


The Hermosa You Know May Change Forever
For decades the residential height limit in Hermosa Beach has been 30 feet. As a community, we agreed that three-story homes would preserve the character of our beloved beach town.
Now, the city is reviewing plans for a massive five-story apartment building just a block from the beach. This 50-foot development at 3415 Palm Drive would tower over every other building in town.
The Planning Commission has postponed a decision on the project until May 20.
The commissioners asked staff to gather more information, including shade and traffic studies, as well as drawings to show how the project compares to other homes in the neighborhood. They were also concerned if the fire department could handle a 50-foot high fire. One commissioner requested that staff consult a land use attorney to better understand Builder’s Remedy law.
If approved, this project will set a dangerous precedent and could pave the way for more oversized developments, destroying our neighborhoods.
What Does This Mean for You?
This out-of-scale development will
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Destroy our small-town character and quality of life
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Increase density in an already crowded city
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Decrease your property values
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Tower over the city, blocking views and sunlight
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How Did This Happen?
The city did not submit Hermosa Beach’s state-mandated Housing Element on time, a critical mistake that left us vulnerable to Builder’s Remedy. This legal loophole allows developers to bypass local height limits, zoning laws, and parking requirements.
Because the city missed the deadline, the property owner at 3415 Palm Drive can build his luxury building above the city's 30-foot height limit.
If It Happens Once, It Will Happen Again
This isn’t just about one building—it’s about the future of Hermosa Beach.
If we allow this project to go through, developers across the state will target us. More high-rise, oversized projects will follow.
And it's not just happening here. It's happening all across the state. That's why Our Neighborhood Voices (ONV) is working toward sponsoring a statewide ballot initiative to restore local control over housing. That way we can decide what gets built in our neighborhoods. ONV supports Save Hermosa.
What Can You Do About It?
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Email Hermosa Beach Planning Commission | planning@hermosabeach.gov
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Email Hermosa Beach City Council | citycouncil@hermosabeach.gov
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Attend the Planning Commission Meeting on June 17, 2025
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Sign the petition
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Show your support with lawn sign (below)
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Donate to Save Hermosa (below)

SAVE HERMOSA BEACH
Save Hermosa is sponsored by Our Neighborhood Voices Education Corporation (ONVEC), a California 501c3 that educates residents about unneeded and unwanted development. Your donation will go to ONVEC and directly support Save Hermosa Beach. When donating please type "Hermosa" after your last name.

REQUEST A LAWN SIGN
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MEDIA
Hermosa Beach Planning Commission Meeting on March 18, 2025:
Link to Planning Commission Meeting
Easy Reader article on March 19, 2025
"Hermosa Beach neighbors protest 50-foot tall ‘Builder’s Remedy’ apartments"
Easy Reader March 13, 2025 letter to the editor about Palm project
Easy Reader March 27, 2025 letters to the editor
"City defense fund" and "Stand firm"
Manhattan Beach Residents’ Forum on April 9, 2025
MB Residental Overlay District Public Meeting Part 1
Manhattan Beach Residents' Forum Q&A on April 9, 2025
MB Residential Overlay District Meeting (Part 2) Resident Q & A