Local News in Brief : 52 Residential Lots Downzoned

As part of its effort to reduce density in Hermosa Beach, the City Council has tentatively decided to downzone 52 residential lots.

The council, which unanimously approved the ordinance Tuesday, is expected to give final approval at its next meeting July 12.

The properties are zoned two-family residential, or R-2, which required 1,750 square feet of land per dwelling unit. Despite the two-family designation, R-2 could have allowed an unlimited number of dwelling units as long as the parcel was big enough.

Under the new ordinance, the area will be downzoned to R-2B, which limits the number of dwelling units to two regardless of the parcel’s size.

The 52 lots are on 17th and 18th streets and Prospect and Golden avenues in the eastern part of town.

Planning Director Michael Schubach said the downzoning could reduce the area’s density by 27%. He had recommended that the council downzone the area to single-family residential, which could have reduced density between 51% and 73%.