Hermosa Beach | Los Angeles Conservancy
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Hermosa Beach

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.

The scoring details for this community appear below. To see scores for all communities, compare specific communities and categories, and learn more about the Report Card, visit our Report Card microsite.

Category (points available)
Score
Total Score (out of a possible 245, plus Extra Credit): 
165
Historic Preservation Ordinance (150) / Honorary Ordinance (10): 
150
Dedicated Historic Preservation Commission (5): 
0
Dedicated Preservation Staff (15): 
0
Ability to Designate Historic Districts (15): 
0
Active Landmark Designation (at least annually) (5): 
0
Survey of Historic Resources: Citywide (15) / Partial (10): 
10
Notes: 
Partial list of identified resources in General Plan
Survey Updated Within Past 5 Years (5): 
0
Mills Act Incentive Program (10): 
0
Additional Incentives (5): 
5
Certified Local Government (5): 
0
Historic Preservation Element or Plan (5): 
0
Extra Credit (1-25): 
0

If you'd like to get involved in preservation in Hermosa Beach, we suggest the following resources:

City Representative

Planning Department
planning@hermosabeach.gov
(310) 318-0242

Local Group

Hermosa Beach Historical Society

Visit their website to learn more about their work and find direct contact information.

If any of this information is out of date, or to suggest additional ways to get involved, please contact us at info@laconservancy.org or (213) 623-2489.

The first resource listed below is specific to Hermosa Beach. For general resources related to local preservation and our Preservation Report Card, please visit our Report Card microsite.

Historic Preservation Ordinance

Guide to CEQA (Conservancy website)

If any of these links are broken or incorrect, or if you would like to suggest other resources for preservation in Beverly Hills, please let us know by emailing info@laconservancy.org.