Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

Short-term rentals are conditionally allowed in Hermosa Beach, California. The city permits short-term vacation rentals only in specific circumstances: nonconforming residential dwellings located on properties zoned C-2, C-3, SPA 7, SPA 8, or SPA 11. This represents a highly restrictive regulatory environment where STRs are not permitted in standard residential zones.

The legal framework defines a short-term vacation rental as "the rental of a residential dwelling, a dwelling unit, or a room in a dwelling for compensation by way of a rental agreement, lease, license or any other means, whether oral or written to a person or group of persons for temporary overnight accommodations for a period of less than thirty (30) consecutive days."

Important Update: A Superior Court judge issued a preliminary injunction in July 2025 preventing Hermosa Beach from enforcing its short-term rental ban against residents in the coastal zone, citing the city's lack of authority to ban STRs in the coastal zone without Coastal Commission approval. This legal development has created uncertainty in enforcement while the case proceeds.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business

Legal Eligibility Requirements

To operate legally in Hermosa Beach, your property must meet these specific criteria:

1. Nonconforming Residential Status: The property must be a residential dwelling unit that was lawfully established and maintained as of October 24, 2019
2. Permitted Zoning: Property must be located in one of these commercial zones:
   • C-2 (General Commercial)
   • C-3 (Neighborhood Commercial)
   • SPA 7 (Specific Plan Area 7)
   • SPA 8 (Specific Plan Area 8)
   • SPA 11 (Specific Plan Area 11)

Application Process

Applications are processed exclusively through the Community Development Department, Planning Division. The process requires:

1. Reviewing the Short-Term Vacation Rental Application requirements
2. Submitting a completed application to the Planning Division
3. Awaiting administrative permit approval

Key Operational Restrictions

• No conversions: If the unit is converted to nonresidential use, it loses nonconforming status and STR eligibility
• No advertising without permit: Operating or advertising an STR without an administrative permit is strictly prohibited
• Minimum stay: All rentals must be for periods less than 30 consecutive days

Required Documents, Permits, and Guidelines

Primary Permit Requirement

• Administrative Permit: Required for all STR operations in permitted zones
• Application Process: Submit through Community Development Department, Planning Division

Supporting Documentation Requirements

While specific application requirements are detailed in the Short-Term Vacation Rental Application document, investors should be prepared to provide:

• Property documentation proving lawful establishment as of October 24, 2019
• Zoning verification for eligible commercial districts
• Compliance with all building and safety standards
• Proof of nonconforming residential status

State-Level Compliance Requirements

As a California business, STR operators must also comply with:

• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): Registration and remittance requirements
• Business License: General business licensing requirements
• Safety Standards: State fire, building, and safety codes

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

City of Hermosa Beach Regulations

Permitted Areas

• STRs only allowed in nonconforming residential units in specific commercial zones
• Prohibited in standard residential zones (R-1, R-2, R-3, etc.)
• Must maintain legal nonconforming status as of October 24, 2019

Operational Requirements

• Maximum rental period: Less than 30 consecutive days
• Permit requirement: Administrative permit mandatory
• No conversions: Loss of residential use terminates STR eligibility

Enforcement and Penalties

The city has implemented aggressive enforcement with significant financial penalties:

First violation: $5,000 Second violation: $10,000
Third and subsequent violations: $20,000

Each occurrence is treated separately, with fines applied per advertisement posted and per day of violation. The city has contracted enforcement services to proactively monitor and cite violations.

Enforcement Mechanisms

• Proactive monitoring through contracted services
• Public reporting system via Go Hermosa! App
• Code enforcement investigations
• Legal action through administrative and judicial processes

County Level (Los Angeles County)

Los Angeles County provides:

• Fire inspection services through L.A. County Fire Department
• Emergency services coordination
• Regional planning coordination

State Level (California)

California regulations that apply to Hermosa Beach STRs include:

Transient Occupancy Tax

• State-authorized local TOT collection
• Registration requirements with city finance department
• Regular remittance obligations

State Housing and Safety Codes

• Building safety standards
• Fire safety requirements
• Health and safety regulations
• Accessibility compliance where applicable

Coastal Zone Considerations

Recent court rulings have created uncertainty regarding the city's authority to enforce STR restrictions in the coastal zone without California Coastal Commission approval. This legal development requires careful legal analysis for coastal properties.

Contact Information

Primary Contact: Community Development Department, Planning Division

Phone: (310) 318-0242
Email: planning@hermosabeach.gov
Physical Address: 1315 Valley Drive, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Office Hours: Monday to Thursday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Code Enforcement Division

Phone: (310) 318-0234
Email: code-enforcement@hermosabeach.gov

General City Information

Main Line: (310) 318-0239
24/7 Dispatch: (310) 524-2750
Website: www.hermosabeach.gov

Reporting Illegal STRs

Use the Go Hermosa! App service request portal to report violations. Include:

• Property address
• Photographs
• Time of observations
• Any additional pertinent information

Links to Source Pages

Primary Regulatory Sources

1. City of Hermosa Beach Short-Term Vacation Rentals Official Page
2. Hermosa Beach Municipal Code Section 17.42.180
3. Hermosa Beach Municipal Code Definitions Section 17.04

Application Forms

4. Short-Term Vacation Rental Application

Recent Legal Developments

5. Easy Reader News: Hermosa Beach Extends STR Program
6. The Host Report: STR Regulation Updates

Related City Services

7. Go Hermosa! Service Request Portal
8. Hermosa Beach Municipal Code

Disclaimer: This guide is based on publicly available information as of the sources provided. STR regulations are subject to frequent changes, ongoing legal challenges, and local enforcement priorities. Investors should consult with local legal counsel and contact city departments directly for the most current requirements before making investment decisions.