Hermosa Beach commission finds FY 2026–27 CIP in conformance with general plan, adopts CEQA exemption

The Hermosa Beach Planning Commission on Tuesday unanimously found the city’s proposed FY 2026–27 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) in conformance with the general plan and determined the program is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.

Public Works Director (staff) told commissioners the CIP lists 24 projects for the coming fiscal year, about 22 carried over from the current year and two newly proposed. "For this upcoming fiscal year... we have a CIP totaling 24 projects," the director said, and reviewed projects tied to the city’s infrastructure, mobility and parks goals in Plan Hermosa.

Why it matters: The CIP identifies near-term capital work that will guide design, permitting and later budget discussions. Projects highlighted include annual street slurry projects, two corridor safety improvement projects (one involving Pacific Coast Highway and one on Hermosa Avenue), a citywide sidewalk program to address high‑need segments and two new crossings on Ardmore, stormwater planning and mandated stormwater treatment work, playground equipment replacements at Valley Park and Seaview Park, ADA improvements near City Hall and a federally funded real‑time crime center to integrate police systems.

Several commissioners pressed staff on details and scope. Commissioner Hirsch asked which playground structures would be removed and which would remain; the director said one small play structure will be fully replaced with a new integrated shade sail and rubberized mat while another larger structure will receive parts and repairs. On safety improvements along PCH, the director said the city does not own PCH and staff has worked with Caltrans and Metro for years: "we are now looking to move to what they call the PA&ED… the next step is the environmental document," he said, adding that community outreach and updated data will be part of the next stage.

After discussion and the close of the public hearing (no public speakers), Commissioner Hoffman moved and Vice Chair Flaherty seconded the staff recommendation to find the CIP in conformance with the general plan and exempt under CEQA. The clerk recorded a unanimous roll‑call vote in favor and the motion carried.

Next steps: The commission’s conformance finding and CEQA determination advance the CIP in the city’s review process; commissioners noted the council will see related materials as budget and contract steps follow.

(Reporting note: direct quotes and vote calls are drawn from the planning commission transcript.)