HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Resolution 26-08 (Mural Determination 601 Cypress)Page 1 of 4 PC RES 26-08
CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH PC RESOLUTION NO. 26-08
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DETERMINING AN 825-SQUARE-FOOT
PAINTED DISPLAY ON THE NORTH FACING SIDE WALL OF EXISTING COMMERCIAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 601 CYPRESS AVENUE IS A MURAL AND IS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA).
WHEREAS, an application was filed on March 19, 2026, by the applicant
Joseph Garvey, seeking the Planning Commission’s determination that the
proposed display covering 825 square feet on the north-facing side wall of the
existing commercial building located at 601 Cypress Avenue (“Property”) is
consistent with the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code (“HBMC”) definition of
“mural” (“Project”)a; and
WHEREAS, the Property is zoned Light Manufacturing (M-1) Commercial,
with a general plan designation of Creative Industrial (CI), and is located within
the Cypress District character area; and
WHEREAS, murals and signs are regulated under HBMC Chapter 17.50,
“Signs”. Pursuant to HBMC Section 17.50.150, sign requirements and regulations in
the Manufacturing (M) zone, murals approved by the Planning Commission may
be permitted, and the Planning Commission may waive specific provisions of the
City’s sign ordinance related to total sign area, coverage, height, type, and style;
and
WHEREAS, HBMC Section 17.50.030 defines a mural as “a pictorial
representation not specifically identifying goods or services offered by the
business on the premises”; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission, at its public meeting of April 21, 2026
considered all testimony and evidence, both oral and written, that was presented
to the Planning Commission; and
WHEREAS, the proposed display is categorically exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act defined in CEQA Section 15301 Class 1 Existing Facilities,
as the project involves negligible or no expansion of an existing use. The proposed
display is painted directly onto the easterly facade of the existing building and
would not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in
the environment.
Docusign Envelope ID: ED29470E-1B28-8334-83E3-9B0D77EFC8F4
Page 2 of 4 PC RES 26-08
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The Planning Commission determines that the display meets the
definition of a mural as set forth in HBMC Section 17.50.030, because the display
does not include commodification elements tied to the commercial use of the
business on the premises, and the proposed displays are artistic depictions.
SECTION 2. Based on the evidence received at the public meeting, the
Planning Commission hereby further finds, determines, and declares that the
project is consistent with the City’s General Plan (PLAN Hermosa) goals and policies
as detailed in the table below. Further, the project is consistent with the Property’s
general plan designation of Creative Industrial (CI) and the Cypress District
character area.
General Plan Consistency
Goals & Policies Findings
Land Use and Design Element
Goal 11: A proud and visible identity as an arts and cultural community
Policy 11.1 Locally appropriate art.
Prioritize public art that reinforces the identity of Hermosa Beach, incorporating
the culture, people, neighborhoods and
ideas.
Policy 11.2 Creative expression in the built environment.
Encourage the infusion of creative
expression within the city’s-built
environment to create a memorable
urban landscape that respects the past
and builds for the future.
Policy 11.8 Public art in private
development
Actively encourage private development
to contribute to the cultural and
economic health and the public realm
through
incorporation of public art.
The project integrates elements that
reflect the artistic creativity and coastal
identity of Hermosa Beach.
The building is privately owned, and
the applicant proposing the project is
committed to enhancing cultural
vitality by incorporating public art into
their development.
The project muralist uses his skill
concept art to create for others. This
local artist’s perspective and needs
are integral to the project, ensuring
that the mural reflects both the
artistic vision and the
community’s character.
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Page 3 of 4 PC RES 26-08
SECTION 3. Based on the foregoing, the Planning Commission hereby
approves Mural Determination Case No. MD26-01 and determines the proposed
display is a mural, subject to the following Conditions of Approval:
1. The mural shall be maintained in strict accordance with the design
reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission. Any
modifications to the approved design must receive prior approval
from the Planning Commission.
2. Any acts of vandalism occurring on the site must be addressed, and
the affected areas must be cleaned or repaired within 48 hours of
discovery.
3. The mural shall not include the official City seal, logo, or city insignia,
as defined and regulated by HBMC Chapter 1.06, unless or until the
use of the official City seal, logo, or city insignia is approved in
accordance with Chapter 1.06. The applicant shall remove such items
from the proposed mural submitted to the Planning Commission on
April 21, 2026, and submit a revised rendering of the proposed mural
to the Community Development Director and subject to her approval
to determine adherence with the condition and HBMC.
SECTION 4. Pursuant to the Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.6, any
legal challenge to the decision of the Planning Commission, after exhaustion of
any available administrative remedies, must be made within 90 days after the final
decision by the City. The Hermosa Beach City Council may on its own initiative
review all actions of the Planning Commission. If the City Council does not initiate
review of this decision as set forth in Hermosa Beach Municipal Code Section
2.52.040, this decision will become final.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED on this 21st day of April 2026.
AYES: CHAIRPERSON IZANT, VICE CHAIRPERSON FLAHERTY, and
COMMISSIONERS HOFFMAN, MCNALLY, and HIRSH
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Docusign Envelope ID: ED29470E-1B28-8334-83E3-9B0D77EFC8F4
Page 4 of 4 PC RES 26-08
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the foregoing PC Resolution No. 26-08 is a true and complete
record of the action taken by the Planning Commission of the City of Hermosa
Beach, California, at its regular meeting of April 21, 2026.
Stephen Izant Alison Becker
Chairperson Secretary
Date
Docusign Envelope ID: ED29470E-1B28-8334-83E3-9B0D77EFC8F4
5/7/2026