Hermosa Beach’s Updated Housing Element Sparks Controversy and Raises Compliance Questions
The City of Hermosa Beach in California has adopted an updated Housing Element after missing an initial state deadline by two years. The move comes as the city faces a debate over a local development project, creating controversy and raising compliance concerns.
At a recent meeting, the Hermosa Beach City Council approved the latest version of the city’s planning document. However, the city will still be considered out of regulatory compliance until it receives a signoff from the California Department of Housing & Community Development. This could potentially subject Hermosa Beach to penalties, including the controversial builder’s remedy provision that allows developers to bypass local zoning regulations.
Despite the remaining compliance issues, the mayor of Hermosa Beach expressed optimism about the long-awaited adoption of the housing plan. He deemed it a good day for our city and highlighted the opportunity to create affordable housing and promote economic development and vitality within the community.
To meet the requirements outlined by the California Department of Housing & Community Development, Hermosa Beach must plan for an additional 558 housing units, including 232 units dedicated to very low-income residents. However, like many other cities in Southern California, Hermosa Beach failed to obtain a state signoff on its new housing plan by the initial deadline in October 2021. Consequently, city officials have been working to reconfigure the plan and identify more potential development sites in order to meet the required quota.
One of the potential sites for development is located at St. Cross Episcopal Church, which has sparked intense local debate. Several residents have expressed their objections to the city’s amended plan and the potential development it could enable. Concerns have been raised about possible impacts on views, with residents emphasizing their efforts to maintain the quality of their homes without obstructing neighboring properties.
Given the controversy surrounding the development plans, St. Cross Episcopal Church issued a statement to clarify its intentions. The church, which owns multiple lots in the area, explained that it is exploring redevelopment options for its aging residential properties adjacent to the church building. Contrary to rumors, the church has neither sold its properties to a developer nor formulated any building designs or plans at this time.
The development debate in Hermosa Beach is reminiscent of a significant ongoing fight in neighboring Redondo Beach, where developer Leo Pustilnikov and city officials have been at odds over a potential power plant redevelopment. While Redondo Beach had not received state approval for its updated Housing Element, Pustilnikov filed a builder’s remedy application for the ambitious project. As the city continues to contest the project and deny the applicability of the builder’s remedy provision, the nonprofit YIMBY Law has filed a lawsuit against the city to enforce the provision.
The adoption of Hermosa Beach’s updated Housing Element brings both controversy and compliance questions. As the city awaits the California Department of Housing & Community Development’s signoff, it is hoped that the plan will eventually address the need for affordable housing while maintaining the harmony of the community.
