Neighbors urge Hermosa Beach to oppose 50‑foot development using "builder's remedy"; city outlines review process

Dozens of neighbors and property owners told the Hermosa Beach City Council on March 11 they oppose a proposed five‑story apartment project on North Hermosa's Palm Drive that would exceed the city's 30‑foot residential height limit.

Multiple speakers identified the project property by address and raised similar concerns: the development would reach about 50 feet, would block sunlight for adjoining homes, would add parking pressure to narrow alleys and risk changing the character of the neighborhood. "It would be bad enough if locals did this, but part‑time residents from another country are using the builder's remedy law to defy ordinances such as zoning and height restrictions," said Rory Barish, a neighbor. Anna Jung, who said she has lived next door for 37 years, told the council the building would "totally block the sun to…