SUBJECT: APPEAL OF DENIAL OF ENCROACHMENT PERMIT -- HERMOSA INN HOTEL --1300 STRAND

Recommendation: Approve by minute order the subject encroachment permit appeal.

Background:

The Hermosa Inn hotel project includes a bridge connecting the Phase One and Phase Two portions of the project across Beach Drive. The bridge will be designed to accommodate clearance for large trucks (minimum clearance of 17 feet) and is intended to facilitate use of the project by hotel guests. The project also includes trellises along the building facade. The bridge and a portion of two trellisis will encroach airspace and require an encroachment permit.

Analysis:

Pursuant to Section 12.16.010 of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code, encroachments may be permitted which place a minimal burden on the right-of-way, are easily removable and do not materially alter the character of the right-of-way. Permissible encroachments include landscaping, fencing, movable personal property such as planters, patios, decks, landscape irrigation and lighting systems and similar structures. The bridge and trellis do not technically fit within the category of permissible encroachments and staff has denied the encroachment permit application. However, the bride encroachment will be 17' above the roadway and will not materially alter the character of the right-of-way as it will not impede use of Beach Drive. The bridge encroachments will not be structurally supported on the right-of-way and will not impede views as it will align with the buildings it connects and does not exceed the height limit. Similarly, the trellises will encroach airspace for approximately 6 inches along 14th Street for approximately 30 feet and do not impact views and are not supported along the right-of-way nor impede it's use. Further, the encroachments will conform to all other requirements of the Uniform Building Code and Municipal Code and Department of Public Works Standards and Policies pursuant to Section 12.60.080 of the encroachment ordinance.

Approval of encroachments which deviate from established criteria can only be granted through appeal to the City Council.

Recommendation:

Approve by minute order the subject encroachment permit appeal