The Hermosa Beach Planning Commission convened on September 16, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding local housing policies, particularly the implications of the builder's remedy law. This meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges and legislative changes affecting housing development in the city.

A significant focus of the discussion was the builder's remedy, a provision that allows developers to bypass certain zoning regulations if a city fails to adopt a certified housing element. The law, which has been on the books since 1982, saw limited use until the introduction of Senate Bill 330 in 2019. This legislation enabled developers to submit preliminary applications that effectively "froze" the zoning status at the time of submission, allowing them to proceed with projects even if the housing element was later certified.

During the meeting, officials clarified that as of August 2025, Hermosa Beach had a certified housing element, which means the window for new builder's remedy applications has closed for the current housing cycle. This closure is significant as it indicates a shift in the local government's approach to housing development, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a certified housing element to manage future applications.

Commissioners discussed the potential for future builder's remedy applications, noting that the law is set to sunset in 2030. If the city fails to certify its housing element in the next cycle, the builder's remedy could become a relevant issue once again. This uncertainty raises concerns about the city's ability to manage housing demands effectively.

The meeting concluded with a call for deliberation among the commissioners, reflecting the complexities of balancing local zoning laws with state mandates aimed at addressing housing shortages. As Hermosa Beach navigates these challenges, the outcomes of such discussions will play a crucial role in shaping the community's development landscape in the years to come.