Planning Commission approves 6,487‑sq‑ft commercial building at 1054 Aviation Blvd with right‑turn only exit

The Hermosa Beach Planning Commission on Dec. 16 voted unanimously to approve a precise development plan for a new 6,487‑square‑foot multi‑tenant commercial building at 1054 Aviation Boulevard.

Assistant planner Johnny Case told commissioners the project would replace an existing 4,765‑square‑foot commercial building with a one‑story structure containing four tenant spaces and 25 on‑site parking spaces, and that staff found the project qualifies for a Class 3 categorical exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act. "Staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt a draft resolution determining the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act and approve precise development plan 25‑01," Case said.

The applicant’s representative, Stacy Strauss of Sarora and Associates, said the design comes in well under the 35‑foot height limit and includes increased landscaping to buffer adjacent residences. "We will maintain the ADA continuous path of travel around both sides of the lot," Strauss said, and added the applicant would conduct demolition testing and abatement as required by the city prior to construction.

Neighbors raised concerns during public comment about traffic circulation and noise. Sean Cato, who lives directly behind the site, asked what hours of operation would be allowed and whether the rear garage‑style door suggested a gym or other late‑hour use. Hallie Dennets, who lives immediately to the south, asked who would maintain a shared planter that runs along the property line and whether the garage door could be restricted to reduce noise.

The applicant responded that the proposal is a "core and shell" application and specific tenant uses have not been finalized; Strauss added the project meets parking and drive‑aisle requirements. As one mitigation measure to address neighbor concerns, Vice Chair Flaherty and other commissioners supported adding a sign requiring right turns only when exiting the on‑site parking onto Owasso Avenue. "With the addition of a condition to require a right turn only sign as you come out of that parking lot, I would support this project," Vice Chair Flaherty said.

The motion to adopt staff’s recommendation with the added right‑turn‑only condition passed on a unanimous roll‑call vote: Commissioner Hirsch Yes; Commissioner McNally Yes; Commissioner Hoffman Yes; Vice Chair Flaherty Yes; Chairperson Aizon Yes. The resolution includes standard conditions of approval and required hazard testing and abatement documentation prior to demolition.

The commission closed the public hearing after the vote. The decision is advisory to the City Council where applicable procedures for appeals remain available under the municipal code.