The Hermosa Beach City Council heard more than two dozen public comments on the city’s residential parking permit program and decided to postpone a final decision to the council’s next meeting.

The item generated lengthy testimony from residents, landlords and business owners who described a wide range of experiences: families who depend on multiple vehicles, landlords who need occasional contractor access, seniors who cannot walk far, and residents who said they remain blocked from parking by multiple permit holders. Speakers urged a range of outcomes including restoring broader eligibility, a refundable fee structure for event passes, stronger enforcement of existing rules and clearer processes for property owners who live out of town.

Brad Scott, a long-term resident in the coastal zone, told the council his household uses the garage and buys permits for multiple vehicles so family members can park briefly in front of the home. “With the current limit of just 2 permits and 1 guest pass per household, managing our vehicles has become unnecessarily complicated,” he said.

After hearing public testimony, the council agreed to postpone action and bring the item back at the October 28 meeting so staff could gather additional data and present options. Council members asked staff to prepare clearer comparisons of permit counts, revenue impacts and enforcement alternatives so the council can weigh tradeoffs and avoid unintended consequences.

What to expect next: Staff will refine the report—with additional data and clearer options—and return on the Oct. 28 agenda; the council asked that the item appear early in the agenda at that meeting because of the volume of community interest.

Why it matters: The residential permit program affects many households in the city’s coastal impact zone, the availability of street parking and the city’s meter revenue. Residents called repeatedly for clearer rules and for policies that reflect household needs and local enforcement realities.