Hermosa Beach established a historic preservation ordinance in 1998 specifically to designate and protect the Bijou Theater. However, the Historic Preservation code identifies two additional buildings that require preservation design review for any proposed changes: the Bank of America building at 90 Pier Avenue and the Hermosa Hotel building at 20-26 Pier Avenue. The ordinance does not establish the ability to designate historic landmarks, and the designation of individual landmarks requires owner consent.

The City does not have a dedicated historic preservation commission. Instead, the City Council carries out the duties of designating landmarks and preservation design review.

Hermosa Beach has not yet conducted a citywide survey of historic resources, though the City discussed the possibility of undertaking such a survey around 2003 and a committee was formed for that purpose. The Land Use Element of the General Plan contains a “List of Locally Significant Resources” that includes 28 structures and 2 potential historic districts.