Whether you’re a current homeowner, a buyer planning renovations, or an investor evaluating what’s possible in Hermosa Beach, this page is your starting point. Everything here is sourced directly from Hermosa Beach city documents and official county records. City regulations and fees change, so always verify current requirements directly with the city before starting any project.
Building Permits
What Requires a Building Permit in Hermosa Beach?
The complete list of what does and doesn’t need a permit — from pools and roof decks to window replacements and kitchen remodels. Includes contact information and how the city’s permit process works.
Hermosa Beach Building Permit Fees 2025
Exact fees from the city’s Master Fee Schedule (updated December 1, 2025). Building, plan check, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and planning/zoning fees — with real numbers, not estimates.
Adding Value to Your Property
ADU Guide for Hermosa Beach
Everything you need to know about adding an accessory dwelling unit — rules, permit process, realistic construction costs, and whether the numbers make sense for your property.
Roof Deck Guide for Hermosa Beach
Roof decks are legal in Hermosa Beach (unlike Manhattan Beach). Here’s what the city requires, what it costs, and what a well-designed roof deck does to your property value.
Rental Income
Airbnb in Hermosa Beach
Short-term rentals are allowed in specific commercial zones with a city STVR permit. Full breakdown of the permit process, costs ($2,173 initial, $1,880 annual), rules, fines, and whether it makes financial sense.
Manhattan Beach vs. Hermosa Beach: STVR Rules Compared
Both cities restrict short-term rentals to specific zones — but the rules are very different. Side-by-side comparison for investors and property owners.
Zoning
Look up zoning for any Hermosa Beach address on the City’s zoning map. This is especially important for STVR eligibility (C-2, C-3, SPA 7, SPA 8, SPA 11 zones only) and building setback requirements.
Schools
Hermosa Beach City School District (HBCSD) covers grades Pre-K through 8th across three campuses:
- Hermosa View — Pre-K through 1st grade
- Hermosa Vista — 2nd through 4th grade
- Hermosa Valley — 5th through 8th grade
District website: hbcsd.org
High school choice: Because HBCSD is a K-8 district, Hermosa Beach students have the right to choose between Mira Costa High School (Manhattan Beach) or Redondo Union High School (Redondo Beach). This is not a transfer or permit process — Hermosa students have automatic enrollment rights at either school. Approximately 80% currently choose Mira Costa.
Property Taxes
Hermosa Beach’s effective property tax rate is approximately 1.06% of assessed value (FY 2024-25), which includes the 1% Prop 13 base rate plus voter-approved bonds. Additional direct assessments (school parcel taxes and local measures) vary by parcel — typically $400–$500/year on top of the percentage-based tax.
Key Prop 13 basics for buyers: your property is reassessed to current market value when you purchase. After that, assessed value can increase by a maximum of 2% per year. Long-term homeowners often have significantly lower tax bills than recent buyers on the same street.
- Look up your tax bill: propertytax.lacounty.gov
- Look up assessed value: portal.assessor.lacounty.gov
- Pay online: ttc.lacounty.gov
- Due dates: 1st installment due November 1 (delinquent December 10); 2nd installment due February 1 (delinquent April 10)
- Tax rebates and exemptions: hermosabeach.gov
Utility Providers
| Utility | Provider | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Southern California Edison (SCE) | sce.com |
| Natural Gas | SoCalGas | socalgas.com |
| Water | California Water Service (Cal Water) | (310) 257-1400 | calwater.com |
| Sewer | City of Hermosa Beach | (310) 318-0214 (Public Works) |
| Trash / Recycling | Athens Services | (888) 336-6100 | athensservices.com |
City utilities page: hermosabeach.gov/utilities
Trash and Recycling
Hermosa Beach uses a three-cart system through Athens Services:
- Black cart — Trash
- Blue cart — Recycling
- Green cart — Organics (food waste, yard waste, soiled paper — required under CA SB 1383)
Collection day varies by neighborhood. Two free bulky item pickups per year — call Athens at (888) 336-6100 at least 24 hours before your regular collection day to schedule.
City trash info: hermosabeach.gov/trash
Construction Hours
| Day | Allowed Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | No construction allowed |
| National holidays | No construction allowed |
Violations can result in a Stop Work Order. Report construction noise issues to Code Enforcement at (310) 318-0234 or through the Go Hermosa app.
Parking Permits
Hermosa Beach has a Residential Parking Permit Program for the impacted parking area (generally from The Strand east to Loma Drive / Park Avenue / Morningside Drive).
- Cost: $60 per permit
- Limit: Up to 3 permits per residence per year (one can be a transferable guest permit). A 4th permit is available when drivers exceed on-site parking.
- Apply online: hermosabeach.getapermit.net
- Contact: Revenue Services at (310) 318-0217
Neighborhood Guides
- Hermosa Beach Sand Section — North End, North of Pier, Downtown, South of Pier
- Hermosa Beach Valley — including Poets Knoll (largest lots in HB, up to 24,000 sq ft)
- Hermosa Beach Hills — elevation, views, quieter streets
Key City Contacts
| Department | Phone |
|---|---|
| City Hall (main) | (310) 318-0239 |
| Building & Safety (permits, inspections) | (310) 318-0235 |
| Planning (zoning, ADUs, variances) | (310) 318-0242 |
| Code Enforcement | (310) 318-0234 |
| Public Works | (310) 318-0214 |
| Police (non-emergency) | (310) 524-2750 |
| Fire — LA County Station 100 | (310) 318-0161 |
| Revenue Services (parking permits) | (310) 318-0217 |
| Email (all departments) | CommunityDevelopment@hermosabeach.gov |
City Hall hours: Monday–Thursday 7am–6pm (4/10 schedule — closed Fridays)
Go Hermosa app: Submit service requests for code enforcement, public works, and other city issues.
Thinking About Buying in Hermosa Beach?
Buying in Hermosa Beach means understanding what comes with a property — permit history, ADU potential, zoning, and what the city will and won’t approve. I help buyers identify the right questions and connect with the right experts — architects, contractors, and the city’s planning and building departments — so nothing surprises you after close. The city has final say on what’s permitted on any specific parcel. If you’re evaluating a property and want to think through the due diligence checklist, let’s talk.
Cecilia Agraz | Bayside Real Estate Partners / Stroyke Properties Group
310-803-9338 | cecilia@manhattanhermosahomes.com
DRE #01974999