HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Resolution 26-14 (710_Pier)Page 1 of 3 PC RES 26-14
CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH PC RESOLUTION NO. 26-14
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING PRECISE DEVELOPMENT PLAN (PDP26-06) FOR NEW ELECTRONIC MONUMENT SIGN AT 710 PIER AVENUE IN THE PUBLIC FACILITY (P-F) ZONE, ADOPTING EXHIBIT A-B
CONTAINING FINDINGS, DETERMINATIONS AND CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL; AND DETERMINING THAT THE PROJECT IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
(CEQA).
WHEREAS, on July 16, 2026, applicant Kristian Alarcon on behalf of the City
of Hermosa Beach Public Works Department (“applicant”), filed a development
application seeking approval Precise Development Plan (PDP26-06) (the
“project”) for the construction of an electric monument sign at 710 Pier Avenue
in Hermosa Beach (“project site”); and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission conducted a duly noticed public
hearing to consider the subject application on August 18, 2026, at which time
testimony and evidence, both written and oral, was presented to and
considered by the Planning Commission; and
WHEREAS, the proposed project is Categorically Exempt from the
California Environmental Quality Act as defined in Section 15311(a), Class 11
Exemption, Accessory Structures, as the project consists of placement of a
digital sign on an existing institutional facility. Section 15300.2 of the CEQA
Guidelines list the exceptions to the exemption and these exceptions to the
exemptions define circumstances that override or negate the City’s ability to
use a categorical exemption. Specifically, these exceptions to the exemptions
are:
• The project is located in a sensitive environment such that the project may
impact an officially mapped and designated environmental resource of
hazardous or critical concern;
• The cumulative effect of successive projects of the same type in the same
place, over time, is significant;
• The project may have a significant environmental impact due to unusual
circumstances;
• The project may damage scenic resources (i.e. trees, historic buildings, or
rock outcroppings) within an official state scenic highway;
• The project is located on a listed hazardous waste site; or
None of the exceptions to the Categorical Exemptions apply, nor will the
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Page 2 of 3 PC RES 26-14
location of the project impact an environmental resource of hazardous or
critical concern. The project will not result in a significant cumulative impact of
successive projects of the same type in the same place over time or have a
significant effect on the environment due to unusual circumstances or damage
a scenic highway or scenic resources within a state scenic highway. The site is
not located on a hazardous waste site and will not cause a substantial adverse
change in the significance of a historical resource. The project is not considered
a historic resource.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Incorporation of Recitals. The recitals above are true and
correct, and are hereby incorporated herein by this reference.
SECTION 2. Approval. The Planning Commission hereby approves the PDP for the
Project, subject to and in accordance with the “Findings and Determinations” as
set forth in Exhibit A and “Conditions of Approval” as set forth in Exhibit B.
SECTION 3. Adoption of Exhibits. The Planning Commission hereby adopts Exhibit
A (Findings and Determinations and Exhibit B(Conditions of Approval), attached
hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 4. California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”). The Planning
Commission finds that the project is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA
Guidelines section 15311(a) because the amendments relate to administrative
procedures and do not authorize additional development or intensification of
land use.
SECTION 5. Severability. If any section or provision of this Resolution is for
any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, or is preempted by subsequent legislation, the remaining provisions shall remain
in full force and effect. The Planning Commission hereby declares that it would
have adopted this Resolution and each provision thereof irrespective of the
invalidity of any one or more provisions
SECTION 6. Effective Date. Pursuant to the Code of Civil Procedure
Section 1094.6, any legal challenge to the decision of the Planning Commission, after a formal appeal to the City Council, must be made within 90 days after the
final decision by the City Council.
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Page 3 of 3 PC RES 26-14
______________________________________________________________________________ PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED on this 18th day of August 2026.
AYES: CHAIRPERSON IZANT, VICE CHAIRPERSON FLAHERTY, and
COMMISSIONERS HIRSH and HOFFMAN
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT: COMMISSIONER MCNALLY
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the foregoing PC Resolution 26-14 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 August 18, 2026.
Stephen Izant Alison Becker
Chairperson Secretary
_________________________________
Date
Docusign Envelope ID: 844199A1-18B0-84A7-83E4-CECCAD8609FF
8/27/2026
Exhibit A
EXHIBIT A FINDINGS AND DETERMINATIONS Precise Development Plan No. PDP26-06 710 Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach, California (“Property”)
The following Findings, Determinations, and Conditions of Approval (“COA”) are
incorporated into and made a part of Resolution No. 26-14.
I. Precise Development PLAN No. 26-06 (“PDP”) Findings. The Planning
Commission finds as follows:
A. The Property is zoned Public Facility. Hermosa Beach Municipal Code
(HBMC) Section 17.29.030 establishes that all development
regulations, except for building height, be specified through the
approval of a Precise Development Plan (PDP).
B. The proposed Project consists of an electronic monument sign to be
located on the corner portion of the lawn of the Community Service’s
building. The City’s Sign Ordinance, HBMC Chapter 17.50, is silent as
to the regulation of signs in the PF zone,
II. Precise Development Plan No. PDP26-06 (“PDP”) Findings. The City Council
Planning Commission finds as follows pursuant to HBMC Section 17.74.050:
A. The design, layout, and other physical features of the Project comply with all applicable provisions of Title 17 and all other applicable provisions of the HBMC.
The design, layout, and physical features of the project do comply
with all applicable provisions of the Hermosa Beach zoning code
and all other titles of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code, subject
to the conditions of approval. The City’s Sign Ordinance, HBMC
Chapter 17.50, is silent as to the regulation of signs in the PF zone;
pursuant to the PF Zone development regulations, development
standards are established through an approved Precise
Development Plan (PDP) in accordance with Chapter 17.74.
Civic Center, 1315 Valley Drive, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254-3885
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Exhibit A
The project consists of an electric monument sign at the
southwestern corner of Pier Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway
on the lawn of the Community Center. The proposed dual-sided
electric sign is ground mounted 8.5 feet high by 12 feet wide with
the display measuring approximately 4.72 feet high by 8.875 feet
wide. The sign has been designed to complement the Art Deco
style of the Community Center.
The digital display will adjust its brightness using an ambient light
sensor. This feature allows the display to increase brightness during
daylight hours for visibility in direct sunlight and reduce brightness
at night to avoid over-illumination. The sign fabricator ensured
readability of the digital display across the wide intersection
approach.
B. The design, layout, and other physical features of the project are
consistent with the General Plan, and any applicable specific plan or
design guidelines; and
The Project advances General Plan goals promoting high-quality
architecture, entryway enhancements and pedestrian-oriented design.
Further analysis of the projects consistency is summarized in the table
below:
General Plan Consistency
Land Use Element Findings
Goal 4. A variety of corridors
throughout the city provide
opportunities for shopping,
recreation, commerce,
employment and circulation.
The proposed project is consistent
with Policy 4.4 because it is
located at prominent intersections
at Pacific Coast Highway and Pier
Avenue in the Civic Center District
abutting Gateway Commercial.
The sign helps to accentuate the
prominence of the gateway
reinforcing arrival to this gateway
while providing information
regarding city services, community
Policy 4.4 Unique architectural
design. Encourage the use of
unique architectural features,
facades, and outdoor spaces
within Gateway Commercial
developments to signify arrival
to Hermosa Beach
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Exhibit A
General Plan Consistency
Land Use Element Findings
Policy 4.6 High Quality signage.
Businesses are required to
provide signage made of high-
quality materials and design,
consistent with City sign codes.
Policy 4.9 Streetscape
enhancements. Facilitate
streetscape improvements, add
pedestrian amenities that
attract new uses, and revitalize
the corridors
events, public meetings and other
civic announcements.
The signs design complements the
Community Center's Art Deco
architecture.
The monument sign enhances the
streetscape through the
installation of a pedestrian-scaled
monument that serves as both a
functional communication feature
and gateway element. It supports
placemaking by reinforcing the
identity of the Community Center
as a civic destination and
strengthening the sense of arrival
at one of Hermosa Beach's
primary gateways.
Goal 5. Quality and authenticity in architecture and site design in all construction and renovation of buildings.
The proposal put forth is consistent
with Policy 5.1 as the project is
thoughtful in its use of scale and
massing to avoid interfering with
the visibility of the traffic signal
indications. The design will be fit
the esthetics of the Community
Center’s Art Deco architecture.
The digital monument sign aligns
with Policy 5.4 as a key entrance
that displays the City’s name.
Policy 5.1 Scale and Massing-
Consider the scale of new
development within its urban
context to avoid abrupt changes
in scale and massing
Policy 5.4 Unique brand and
identity. Promote city-wide
identity with the addition of gateway signs, monuments, or
other features to key entrances
(especially to the east and
north) that display the City’s
name and identifies the area as
a distinct place.
Public Safety Element Finding
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Exhibit A
General Plan Consistency
Land Use Element Findings
Goal 4. The community has the capacity and is prepared for
unavoidable hazards.
The community’s ability to react
and respond during hazardous
events is predicated on both an
awareness of the potential risks,
and an understanding of how to
respond to hazardous events.
The signs digital display aligns with
Policy 4.1 to display community
announcements and emergency
information in real time.
Policy 4.1 Public awareness.
Increase public awareness of
hazards, emergency response,
and recovery through updated
evacuation routes and
informational signage.
C. The design, layout, and other physical features of the project
comply with any design or development standards applicable to
the zone, unless waived or modified pursuant to the provisions of
Title 17.
The design, layout, and physical features of the project do comply
with the applicable design and development standards of the
Public Facility (PF) Zone. Pursuant to the PF Zone development
regulations, development standards are established through an
approved Precise Development Plan (PDP) in accordance with
Chapter 17.74.
The proposed digital monument sign is intended to communicate
City programs events, public notices, and other community
information.
Although the PF Zone does not establish specific sign
development standards, the adjacent General Commercial (C-
3) Zone permits ground signs not exceeding 10 feet in height. At
approximately 8.5 feet in height, the proposed monument sign is
below that standard and maintains a pedestrian-scaled design
that is compatible with eh surrounding streetscape.
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Exhibit B
EXHIBIT B Conditions of Approval Precise Development Plan No. PDP26-06 710 Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach, California (“Property”)
The following Conditions of Approval (“COA”) are incorporated into and made a
part of Resolution No. RES-26-XX.
I. Conditions of Approval (“COA”). The Planning Commission finds as follows:
1. The development and continued use of the property shall be in conformance with submitted plans received and reviewed by the Planning Commission at its
meeting of August 18, 2026. The Community Development Director may approve minor modifications that do not otherwise conflict with the HBMC or requirements of this approval.
2. The monument sign shall be equipped with an automatic ambient light sensor
that continuously adjusts the display brightness based on surrounding light conditions to minimize glare, avoid creating a traffic safety hazard, and
reduce light pollution. The specifications shall be included in the plans
submitted for building permits.
3. The electric display shall not flash, blink, rotate, scroll, animate, or otherwise
display moving text or images. Messages and images shall transition only by a
gradual fade or dissolve effect. Emergency alerts may temporarily override standard message requirements when issued by authorized public agencies.
4. The electric display shall be limited to the following:
a) On-site information and announcements; b) Emergency alerts; c) Community events; and d) Information regarding city programs, activities, and services.
5. The electric display shall not be used to advertise a) Commercial businesses, products, services, or commodities; and
Civic Center, 1315 Valley Drive, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254-3885
Docusign Envelope ID: 844199A1-18B0-84A7-83E4-CECCAD8609FF
Exhibit B
b) Political campaigns, candidates, ballot measures, or political
messages.
6. Prior to issuance of a sign permit, the applicant shall provide documentation demonstrating that the proposed electric monument sign has received all required approvals from, or a determination that no approval is required by, the
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
7. The project shall fully comply with all requirements of Chapter 17.50.140 of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code (HBMC), including but not limited to:
a) The construction of the sign shall conform to applicable standards and shall be shown on structural plans and reviewed at the time of Building Division Plan Check.
b) The sign is not intended for advertisement and any future decision to allow advertising would require separate review and approval by Caltrans.
8. The project shall comply with all requirements of the Building Division, Public Works Department, Fire Department, and HBMC.
9. The applicant shall comply with all applicable mitigation measures of the
General Plan Program EIR (SCH No. 201581009) as adopted by the City
Council including:
a) Construction projects within the city shall demonstrate compliance with all applicable standards of the Southern California Air Quality
Management District, including the following provisions of District Rule
403:
i. All unpaved demolition and construction areas shall be wetted
at least twice daily during excavation and construction, and
temporary dust covers shall be used to reduce dust emissions and meet SCAQMD Rule 403. Wetting could reduce fugitive
dust by as much as 50
percent.
ii. The construction area shall be kept sufficiently dampened to control dust caused by grading and hauling, and at all times provide reasonable control of dust caused by wind.
iii. All clearing, earth moving, or excavation activities shall be
discontinued during periods of high winds (i.e., greater than 15 mph), so as to prevent excessive amounts of dust.
iv. All dirt/soil loads shall be secured by trimming, watering, or
other appropriate means to prevent spillage and dust.
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Exhibit B
v. All dirt/soil materials transported off-site shall be required to
cover their loads as required by California Vehicle Code
Section 23114 to prevent excessive amount of dust.
vi. General contractors shall maintain and operate construction equipment so as to minimize exhaust emissions.
vii. Trucks having no current hauling activity shall not idle but shall be turned off (MM 4.2-2A).
b) In accordance with Section 2485 in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations, the idling of all diesel-fueled commercial vehicles (weighing over 10,000 pounds) during construction shall be limited to
5 minutes at any location (MM 4.2-2b).
c) Construction projects within the city shall comply with South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1113 limiting the volatile organic compound content of architectural coatings (MM 4.2-2c).
For any project where earthmoving or ground disturbance activities are proposed at depths that encounter older Quaternary terrace
deposits (depths between 15 and 35 feet), a qualified paleontologist shall be present during excavation or earthmoving activities (MM
4.4- 3).
d) If paleontological resources are discovered during earthmoving
activities, the construction crew shall immediately cease work in the
vicinity of the find and notify the City. The project applicant(s) shall retain a qualified paleontologist to evaluate the resource and
prepare a recovery plan in accordance with Society of Vertebrate
Paleontology guidelines (1996). The recovery plan may include, but is not limited to, a field survey, construction monitoring, sampling and
data recovery procedures, museum storage coordination for any
specimen recovered, and a report of findings. Recommendations in the recovery plan that are determined by the lead agency to be
necessary and feasible shall be implemented before
construction activities can resume at the site where the
paleontological resources were discovered (MM 4.4-3).
e) For development located at a distance within which acceptable
vibration standards pursuant to the Table 4.11-10 of the General Plan
Program EIR, included below, the applicant at the time of plan check submittal shall submit a report prepared by a qualified structural engineer demonstrating the following:
i. Vibration level limits based on building conditions, soil conditions, and planned demolition and construction methods to ensure vibration levels would not exceed acceptable levels
where damage to structures using vibration levels in Draft EIR Table 4.11-4 as standards.
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Exhibit B
ii. Specific measures to be taken during construction to ensure the specified vibration level limits are not exceeded.
iii. A monitoring plan to be implemented during demolition and construction that includes post- construction and post-
demolition surveys of existing structures that would be
impacted. Examples of measures that may be specified for implementation during demolition or construction include but
are not limited to:
1. Prohibition of certain types of impact equipment.
2. Requirement for lighter tracked or wheeled equipment.
3. Specifying demolition by non-impact methods, such as sawing concrete.
4. Phasing operations to avoid simultaneous vibration sources.
5. Installation of vibration measuring devices to guide decision- making for subsequent activities (MM 4.11-2).
General Plan Program EIR TABLE 4.22-10
Typical Vibration Source Levels for Construction Equipment
Equipment Vibration Velocity Level at 25 Feet, in/sec
Distance from
Equipment Within Which Standard is
Exceeded
Pile driver (impact) 0.158 158 feet
Equipment Vibration Velocity Level at 25 Feet, in/sec
Distance from
Equipment Within Which Standard is Exceeded
Pile driver (sonic) 0.045 68 feet
Clam shovel drop
(slurry wall) 0.050 74 feet
Hydro mill (slurry wall) 0.002-0.006 9-17 feet
Vibratory roller 0.050 74 feet
Hoe ram 0.022 43 feet
Large bulldozer 0.022 43 feet
Caisson drilling 0.022 43 feet
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Exhibit B
Loaded trucks 0.020 40 feet
Jackhammer 0.009 24 feet
Small bulldozer 0.001 5 feet
Building Plans: 10. Two copies of a Final Landscape Plan, consistent with landscape plans approved by the Planning Commission, indicating size, type, quantity, and characteristics of landscape materials shall be submitted to the Community Development
Department for review and approval prior to the issuance of Building Permits.
11. Contractor to revise existing irrigation affected by new work, as needed, to
continue to provide water to existing landscape
12. Contractor to add lateral lines, spray heads, or other irrigation equipment and cap
existing lines, as needed for proper function of existing system and distribution of
water to existing landscape.
13. New low-lying plants shall be provided around the base of the sign.
14. The plans and construction shall comply with all requirements of the Building Code
in Title 15 and Green Building Standards in HBMC Chapter 15.48. Water
conservation practices set forth in HBMC Section 8.56.070 shall be complied with
and noted on construction plans.
15. Contractor to provide low water volume drip irrigation and all necessary
components, programming and data input for immediate ETO based scheduling
by the irrigation controller, temporary manual programming is allowed for a
maximum 3 month for plant establishment period, shrub/groundcover planting
and turf areas are to be on separate valves.
16. Adjust irrigation heads to provide optimal coverage and reduce overspray onto
sign.
17. The plans and construction shall comply with all requirements of the Building Code
in Title 15 and Green Building Standards in HBMC Chapter 15.48. Water
conservation practices set forth in HBMC Section 8.56.070 shall be complied with
and noted on construction plans.
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Exhibit B
18. Two copies of final construction plans, including site, elevation, and floor plans,
which are consistent with the conditions of approval of this conditional use permit,
shall be reviewed and approved by the Planning Division for consistency with
Planning Commission approved plans and this Resolution prior to the submittal to
the Building Division for Plan Check.
19. The applicant shall submit all required plans and reports to comply with the City’s
construction debris recycling program including manifests from both the recycler and County landfill at least 65% of demolition debris associated with demolition of the existing improvements and new construction shall be recycled.
Public Works
20. Contractor to apply anti-graffiti coating or vandal resistant protective screen
cover where applicable.
Construction
21. Prior to issuance of a Building Permit, abutting property owners and residents within 100 feet of the project site shall be notified of the anticipated date for
commencement of construction. a) The procedures for notification shall be provided by the Building and Safey Division of the Community Development Department. b) Building permits will not be issued until the applicant provides an affidavit certifying mailing of the notice.
22. Project construction shall conform to the Noise Control Ordinance requirements in HBMC Section 8.24.050. Allowed hours of construction shall be printed on the
building plans and posted at construction site.
23. Traffic control measures, including flagmen, shall be utilized to preserve public
health, safety, and welfare.
24. A construction sign shall be posted conspicuously during the course of
construction at the project site.
Other:
25. This approval shall not be effective for any purposes until the permittee and the
owners of the property involved have filed at the office of the Planning Division of the Community Development Department their affidavits stating that they are aware of, and agree to accept, all of the conditions of this grant. The Precise
Development Plans shall be recorded, and proof of recordation shall be
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Exhibit B
submitted to the Community Development Department prior to the issuance of a building permit.
26. A verbatim copy of the conditions of approval, along with the applicant and property owners' signatures of acceptance, shall be incorporated into the
construction documents before building permit issuance.
27. The Planning Commission may review these Precise Development Plans and may
amend the subject conditions or impose any new conditions if deemed
necessary to mitigate detrimental effects on the neighborhood resulting from the subject use.
28. The subject property shall be developed, maintained, and operated in full
compliance with the conditions of this grant and any law, statute, ordinance, or
other regulation applicable to any development or activity on the subject property. Failure of the permittee to cease any development or activity not in full compliance shall be a violation of these conditions.
29. To the extent permitted by law, Permittee shall defend, indemnify and hold
harmless the City of Hermosa Beach, its City Council, its officers, employees and
agents (the “indemnified parties”) from and against any claim, action, or
proceeding brought by a third party against the indemnified parties and the
applicant to attack, set aside, or void any permit or approval for this project
authorized by the City, including (without limitation) reimbursing the City its
actual attorney’s fees and costs in defense of the litigation. The City may, in its
sole discretion, elect to defend any such action with attorneys of its choice. The
permittee shall reimburse the City for any court and attorney's fees which the
City may be required to pay as a result of any claim or action brought against
the City because of this permit. Although the permittee is the real party in interest
in an action, the City may, at its sole discretion, participate at its own expense in
the defense of the action, but such participation shall not relieve the permittee
of any obligation under this condition.
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