Fresh Flavors Approved for Hermosa Beach Eats and Treats

Hermosa Beach Council Approves New Vendor Fees Amid Debate

The Hermosa Beach City Council has voted to implement a new set of fees for businesses operating on public property, a move officials say will streamline the permit process but which has sparked concern among local vendors.

Shifting from a Flat Rate to a Tiered System

Previously, the city charged a flat, annual fee for businesses like surf schools, fitness trainers, and tour operators to use the beach, pier, and parks. The newly approved structure introduces a tiered system where fees are now calculated based on a company's gross annual receipts from its city-permitted activities.

City staff argued the old model was outdated and did not accurately reflect the scale of commercial activity or its impact on public spaces. The new fee schedule is designed to be more equitable, with smaller operations paying less and larger businesses contributing more.

A Divisive Vote and Vendor Concerns

The council's decision was not unanimous, passing on a 3-2 vote. Supporters on the council contended the change promotes fairness and ensures the costs of managing commercial activity are covered.

However, opponents and several business owners voiced apprehension during the meeting. Critics worry the variable fees, which require vendors to submit financial documentation, create an administrative burden and could discourage smaller entrepreneurs. Some also questioned whether the increased revenue would directly translate to improved maintenance of the facilities they use.

"We want a vibrant community with healthy businesses," one councilmember who voted against the measure stated. "My fear is that this complexity adds a hurdle for the very small operators who contribute to our local character."

Implementation and Next Steps

The ordinance will take effect in the coming months. City officials have pledged to work with the vendor community to guide them through the new application and reporting process. They emphasize that the goal is to foster responsible commercial use of cherished public landscapes while ensuring the city is adequately compensated for their upkeep.

This policy shift in Hermosa Beach is being watched by other coastal cities in the region grappling with similar balances between public access, entrepreneurial opportunity, and fiscal responsibility.

What do you think?

• Is it fair to charge a local yoga instructor a different fee than a large surf school, or should access to public space be equal for all businesses?


• Do tiered fees based on revenue punish success and stifle small business growth, or are they a logical model for a capitalistic society?


• Should cities actively promote commercial activity in parks and beaches, or should these spaces be preserved as purely public, non-commercial zones?


• If you discovered your favorite small beach fitness class shut down due to new permit costs, would you blame the city or see it as a normal cost of doing business?

Reporting for BNN.