, or elsewhere as prescribed by the City.
Commented [LS64]: Biological Resources
Commented [LS65]: Biological Resources
Commented [LS66]: Biological Resources
Commented [LS67]: Biological Resources
Commented [LS68]: Biological Resources
28
Implementation Actions – Revised March 2017
14
Public Safety
SAFETY-1. Continue to adopt and enforce the most up-to-date California Building
Standards Code and California Fire Code, with appropriate local amendments.
SAFETY-2. Continue to inventory unreinforced brick masonry, soft-story, and other
seismically vulnerable private buildings. Identify potential funding sources to assist with
seismic retrofits.
SAFETY-3. Enforce seismic design provisions of the current California Building Standards
Code related to geologic, seismic, and slope hazards, with appropriate local
amendments.
SAFETY-4. For properties identified as possibly containing acidic, expansive, or collapsible
soils, require site-specific soil condition reports and appropriate mitigation as a condition
of new development.
SAFETY-5. Evaluate tsunami preparation, evacuation, and response policies/practices to
reflect current inundation maps and design standards. Include updated information in
the periodically updated hazard mitigation plan.
SAFETY-6. Evaluate the landslide potential of a project site and require implementation of
landslide mitigation measures when, during the course of a geotechnical investigation,
areas prone to landslide are found. Potential landslide mitigation measures include, but
are not limited to the following:
Avoidance: Developments should be built sufficiently far away from the threat
that they will not be affected even if a landslide does occur.
Reduction: Reduction of landslide hazards should be achieved by increasing the
factor of safety of the landslide area to an acceptable level, based on current
engineering standards and practices. This can be accommodated by eliminating
slopes with active/inactive landslides, removing the unstable soil and rock
materials, or applying one or more appropriate slope stabilization methods (such
as buttress fills, subdrains, soil nailing, crib walls, etc.)
SAFETY-7. Require projects located within the Liquefaction Areas identified in PLAN
Hermosa to evaluate the liquefaction potential and require implementation of mitigation
measures when, during the course of a geotechnical investigation, shallow groundwater
(60 feet or less) and potentially liquefiable soils are found. Potential liquefaction mitigation
measures include, but are not limited to, soil densification or compaction, displacement
or compaction grouting, and use of post-tensioned slab foundations, piles, or caissons.
SAFETY-8. Support community safety and fire protection standards by establishing and
applying the following development review requirements to be reviewed by HBFD and
HBPD as appropriate:
New development and significant redevelopment projects shall coordinate with
HBFD and Cal Water to provide and maintain adequate peak flow rates for
firefighting.
Commented [LS69]: Geology and Soils, Public Services
Commented [LS70]: Geology and soils
Commented [LS71]: Geology and soils
Commented [LS72]: Geology and soils
Commented [LS73]: Hydrology and Water Quality
Commented [LS74]: Geology and Soils
Commented [LS75]: Geology and Soils
29
PLAN Hermosa
15
New development, significant redevelopment, and public improvement projects
shall ensure that building designs provide for adequate emergency access and
that changes to the right-of-way do not impede access for emergency
responder’s apparatus or personnel.
SAFETY-9. Continue working with regional partners to develop a local sea level rise model
that evaluates erosion potential, provides detailed inundation maps, and provides
combined sea level rise and tsunami maps.
SAFETY-10. When the mean high water level exceeds 1 foot above the baseline level,
partner with FEMA as a cooperating technical partner to conduct a Hydrologic and
Hydraulic Study, and facilitate necessary revisions to applicable Flood Insurance Rate
Maps.
SAFETY-11. Prepare for changing shoreline conditions by establishing and applying the
following development review requirements:
Require new development or redevelopment project proposals within the
designated area subject to flooding, inundation, or erosion due to sea level rise to
describe and illustrate in site plans how the proposed project considers and
mitigates potential flood hazards during the economic lifespan of the structure.
Potential flood mitigation measures include, but are not limited to, flood proofing;
increased ground floor elevation (a minimum of 1-foot freeboard); ground-floor,
flood-resistant exterior materials; and restricting fencing or yard enclosures that
cause water to pond.
Require new development or redevelopment projects to assure stability and
structural integrity and neither create nor contribute significantly to erosion,
geologic instability, or destruction of the project site or surrounding area.
As local flood, erosion, and tsunami data becomes more precise, amend the
General Plan and Zoning Code to establish more specific development standards
and conditions.
SAFETY-12. Amend the Municipal Code to establish a definition of “economic lifespan” for
structural development as between 75 to 100 years, unless otherwise specified, and
provide restrictions for specific development proposals.
SAFETY-13. Amend the Municipal Code to require flood risk disclosure and active
acknowledgment of expanded flood risk when properties subject to inundation or
flooding are developed or redeveloped.
SAFETY-14. Continue to participate in regional sediment management planning.
SAFETY-15. Develop a long-term adaptive shoreline management program with a strong
preference for beach replenishment over shoreline protective structures.
SAFETY-16. Include updated hazardous materials considerations in regular Emergency
Operation Plan updates and work with the County of Los Angeles to update local
Hazardous Materials Area Plans on a regular basis.
Commented [LS76]: Public Services
Commented [LS77]: Hydrology and Water Quality
Commented [LS78]: Hydrology and Water Quality
Commented [WU79]: Coastal Commission Requirement
Commented [LS80]: Hydrology and Water Quality
Commented [LS81]: Hydrology and Water Quality
Commented [WU82]: Coastal Commission Requirement
Commented [LS83]: Hydrology and Water Quality
Commented [WU84]: Coastal Commission Requirement
Commented [LS85]: Hydrology and Water Quality
Commented [LS86]: Hydrology and Water Quality
Commented [LS87]: Hazards and Hazardous Materials
30
Implementation Actions – Revised March 2017
16
SAFETY-17. Provide information, opportunities, and incentives to the community for the
proper disposal of toxic materials to avoid environmental degradation to the air, soil, and
water resources from toxic materials contamination.
SAFETY-18. Designate an emergency response team to monitor and respond to regional
disasters such as oil spills and other shoreline disasters. Such a team must maintain an
emergency response plan that includes coordination with other agencies and
jurisdictions in the region on initial response, aid, and recovery.
SAFETY-19. Regularly evaluate crime trends and police services, facilities, personnel, and
response times relative to community needs and established state and federal standards.
SAFETY-20. Establish and meet EMS and Fire response time standard of 7 minutes or less for
90% of incidents.
SAFETY-21. Enhance and maintain Police Department staffing and facilities to meet
established proactive time targets and clearance rates that exceed national averages.
SAFETY-22. Continue to support existing mutual and automatic aid agreements providing
additional fire and police resources needed during an emergency, as feasible.
SAFETY-23. Continue investing in “Reverse 911” call services and other technologies to
inform the community about immediate hazards and public safety concerns.
SAFETY-24. Periodically update the emergency operations plan.
SAFETY-25. Periodically update the Natural Local Hazards Mitigation Plan and
concurrently amend the Public Safety Element to maintain eligibility for maximum grant
funding.
SAFETY-26. Develop a recovery action plan that addresses long-range decisions likely to
be faced by the City following a major disaster, including economic recovery, protocols
for demolition or restoration of damaged historic structures, and fee deferral for repair
permits.
SAFETY-267. Inventory critical facilities, key pieces of infrastructure, and other public
buildings that are exposed to seismic shaking or are at an elevated risk of liquefaction
and conduct retrofits or improve emergency power backup to reduce vulnerability.
SAFETY-278. Review critical facilities proposed for development or expansion to ensure
that hazardous conditions are mitigated or hazard reduction features are incorporated
to the satisfaction of the responsible agencies.
SAFETY-289. Identify hazard-specific evacuation routes and share with the public,
businesses, and other government agencies.
Commented [LS88]: Air Quality, Hazards and Hazardous
Materials
Commented [LS89]: Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Commented [LS90]: Public Services
Commented [LS91]: Public Services
Commented [LS92]: Public Services
Commented [LS93]: Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Commented [LS94]: Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Commented [LS95]: Delete – overlap with LAND USE-16
Commented [LS96]: Hazards and Hazardous Materials
31
PLAN Hermosa
17
Noise
SAFETYNOISE-291. – Incorporate or request from Caltrans the inclusion of soundwalls, earthen berms, or other acoustical barriers as part of any roadway improvement project adjacent to a residential area, school, or other sensitive land use, where necessary to
mitigate identified adverse significant noise impacts.
NOISE-2SAFETY-30. – Enforce and periodically evaluate truck and bus movements and
routes to reduce impacts on sensitive areas, and promote coordination between the
Police Department and the California Highway Patrol to enforce the State Motor Vehicle
noise standards, to minimize or reduce noise impacts on residential and other sensitive
land uses.
NOISE-3SAFETY-31. – Apply the Noise Element standards of compatibility described in PLAN Hermosa to new development proposals. Require the mitigation of anticipated
impacts through design features such as building orientation and acoustical barriers, to
ensure compatibility.
NOISE-4SAFETY-32. – Require new multi-family development, single-family development,
and condominium conversion projects to meet the California Noise Insulation Standards
(Title 24 of the California Administrative Code) for interior and exterior noise levels.
NOISE-5SAFETY-33. – Acoustical analysis reports prepared by a qualified acoustical
consultant shall be required for new sensitive land uses within noise impact areas (i.e., those areas where the existing or future CNEL exceeds 60 dB).
NOISE-6SAFETY-34. –Adopt and enforce a quantitative Noise and Vibration Ordinance to
reduce excessive noise and vibration from site-specific sources such as construction
activity, mechanical equipment, landscaping maintenance, loud music, truck traffic,
loading and unloading activities, and other sources.
NOISE-7SAFETY-35. –Periodically review adopted noise standards, policies and regulations
affecting noise in order to conform to changes in legislation and/or technologies.
NOISE-8SAFETY-36. –Comply with all state and federal OSHA noise standards, and all new
equipment purchases shall comply with state and federal noise standards.
Commented [LS97]: Noise and Vibration
Commented [LS98]: Noise and Vibration
Commented [LS99]: Noise and Vibration
Commented [LS100]: Noise and Vibration
Commented [LS101]: Noise and Vibration
Commented [LS102]: Noise and Vibration
Commented [LS103]: Noise and Vibration
Commented [LS104]: Noise and Vibration
32
Implementation Actions – Revised March 2017
18
Infrastructure
INFRASTRUCTURE-1. Create a comprehensive, long-range (20-year) infrastructure plan
integrating roadway, water, wastewater, stormwater, waste disposal, and utility
infrastructure systems.
Consider the best available science describing potential climate change
impacts as a basis for preparing the infrastructure plan.
Use the infrastructure plan as a resource when preparing five-year Capital
Improvement Plans (CIPs) and setting and enforcing discretionary
development requirements.
Incrementally update the infrastructure plan following the preparation of each
CIP to ensure it remains consistent with changes in growth, traffic, funding
sources, climate change impacts, and state and regional regulation.
INFRASTRUCTURE-2. Coordinate planning and approval processes for proposed projects
to enable the siting and installation of all necessary facilities and infrastructure before or
during construction or renovation activities.
INFRASTRUCTURE-3. Review and, if needed, revise the Municipal Code to require utility
and service providers to restore or improve streets, sidewalks, and other public areas
following maintenance or repairs.
INFRASTRUCTURE-4. Amend the Zoning Code to define essential utilities to include
electricity, natural gas, telecommunications, water, sewer, and waste collection services,
and require installation of all essential utilities prior to occupation of proposed
development and redevelopment projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE-5. Require, as a part of development review, new development and
redevelopment projects to designate areas where public infrastructure must be
accommodated and to require either a land dedication or provision of the needed
infrastructure by the project applicant.
INFRASTRUCTURE-6. Aggressively seek regional, state, and federal funds to leverage local
money earmarked for projects listed in the CIP.
INFRASTRUCTURE-7. Periodically review, and if needed revise, the development fee
schedule and impact fee process to ensure they are adequate and reflective of
proposed projects’ impacts and required services.
INFRASTRUCTURE-8. Improve the environmental compatibility of utility and infrastructure
facilities by establishing and applying the following standards to new development and
redevelopment projects involving utility installation or relocation:
New utilities must be located away from, or constructed in a manner compatible
with, critical habitat areas, resources, and the shoreline. Physical and service
constraints may not allow relocation away from or full compatibility with such
areas and resources.
Commented [LS105]: Public Services
Commented [LS106]: Transportation
Commented [LS107]: Transportation
Commented [LS108]: Public Services
33
PLAN Hermosa
19
INFRASTRUCTURE-9. Consult with Cal Water to estimate and evaluate water supplies,
provide public information and incentives for water conservation best practices.
INFRASTRUCTURE-10. Install greywater systems and rainwater collection cisterns in parks
and community facilities.
INFRASTRUCTURE-11. Support efforts by Cal Water to construct necessary pump and
storage facilities to ensure adequate water supply and proper water system balance.
INFRASTRUCTURE-12. Amend the Municipal Code to require the installation of dual water
plumbing hookups for landscaping irrigation, grading, and other non-contact uses in new
development and redevelopment projects where recycled water is available or
expected to be available.
INFRASTRUCTURE-13. Continue to implement the Water Conservation and Drought
Management Plan and any implementing ordinances, including imposition of fines and
other appropriate enforcement tools, for violations of water conservation rules.
INFRASTRUCTURE-14. Ensure adequate and resilient sewer system capacity by establishing
and applying the following development review requirements:
New development or redevelopment projects involving construction of 8-inch
diameter or larger sewers that connect directly or indirectly to the Los Angeles
County Sanitation Districts' sewer system must prepare a sewer plan identifying
that the existing sewer collection and treatment systems have available capacity
to support such an increase, or provide for necessary system upgrades as part of
the proposed project.
INFRASTRUCTURE-15. Hold quarterly meetings between Public Works, Community
Development, and other City departments to coordinate Sewer System Management
Plan implementation measures and operations.
INFRASTRUCTURE-16. Implement a financing plan, including use of the adopted sewer fee
and loans, to ensure that resources are available for investment in annual rehabilitation
projects to improve sanitary sewer pipes.
INFRASTRUCTURE-17. Prepare an annual report for City Council documenting sewer
system operations, actions to minimize overflows, incidents of overflows, and their impacts
on receiving waters and public health and safety.
INFRASTRUCTURE-18. Continue to implement and incorporate revisions to the Clean Bay
Restaurant Program and Grease Control Ordinance.
INFRASTRUCTURE-19. Update program requirements to integrate the latest available Best
Management Practices into the City Stormwater Management and Discharge Control
Ordinance, Low Impact Development (LID) Ordinance, and Green Streets Policy and
regularly monitor results.
Commented [LS109]: Hydrology and Water Quality, Public
Services
Commented [LS110]: Hydrology and Water Quality, Public
Services
Commented [LS111]: Hydrology and Water Quality, Public
Services
Commented [LS112]: Hydrology and Water Quality, Public
Services
Commented [LS113]: Hydrology and Water Quality, Public
Services
Commented [LS114]: Public Services
Commented [LS115]: Public Services
Commented [LS116]: Public Services
Commented [LS117]: Hydrology and Water Quality
Commented [LS118]: Hydrology and Water Quality
34
Implementation Actions – Revised March 2017
20
INFRASTRUCTURE-20. Complete municipal demonstration projects showing residential and
business property best practices in urban runoff, green streets, and LID.
INFRASTRUCTURE-21. Continue to require new development and redevelopment projects
to incorporate green street BMPs that address stormwater runoff from the project area
using the Green Street BMP Selection Guidelines identified in Attachment A of the City’s
Green Street Policy.
INFRASTRUCTURE-22. Continue to install educational signs or symbols on major public
storm drains.
INFRASTRUCTURE-23. Develop a process for identifying sites deemed appropriate for
alternative renewable energy power generation facilities, and provide such information
to utility providers and potential developers.
INFRASTRUCTURE-24. Continue to implement energy-efficient lighting throughout City
facilities.
INFRASTRUCTURE-25. Survey all streetlights periodically for functionality and create a
response protocol to respond to reports of streetlight outages within a 24-hour time
period.
INFRASTRUCTURE-26. Develop criteria and procedures to facilitate the installation of
telecommunications infrastructure in a manner that meets service needs and minimizes
visual, noise, or other impacts to the community.
Commented [LS119]: Hydrology and Water Quality
Commented [LS120]: Hydrology and Water Quality
Commented [LS121]: Hydrology and Water Quality
Commented [LS122]: Air Quality, Public Services
Commented [LS123]: Air Quality, Public Services
Commented [LS124]: Public Services
35
From: Ken Hartley
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2017 10:44 PM
To: 'phoffman@hermosabch.org' <phoffman@hermosabch.org>; 'mflaherty@hermosabch.org'
<mflaherty@hermosabch.org>; 'rsaemann@hermosabch.org' <rsaemann@hermosabch.org>;
'mrice@hermosabch.org' <mrice@hermosabch.org>; 'dpedersen@hermosabch.org'
<dpedersen@hermosabch.org>; 'citycouncil@hermosabch.org' <citycouncil@hermosabch.org>
Subject: Vote against Carbon Neutrality
To: City Council and Planning Commissioners Peter Hoffman, Rob Saemann, Mike Flaherty, Marie
Rice and Dave
Pedersen phoffman@hermosabch.org ,mflaherty@hermosabch.org , rsaemann@hermosabch.org ,
mrice@hermosabch.org , dpedersen@hermosabch.org , citycouncil@hermosabch.org
Please do not follow staff’s recommendation to adopt PLAN Hermosa, and the accompanying EIR
and Mitigation Measures at your meeting on February 22, 2017. Adopting them in their current
form would be detrimental to property owners’ rights, values, views and their ability to feasibly
develop and renovate their properties.
Carbon Neutrality: In my opinion, references to Carbon Neutrality should be changed to Carbon
Reduction, with voluntary participation rewarded by incentives. Carbon Neutrality is an extreme
measure, especially when mandated on existing buildings. When remodeling or selling, owners
could be required to install new windows, solar panels, change from gas cooking/heating to all
electric, etc. Energy audits and retrofits would cost property owners thousands of dollars. This
will have a huge negative impact on property owners in Hermosa. It’s an overreach of authority and
shouldn’t be mandated on an accelerated schedule, decided by a vote of 5 council members.
Residents need an opportunity to really understand how this would impact their daily lives and cost
of living/doing business in Hermosa. There are other punitive measures and costs unrelated to
property ownership, such as having to purchase carbon offsets and penalties for not driving an
electric vehicle.
Respectfully,
The Hartley’s
Hermosa Beach
From: Hildyard, Wesley (GE Healthcare)
Sent: Tuesday, February 28, 2017 5:15 PM
To: City Council <citycouncil@hermosabch.org>
Cc: City Clerk <cityclerk@hermosabch.org>
Subject: 2016‐2017 Strategic Plan ‐ Letter in Opposition to Carbon Neutrality
To: Hermosa Beach City Council
Hany Fangary, Mayor
Justin Massey, Mayor Pro Tem
Jeff Duclos, Councilmember
Stacey Armato, Councilmember
Carolyn Petty, Councilmember
36
Date: February 28, 2017
RE: 2016‐2017 Strategic Plan – Letter in Opposition to Carbon Neutrality
From:
Wesley Hildyard
Hermosa Beach, CA., 90254
Dear Councilmembers,
As a 20 year resident in our fine city, I wanted to send a quick note to voice my opposition to the
verbiage in the proposed 2016‐2017 Strategic Plan, with regard to Carbon Neutrality. It is my hope that
you will all reconsider the current language/theme of ‘neutrality’ and simply change it to
‘reduction’. This provision in the plan goes too far and is extreme. I’m a homeowner here and I don’t
appreciate being mandated on something that far exceeds what the state requires.
Again, it is my hope that you reconsider, and eliminate or amend significantly, any reference to Carbon
Neutral.
I appreciate your consideration and I look forward to attending the next council meeting. Let’s actually
‘Keep Hermosa, Hermosa’.
Regards,
Wesley Hildyard
Support for PLAN Hermosa
candykirby@sbcglobal.net
Today, 10:29 AM
Leeanne Singleton; Planning Commission; City Council
To the Planning Commission and City Council:
As a Hermosa Beach resident, I am writing to express my wholehearted support of PLAN Hermosa and the
city's efforts to reduce greenhouse gases and reach the carbon-neutrality-by-2040 goal. Contrary to what
was expressed at last night's meeting, the majority of residents do support the environmentally-friendly
measures the city plans to take and wish that opponents would stop spreading "alternative facts" that
include claiming that the city is going ban our cars and force us to buy electric (WRONG) in a misleading
effort to rile people up.
Looking forward to Hermosa Beach pursuing a collective, comprehensive carbon neutrality policy that
protects our environment and community for generations to come.
Sincerely,
Candace Kirby
37
Support for PLAN Hermosa
From: Sadler, Beth
Thu 3/2/2017 11:32 AM
To:
Planning Commission; City Council; Leeanne Singleton
Dear Planning Commission & City Council,
We are in support of PLAN Hermosa and live in town.
Beth Sadler & Scott Hancock
In Support of PLAN Hermosa
Dawn Nakagawa
Thu 3/2/2017 3:34 PM
To: Leeanne Singleton; Planning Commission; City Council
I write to express my support for PLAN Hermosa. As a Hermosa resident and generally concerned citizen, I
think all communities should be making similar plans to reduce their carbon footprint. While we can and
should all act individually, city planning is the most effective way to reduce the slope and possibly reverse
the trend.
Well done!
Dawn Nakagawa
PLAN Hermosa
Wayne Mogilefsky
Sat 3/4/2017 1:05 AM
To: Planning Commission, City Council Leeanne Singleton
I am writing in favor of PLAN Hermosa.
I am disheartened to see the kind of exaggerated and incorrect information that is
circulating on the internet about what this plan means.
I could go into great point-by-point detail about this, but I am going to save it for the
council chamber, which it seems like I'm going to come down and speak in. Now that the
flames have been fanned on the other side, there are plenty who feel the other way, and the
Council will be seeing them soon too.
While I'm sure there can and will be tweaks, please continue in this direction.
38
Thanks,
Wayne Mogilefsky
From: Nancy Wolf
Sent: Sunday, March 05, 2017 1:23 PM
To: City Council; Planning Commission
Subject: Carbon Neurtrality and Historic Designation
March 5, 2017
Dear City Counsel Members and Planning Commission Members,
As a Hermosa Beach resident for over 45 years and a property owner of two properties on 29th Street, my husband
and I want to strongly voice our serious concerns regarding two aspects in the proposed General Plan for Hermosa
Beach.
Firstly, we strongly object to the carbon neutrality goal in the proposed General Plan. Hermosa Beach should NOT
EXCEED any federal or state carbon goal. Instead, we should set the PLAN Hermosa goal as one of meeting the
carbon reduction goals and timelines established by the state of California.
Secondly, the city should NOT DESIGNATE any private property as “historical" WITHOUT the property owner's
written consent. PLAN Hermosa should provide the process that homeowners who wish to have their homes
designated as “historical” would need to follow for such a designation. It would be up to the homeowner to be
proactive in initiating the process, NOT the city. Any and all lists of “historical” homes or potentially “historical” homes
compiled by the PLAN Hermosa committees should be destroyed. Seeking or NOT SEEKING “historical designation
should be solely the right of the homeowners of Hermosa Beach.
We moved to Hermosa Beach and bought property decades ago because of the city’s relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Most of our neighbors have also happily remained for decades for the same reasons….we did not want a planned
community with endless mandates or requirements. We want property and business owners coming to Hermosa
Beach rather than fleeing it due to onerous rules and regulations. Unfortunately, as currently written, Plan Hermosa is
a catastrophe and multiple lawsuits in the making. Please stop this plan now and make the necessary revisions.
Please keep Hermosa Beach “The Best Little Beach City” that it is…do not destroy it!
Sincerely,
Nancy Wolf
Phil Caliva
Hermosa Beach
From: Arthur Christopher Schaper
Sent: Wednesday, March 08, 2017 3:41 PM
To: City Clerk <cityclerk@hermosabch.org>; Planning Commission
<Planningcommission@hermosabch.org>; City Council <citycouncil@hermosabch.org>
Subject: Reject Carbon Neutrality
39
To the Hermosa Beach City Councilmembers and Staff:
I cannot stress this matter enough.
This vain pursuit of carbon neutrality is a destructive policy which will do nothing to limit costly
carbon emissions, and will in fact bankrupt your already cash-strapped city.
Hermosa Beach does not have its own fire station.
The sewer system is over 100 years old.
Your citizens struggle with frequent electricity outages.
Pension debt and liabilities need attention in your city.
Carbon Neutrality is a fraud program, anyway, based on Fake Science.
Stop with these green fantasies, and do what is right for your taxpaying residentss.
Thank you!
Arthur Christopher Schaper
From: A. Gronbach
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2017 7:31 PM
To: Lael; Christy McCartney; Jex McCartney; Marge Enders; Margie Dupuis; Suzie Tainter; Anne Sullivan;
Planning Commission; Kathleen Dantzer; City Council
Subject: Carbon Neutral Beach (aka Hermosa Beach)
I have been stewing over 'OUR" new city plan about people no longer have any gas appliances (water
heaters, heaters, cooking), no driving cars with gas/oil, motorcycles, etc. Think hobbies that we have
known will not be available for our children and grandchildren because of our government that wants to
run every phase of our lives.
Minutes ago I received the following from our city by e‐mail:
See link to PLAN Hermosa here:
http://www.hermosabch.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=67
85
Page 138 Goal 1
Carbon Neutral Municipality by 2020
Once approved as part of the general plan, expect that money will go
towards CN projects and will shift away from infrastructure projects. This
already happened as part of the 2016 budget.
40
Weigh in with your thoughts to the city
council: citycouncil@hermosabch.org. Planning
commission: planningcommission@hermosabch.org
Guess we don't need infrastructure improvements when we are all Carbon Neutral so we can put our
tax dollars in more Carbon Neutral programs instead.
I can't believe these changes won't affect the desirability of living in Hermosa Beach as well as lower our
property values.
This is not the city we have been lucky enough to live in till the new crowd took over and have chosen to
change every bit of the town that they can. I only hope that these projects can be stopped before we
are stuck with a city that we didn't choose to live in.
Adele Gronbach
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