Business Resources & Advocacy

The Hermosa Beach Chamber is firmly committed to advocacy on behalf of local businesses and the broader community, working to ensure that members have a strong voice on key issues that impact their success. As part of this mission, the Chamber provides a variety of resources designed to support businesses, including guidance and information on topics such as permits, regulations, local initiatives, and economic development. You can explore these resources and learn more about how the Chamber supports the business community below.

Advocacy

If your business is facing a challenge or needs support on an issue that requires advocacy, the Chamber is here to help. We can advocate on your behalf on matters such as the permitting process, opening a new business, commercial encroachments and outdoor decks, licensing and regulatory concerns, signage, parking impacts, and other city-related business matters. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to a Board member, Advocacy Committee Chair Tony Cordi, or Chamber President Michelle Crispin so we can connect with you, understand your situation, and help guide or support next steps on your behalf.

Resources

Conditional Use Permits (CUPs)

Live & Ambient Music

The information below was originally emailed April 28, 2021 to all Hermosa businesses. Although COVID ordinances have expired, the City continues to honor the outdoor music ordinance so long as it does not conflict with zoning code and regulations. A permanent outdoor dining music plan is coming soon from the City (in 2024).

The Chamber has created a Musician Directory for businesses to explore local talent. This directory is self-submitted and has been growing each day. Please check back often and encourage musicians you know to sign up to be listed. Please note, the directory is still in production so please be patient as we continue to tweak the design.
Music can be prerecorded ambient music or LIVE music.
Music is permitted between the hours of 9:00 AM through 9:00 PM.
Music is allowed on the business’ private property or abutting sidewalks/dining decks/Pier Plaza area with an encroachment permit. This program does not apply to public spaces outside approved encroachment permit areas.
Music is limited to a noise level that is needed for customers of the business to minimize sound spillover. Chamber members may request a local Hermosa sound engineer to visit their business and work with them to configure placement of speakers and talent to maximize the patron experience. Contact us!
Indoor LIVE music will also be allowed when LA County health orders allow it. Currently, LA County health orders do not allow live music indoors. When it is allowed, the Chamber will notify all Chamber members.
No permit is required for these music options during the temporary pilot program.
Businesses are asked to please coordinate LIVE music or share performers with neighboring outdoor dining patios in cases where patios are shared or adjacent. The success of this program will depend on this coordination. We cannot stress enough how critical this request is from the City. The Chamber is happy to assist businesses in coordinating with other businesses and talent.
All LIVE music must abide by current LA County health orders. The current health order for restaurants can be found here.
Indoor music will also be allowed when LA County health orders allow it with doors and windows open. Currently, LA County health orders do not allow LIVE indoor music.
During this temporary pilot program, businesses with Conditional Use Permits limiting music are not limited to CUP conditions, for example, that require doors/windows to be closed during performances.
This temporary pilot program will end when the City terminates the COVID-19 local emergency or the ordinance is terminated by the City Council.

PLEASE REMEMBER: This is a test program written with minimum restrictions in order to give businesses the flexibility to define what works. That said, a longer-term music plan is being written by the City and it's critical that we, the businesses, demonstrate not only that we can work together to minimize overlapping talent and sound, but also that we can deliver entertainment that our community craves and loves. Now is our time to shine! The Chamber is here to be your partner and help provide support to ensure we can develop the outdoor experience we're all craving.

Commercial Encroachments & Outdoor Decks

The City of Hermosa beach has moved into the phase of making outdoor dining a permanent opportunity in Hermosa. See below for information about encroachment—both outdoor dining and commercial establishments.

Off-street Commercial Encroachments

Commercial Encroachments

Please note: The permit applications for the Off-Street Commercial Encroachments are currently being updated. Once the revisions are complete, we will update our website.

Off-Street Commercial Encroachments – Business Holders with encroachments on Pier Plaza, sidewalk, and public right-of-way spaces adjacent to the business:

On-street Commercial Encroachments

On-Street Commercial Encroachments – Business holders with encroachment areas with Street Dining Decks occupying parking spaces or extending into the street.

12.16.090 Commercial Outdoor Dining

Updated February 2024: The new on-street encroachment guidelines have been approved and the application can be found here. Note that all existing on-street dining decks need to re-apply within 90 days of February 27, 2024 in order to continue operations of their decks. Once you apply, the City has 90 days to approve but will actively attempt to approve all decks quickly so that businesses have the opportunity to make adjustments before summer.

For more information on commercial encroachments, please contact the Public Works Department at hbpublicworks@hermosabeach.gov or (310) 318-0214.

Click here to fill out the 2024 Onstreet Dining Deck Application

City of Hermosa Beach Green Business Program

The Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce is certified as a Green Business by the City of Hermosa Beach Green Business Program. This recognition signifies that we are conducting our business using strategies focused on energy savings, water efficiency, resource stewardship, and CO2 emissions reduction.

This seal reflects our commitment to incorporating sustainable practices at every level of our operations as we continue striving to reduce our environmental impact through source-reduction initiatives. We take pride in being part of the growing green business community of the City of Hermosa Beach Green Business Program and the California Green Business Network.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GREEN BUSINESS PROGRAM

Opening A Business in Hermosa Beach

If you're opening a business in Hermosa, congratulations! Choosing Hermosa is your first step, but there are many other resources and points of information to know before opening or even making your plans. Here are some tips:

We heavily recommend you immediately join the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce (us) because we can be an ally and resource through your whole process. Plus, we will help coordinate your ribbon cutting / grand opening. The Chamber represents ALL business types. Contact admin@hbchamber.net or visit hbchamber.net/membership to learn about membership. You do not need to be open yet, be located in Hermosa beach, or have a physical location to join the Chamber.
The City of Hermosa beach has a wonderfully extensive business guide that is free and available here to download. This includes important information you might need to know that may or may not restrict or aid your business plans.
If you're currently looking for a location for your business, don't hesitate to contact us as we have resources and people to help with your research.
If you are opening physically in Hermosa Beach, you may need to review the Conditional Use Permit matrix provided by the City in order to ensure that your business type meets the expectations and zoning code of that space.
Once you are open and ready for business, reach out and schedule a ribbon cutting. Learn more at hbchamber.net/membership.

GUIDE TO STARTING A BUSINESS IN HERMOSA BEACH

SCORE Los Angeles

SCORE is a nonprofit organization and resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration that helps entrepreneurs start, grow, and succeed in business. It offers free, confidential mentoring from experienced business professionals, along with a wide range of resources including workshops, webinars, online courses, and practical tools like business templates and guides. Whether you’re launching a new venture or scaling an existing business, SCORE provides expert guidance at every stage.

Get started with SCORE:

Explore free resources and tools to support your business
Find a mentor for personalized, one-on-one guidance
Attend workshops and webinars to build your skills
Access templates, guides, and on-demand learning

Take advantage of these free resources and connect with the support you need to move your business forward.

EXPLORE MORE FROM SCORE