Hermosa Beach raises meter rates; on‑street to $3, beach lots to $3.50

The Hermosa Beach City Council on Sept. 30 approved an increase in parking fees citywide, raising on‑street meter rates from $2 to $3 per hour and setting rates for the main beach lots at $3.50 per hour.

The change was presented by Administrative Civic Services Director Brandon Walker, who told the council “we are going to be reviewing [a] proposal to increase the parking meter rate citywide.” Walker said parking-related revenue is a significant piece of the city’s general fund and that meter income helps pay for capital improvements and operating needs. He also warned of a potential double‑digit increase in future costs when the city renegotiates contracts for county fire and lifeguard services in fiscal 2027–28.

Walker outlined the city’s current parking revenue: about $5 million annually from meters and lots, with more than 90% of transactions made by non‑residents during daytime hours. He said staff projects an additional roughly $375,000 per year for each $0.25 increase in rates, and that the city is planning equipment upgrades — multi‑space meters and license‑plate‑reader enforcement — with an initial rollout expected by early 2026.

Public comment mixed support and objections. Several business owners and residents warned that a large increase would deter visitors and push cars into residential neighborhoods; others urged using dynamic (surge) pricing once new technology is in place so rates can better match demand. Speakers asked that any new revenue be clearly tied to capital needs or repairs. Brandon Walker and staff said the city can earmark funds if council so directs, but the recommendation before the council did not designate a single restricted fund.

Council debate focused on balancing near‑term revenue needs against possible harm to downtown businesses and visitors. Some members argued to wait until dynamic pricing is enabled; others said the city faces real, predictable budget pressures — particularly the upcoming public‑safety contract negotiations — and should raise fees now so the burden falls mainly on visitors rather than residents.

Mayor Rob Seaman moved to raise the on‑street meter rate by $1 (to $3) and to raise the primary beach lot rate by $1 (to $3.50). The motion specified that the increase would be applied across the board (removing the existing time‑based rate tiers) and excluded an additional adjustment for Lot D; meters at Lot D will reflect the new on‑street $3 rate. Mayor Pro Tem De Toit seconded. The motion carried 4–1, with Councilmember Keegan voting no.

What the change means: on‑street parking moves to a flat $3 per hour; the main beach lots (A, B and C) move to $3.50 per hour. Staff said the meter hardware upgrades and license‑plate‑reader enforcement will be phased in over 2025–2026 and could allow the council to revisit variable or surge pricing in the future.

Council members and staff said they expect to monitor demand and revenue for at least a year before proposing further adjustments. Staff also reiterated that the council may direct how any additional revenue is used (for example, to help cover pavement repairs, pier structural needs or other capital projects).