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Hermosa Beach panel approves remodel to create second dwelling on single lot
Summary
The Planning Commission unanimously approved a precise development plan to convert an existing two‑story Hermosa Beach house and attached garage/workshop into two single‑family residences with four on‑site garage spaces; staff found the project code‑compliant and CEQA‑exempt.
The Hermosa Beach Planning Commission on Nov. 18 approved Precise Development Plan PDP‑23‑06 to remodel an existing two‑story single‑family residence and attached garage/workshop into two single‑family residences with four garage parking spaces. The commission voted unanimously after staff described the project as consistent with the municipal code and categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
Staff planner Kanika Pompey told commissioners the application was reviewed for compliance with the city's zoning and general plan and "staff recommends that the planning commission review the application and consider adopting a draft resolution for a precise development plan" (staff report). The proposal calls for converting an existing 3,457‑square‑foot home and attached workshop into two separate units, adding roughly 348 square feet to the garage, and providing five on‑site parking spaces (including one guest space) to meet municipal requirements.
An applicant family member, who identified the owners as his in‑laws, said the upstairs workshop belongs to a mural artist and will be converted into a one‑bedroom unit while the speaker and his spouse will occupy the other dwelling. "My father‑in‑law is a mural artist ... we're looking to convert that over into, like, a 1 bedroom with a loft for my in‑laws to live in," the applicant said during public comment.
Several commissioners asked technical questions about ownership and parking allocation because the two units would remain on one legal lot. Staff explained the project is permitted as two single‑family units under the current zoning and that required parking is provided on site; the planner also noted additions over 1,500 square feet trigger a precise development plan review. After deliberation the commission approved the project on a roll call vote.
The commission's approval adopts the draft resolution and conditions recommended by staff. The project will proceed to the next administrative steps for implementation under the city's standard building‑permit and inspection process.
