License: No. #1076712
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Discover what you can build in the City of Hermosa Beach. This city guide covers essential ADU regulations and zoning laws to help you navigate the process and make informed decisions for your property.
Up to one ADU and one JADU can be built on a single-family lot in Hermosa Beach.
Multifamily property owners in Hermosa Beach may convert existing uninhabitable space into at least one ADU, and additional ADUs not to exceed a maximum number equal to 25% of the existing units. Ergo:
No more than two detached ADUs may be constructed on a multifamily lot in Hermosa Beach.
A detached ADU in Hermosa Beach can be up to 1,200 square feet.
An attached ADU in Hermosa Beach can be up to 1,200 square feet, or 50% of the size of the primary dwelling unit, whichever is smaller.
An ADU in Hermosa Beach may be no more than 16 feet high. If the ADU is built over a garage, it may reach a height of up to 25 feet.
With most ADUs limited in height to 16 feet unless they are a single story above a garage, a two-story ADU will usually not be permitted in Hermosa Beach due to height restrictions.
No, ADUs cannot be stacked one on top of each other on two stories in Hermosa Beach.
Two ADUs are only permitted on multifamily property. Hermosa Beach regulations do not specify the configurations, and two attached ADUs may be permitted on a case-by-case basis.
No, a JADU is defined as an ADU converted from existing space within the main structure of the primary dwelling unit. As such, it cannot be attached to an ADU.
Generally roof decks would be permitted on an ADU, but must meet the height restrictions for the zone. Roof decks cannot encroach into the required setbacks. As a rule of thumb, railings and access staircases above 42″ need to be included in height calculations.
In Hermosa Beach the ADU must match the architectural design of the proposed or existing structure. This includes using the same exterior material, roof material, color, and architectural details of the main dwelling unit.
ADUs behind the primary dwelling unit in Hermosa Beach require a minimum of 4-foot side and rear setbacks.
Hermosa Beach does not specify specific building separation for ADUs from the primary dwelling unit or other structures. Enough separation must be maintained to comply with fire codes and reduce the risk of fires spreading from one building to another. Separation requirements will be determined in the planning stage.
Hermosa Beach regulations don’t specifically prohibit ADUs in the front yard, but stipulations that new construction preserve the curb appeal of the neighborhood typically err strongly in favor of permitting ADUs for back and side yards only.
Hermosa Beach does not explicitly require that plans be submitted in person. Online submission of plans is allowed.
Hermosa Beach may require a soils report for ADU permitting to make sure the soil can support the new structure, especially if the ADU will be located on a hillside, an area with significant grading, or if there are special foundation requirements.
Hermosa Beach specifies no specific requirements for “green” space or permeable surface on your landscaping when constructing an ADU. However, green space and permeable surface may become an issue in the approval process if the ADU covers a significant portion of the lot.
The plan check requires a review by the Community Development Department for zoning, building standards, and safety compliance. The process takes approximately 4-6 weeks.
Hermosa Beach requires one new parking space be added per new ADU. However, if the property is within one mile of a public transit stop and/or if the ADU or JADU in question is being converted from existing space within the main dwelling unit, the ADU is exempt from the requirement of extra parking.
If a parking space must be added, it can be included on the driveway or any setback areas, and it may be configured as tandem parking.
Per Title 24 of the California Energy Code, solar panels of appropriate size and capacity are mandatory on new-construction ADUs. ADUs built from converted existing structures are exempt, as may be ADUs located under significant shading. Smaller ADUs may be subject to reduced or modified solar panel requirements.
An ADU is not required to have a separate water or electrical meter. You can opt for the ADU to share service with the main dwelling unit. However, you can request separate water or electrical meters from the City of Hermosa Beach.
Hermosa Beach does not automatically assign a new ADU its own address. However, it may assign the ADU a new address if it is intended for rental or independent occupancy. The ADU will usually get a “½” designation — for example, an ADU located behind 1234 Pine Street would have the address “1234½ Pine Street.
Low Impact Development (LID) is an approach to land development or redevelopment that seeks to preserve and conserve onsite water quality and natural features, with minimal detrimental effect to local waterways and ecosystems. Hermosa Beach may require LID fees for larger ADUs.
An ADU may not be used as an Airbnb or short-term rental in Hermosa Beach.
Per the Costa-Hawkins Act of 1995, Hermosa Beach does not impose rent control on dwellings constructed after February 1, 1995. This means most new-build ADUs are exempt. However, if the primary dwelling unit is subject to rent control, it might apply to the ADU as well.
While encouraging the use of electric appliances for efficiency and sustainability, Hermosa Beach does not prohibit gas appliances in new ADUs as long as all relevant installation and safety standards are met.
In Hermosa Beach you are only required to install sprinklers in a new ADU if the primary dwelling unit has them as well. You may also be required to install them if the ADU is located within a special fire hazard zone.