Board Executives
Chair
Greg Morena
The Albright
Chair-elect
Younes Atallah
Loews Santa Monica Beach
Hotel
Past Chair
Michael Ricks
Providence Saint John’s
Health Center
Treasurer
Len Lanzi
Stubbs, Alderton &
Markiles LLP
Vice Chair
Julia Ladd
Santa Monica
Place/Macerich
Vice Chair
Ellis O’Connor
MSD Hospitality/Fairmont
Miramar Hotel
Vice Chair
Becky Warren
Elevate Public Affairs
Vice Chair
Jasson Crockett
Snap, Inc.
Board Members
Jose Alvarado
Cruise
Craig Babington
Morley Builders
Andrew Barrett-Weiss
GoodRX
Dom Bei
Santa Monica Firefighters
Local 1109
Neil Carrey
Neil Carrey Law
Dr. Ben Drati
SMMUSD
Celia Fisher
Beach Moms Child
Development Center
Board Members, Cont.
Rudy Flores
Santa Monica Police Officers
Association
Edward Guerboian
Edward Avedis Fine Jewelry
Jeffrey Fritz
Fritz Buffone Group | Compass
Realty
Lisa Glasser
Oracle
Ann Hsing
Pasjoli
Kathy Irby
Commercial Bank of California
Jeff Jarow
PAR Commercial
Dr. Kathryn Jeffery
Santa Monica College
Kim Koury
Spin PR
Julien Laracine
Proper Hospitality
Paula Larmore
Harding Larmore Kutcher &
Kozal LLP
Charlie Lopez-Quintana
ETC Hotels
Jonathan McCowan
310 Tutors
Pam O’Connor
Janet Rimicci
UCLA Health
Beth Schroeder
Raines Feldman
Jon Shoemaker
Gumbiner Savett, Inc.
Nat Trives
Coalition for Engaged
Education
March 14, 2023
VIA EMAIL
Santa Monica City Council
[email protected]
Re: Agenda Item No. 10.C: Support for Permanent Program to Allow Commercial Activities on Private Outdoor Open Space
Dear Councilmembers,
The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce supports the proposed Zoning changes to allow existing outdoor commercial uses on private property (e.g. parking lots/loading areas) to be maintained permanently and new/expanded opportunities going forward. As described in the Staff Report, the current temporary program helped many of our local business stay afloat through COVID, continues to help them recover, and has created much loved and desired activated outdoor space throughout our City. Based on feedback from Chamber members who have successfully operated these spaces over the past few years, we urge the Council to adopt the proposed Zoning changes as recommended by the Planning Commission and City Staff.
With respect to existing operators, we appreciate the "light touch" approach recommended by City Staff and the Planning Commission. Importantly, the Zoning changes will allow existing operators of outdoor space/dining to remain permanently subject to (a) submittal of plans documenting existing conditions and satisfying Building and Fire Code requirements and (b) obtaining approval of such plan by March 31, 2024. (Proposed SMMC Section 9.31.195(W).) This provision and the related Zoning changes are critical to our local businesses. As these open spaces are located on properties with a wide range of land area, we appreciate the Planning Commission and Staff's recognition that a "one size fits all" approach is not appropriate or necessary for these existing operators so long as spaces comply with Building and Fire Code requirements. Our local businesses have invested significant resources and time to make these spaces safe and enjoyable, and we fully support allowing them to continue without being subject to the proposed standards for new/future uses.
In sum, we respectfully request that the Council approve the proposed Zoning changes to expand and maintain outdoor commercial uses on private property as recommended by City Staff and the Planning Commission.
Respectfully Submitted,
Judy Kruger Greg Morena
President/CEO 2022-23 Board Chair