1 May 13, 2025
CITY OF SANTA MONICA
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
MAY 13, 2025
A regular meeting of the Santa Monica City Council was called to order by Mayor Negrete at 5:35 p.m., on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at City Council Chambers, 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA.
Roll Call: Present: Mayor Lana Negrete
Mayor Pro Tem Caroline Torosis (arrived at 5:45 p.m.)
Councilmember Jesse Zwick
Councilmember Dan Hall
Councilmember Ellis Raskin
Councilmember Barry Snell
Councilmember Natalya Zernitskaya
Also Present: Interim City Manager Elaine Polachek
City Attorney Douglas Sloan
City Clerk Nikima S. Newsome
CONVENE/PLEDGE On order of the Mayor, the City Council convened at 5:35 p.m., with all members present except Mayor Pro Tem Torosis. Councilmember Hall led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance.
STATEMENT OF
ACCOUNTABILITY
(LAND
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT)
The City of Santa Monica is located on the land of Tovangaar. With great respect, the City acknowledges the Gabrieleño/Tongva as the First People of this ancestral and unceded territory of Kuruvungna, a village that we know as Santa Monica. We honor their elders, past and present, and the Gabrieleño descendants who are part of the Gabrieleño /Tongva tribes.
We recognize that these peoples are still here, and as settlers and kuyam (guests), we recognize our responsibility and obligation to care for their land in partnership with them. The City of Santa Monica commits to work in partnership with the Gabrieleño/Tongva people to uplift their voices and visibility on their ancestral land.
The City of Santa Monica Statement of Accountability (Land Acknowledgement) was read into the record by Councilmember Raskin.
LEVINE ACT
DISCLOSURE
Pursuant to the Levine Act (Govt Code Section 84308), any party to a permit, license, contract, or other entitlement before the Council is required to disclose on the record any contribution, including aggregated contributions, of more than $500 made by the party or the Docusign Envelope ID: 5802A5F7-1827-4A94-9179-E0025C8E6EF6 2 May 13, 2025
party's agents within the preceding 12 months to any City official.
Participants and agents are requested to make this disclosure as well.
The disclosure must include the name of the party, participant, or agent, and any other person making the contribution; the name of the recipient, the amount of the contribution, and the date the contribution was made.
No Councilmembers recused pursuant to the Levine Act.
AGENDA
MANAGEMENT
Motion by Councilmember Raskin, seconded by Councilmember Zernitskaya, to hear the proclamations prior to general public input. Motion was approved by unanimous voice vote with Mayor Pro Tem Torosis absent from the vote.
GENERAL PUBLIC
INPUT:
Members of the public David Morris, John Medlin, Lucian Tudor, Francisco Juarez, Morgan Jarow, Chris Gorbos, Arlene Hurwitz, Judith Serlin, Oliver Zinnemann, Pedro Paredes, Jeff Jarrow, Clint Segura, Joe Dirosa, Jeremiah Powell, Greg Alvarado, Sergio Ortega, Eric Nunez, Jonah Breslau, Ana Monchez, John Alle, Lorena Villafana, Germana Escobar, Griselda Nunez, Roberto Mazariegos, Matthew Hom, Andrew Moss, Denise Barton, Lacy Wetmore, Louis Watanabe, Harvey Eder, Dara Kimball, Johnathan Foster, Maria Loya, Marisela Herra, Bernice Onofre, Zoe Muntaner, Robert Reeves, Sara X., John C Smith, and Matias Fuchs-Lynch commented on various local issues.
PROCLAMATIONS/
COMMENDATIONS/
SPECIAL AGENDA
ITEMS
(Mayor Pro Tem Torosis
arrived at 5:45 p.m.)
2.A. Proclamation: Mental Health Awareness Month, was presented.
2.B. Proclamation: Public Works Week, was presented.
PUBLIC INPUT FOR
SPECIAL AGENDA
ITEMS, CONSENT
CALENDAR AND
CLOSED SESSION ONLY:
No members of the public commented on Closed Session items.
No members of the public commented on Special Agenda items.
Members of the public Raquel Vallejo, Denny Zane, Lynette Kozdron, Mark Borensteim, Denise Barton, Kathy Knight, Zina Josephs, Mike Soloff, Lucian Tudor, Zennon Ulyate-Crow, Brad Ewing, Heather Thomasom, Jason Mastbaum, John C Smith, Zoe Muntaner, John Medlin, Ericka Lesley, and Harvey Eder commented on consent calendar items.
CONSENT CALENDAR: All items were considered and approved in one motion unless removed by a Councilmember for discussion.
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At the request of Councilmember Raskin, Item 4.K.was removed from the Consent Calendar.
At the request of Councilmember Zernitskaya, Item 4.I., 4.K., and 4.L. were removed from the Consent Calendar.
At the request of Mayor Negrete, Item 4.J.and 4.L. were removed from the Consent Calendar.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, seconded by Councilmember Raskin, to approve the Consent Calendar except for Item 4.I., 4.J., 4.K., and 4.L., reading resolutions by title only and waiving further reading thereof. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Zwick Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, Mayor Negrete
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
2800 and 3200 Airport
Avenue Renovation Projects
4.A. Authorization of Third Modification to Contract No. 11365 (CCS) with Swinerton Builders and Contract No. 11449 (CCS) with Olympos Construction Inc. for the 2800 and 3200 Airport Avenue Renovation Projects, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a third modification to agreement 11365 (CCS) in the amount of $500,000 with Swinerton Builders for additional project contingency associated with potential project cost escalation on the 3200 Airport Avenue Renovation Project for the Public Works Department. This will result in an agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $12,584,792 (including a $100,000 contingency), with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a third modification to agreement 11449 (CCS) in the amount of $500,000 with Olympos Construction Inc. for additional project contingency associated with potential project cost escalation on the 2800 Airport Avenue Renovation Project for the Public Works Department. This will result in an agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $8,058,350 (including a $100,000 contingency), with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
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ANIMAL CODE 4.B. Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Amending the City's Animals Code, was heard and approved as amended.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Introduce for first reading the attached Ordinance amending the text of the Santa Monica Municipal Code by amending Chapter 4.04, Animals and Section 4.12.090 to modernize the Code, improve animal impound and quarantine policies including for dangerous animals, clarify and strengthen policies regarding nuisance and dangerous animals and animals in public, and provide greater tools to reduce the number of animals in shelter including improving dog licensing compliance and allowing the issuance of cat licenses.
MEDICAL DEVICE
PARTS AND SUPPLIES
4.C. Award Bid #4498 to Life-Assist and Zoll Medical for Replacement Parts and Supplies for Medical Devices, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
1. Award Bid #4498 to Life-Assist Inc. and to Zoll Medical Corporation for the purchase of replacement parts and supplies for medical devices for the Fire Department;
2. Authorize the Procurement Manager to issue a purchase order with Life-Assist Inc. for the purchase of parts and supplies in an amount not to exceed $50,000 for five years, with future years funding contingent on Council budget approval; and;
3. Authorize the Procurement Manager to issue a purchase order with Zoll Medical Corporation for the purchase of replacement parts and supplies, including grant-funded medical devices, in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000 for five years, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval and grant awards.
CLEAN POWER
ALLIANCE (CPA) GRANT
4.D. Acceptance of Clean Power Alliance (CPA) Innovation Fund Grant Award, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
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2. Authorize the City Manager to accept a grant awarded in the amount of $249,100 from the Clean Power Alliance through its Clean Power Alliance Innovation Fund to develop a direct-to-renter electric appliance incentive program in the Public Works Department, and to accept all grant renewals;
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to accept the grant and all grant renewals; and
4. Authorize the budget amendment as outlined in the Financial Impacts & Budget Actions section of the report (requires 5 votes).
PROPERTY INSURANCE
BROKERAGE SERVICES
4.E. Approval of Second Modification to Agreement with Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. for Property Insurance Brokerage Services, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council
1. Adopt a finding of no significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a second modification to Agreement No. 10433 (CCS) in the amount of $525,605 with Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. for Property Insurance Brokerage Services for the Finance Department. This will result in a thirteen years amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $1,217,605, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
CARE MANAGEMENT
PROGRAM
4.F. Award Agreement to WISE & Healthy Aging for Care
Management Program, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement with WISE & Healthy Aging to operate a care management program for the Santa Monica Fire Department. This recommended award is made as an exception to the competitive bidding process pursuant to Sections 2.24.240(a) and 2.24.250(i) and is for a total amount not to exceed $1,250,000 with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval and grant funding.
BIG BLUE BUS FARE
POLICY
4.G. Adoption of Big Blue Bus Fare Policy, was adopted.
Recommended Action
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Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15273 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA);
2. Adopt the proposed Big Blue Bus fare changes to be implemented in two phases beginning in August 2025; and
3. Receive and file the results of the Title VI Fare Equity Analysis.
AUDIT SUBCOMMITTEE
RULES OF CONDUCT
4.H. Adoption of a Resolution Amending and Restating the Audit Subcommittee Rules of Conduct to Clarify the Date, Time, and Location of the Meetings, was adopted.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Make a finding that the attached Resolution is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act;
2. Adopt the attached Resolution of the City Council of the City of Santa Monica Amending and Restating Audit Subcommittee Rules of Conduct to Clarify the Date, Time and Location of the Meetings (Attachment A).
MINUTES 4.M. Approval of Minutes of City Council - Regular Meeting - Jan 28, 2025 5:30 PM, were approved.
MINUTES 4.N. Approval of Minutes of City Council - Special Meeting - Apr 29, 2025 5:30 PM, were approved.
MINUTES 4.O. Approval of Minutes of City Council - Special Meeting - May 3, 2025 8:00 AM, were approved.
ADVERTISING
GUIDELINES
4.I. Approval of Proposed Modified Advertising Guidelines to Allow Alcohol Ads, were approved as amended.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Approve an update to the City’s internal advertising guidelines to permit alcohol advertisements on eligible City-owned assets, including the digital kiosk network and the interior of parking structures, with specific location-based restrictions.
Questions asked and answered of staff included: could parking garages be removed from the program in order not to send mixed messaging; how much potential revenue could be lost by excluding parking garages from the advertising program; and how many parking garages would be affected by Docusign Envelope ID: 5802A5F7-1827-4A94-9179-E0025C8E6EF6 7 May 13, 2025
the exclusion.
Considerable discussion ensued on topics including but not limited to excluding parking garages from the program and the feasibility of including the advertisement of cannabis in the program.
Motion by Zernitskaya, seconded by Mayor Negrete, to adopt the staff recommendation with direction to exclude parking garages for advertising alcohol ads, look into the feasibility to include cannabis advertisements as part of the program, and to provide Council with the number parking garages that would be affected by the exclusion of alcohol advertisements. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zwick, Hall, Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, Mayor Negrete
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
SB 79 4.J. Authorization to Submit Letter of Support for Senate Bill 79 (Wiener) Planning and zoning: housing development: transit-oriented development and update on SB 677 (Wiener), was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Receive the staff analysis of Senate Bill 79 (Wiener) Planning and zoning: housing development: transit-oriented development; and
2. Direct the City Manager to draft a letter expressing the City’s support for SB 79 to be delivered to the bill author, Senator Ben Allen, and Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur.
Councilmember Raskin introduced a letter of support drafted by Mayor Pro Tem Torosis and himself for Council approval.
Motion by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Councilmember Snell, that the Council endorse the letter as written and brought forth by Mayor Pro Tem Torosis and Councilmember Raskin. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Zwick Mayor Pro Tem Torosis
NOES: Mayor Negrete
ABSENT: None
COUNCIL RULES OF
PROCEDURE
4.K. Adoption of a Resolution Amending the Council Rules of Procedure, was adopted as corrected.
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Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached resolution amending the Council Rules of Procedure to account for posting of agendas on City wayfinding kiosks, modify rules for public input, and make other changes to clarify and amend the procedural rules for the preparation for and conduct of Council meetings.
Considerable discussion ensued on topics including, but not limited to concerns about discontinuing time donation for public input.
City Attorney Sloan read a correction into the record regarding Rule 19(c)(1) of the resolution, correcting the word “available” to “unavailable”.
Motion by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Councilmember Zwick, to adopt the staff recommendation, as corrected and with direction to staff to return to Council with a rule to amend the time limit for public input on agendized items. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zwick, Hall, Snell, Zernitskaya
Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, Mayor Negrete
NOES: Councilmember Raskin
ABSENT: None
BOARD/COMMISSION
RESIDENCY
REQUIREMENTS
4.L. Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Adding Municipal Code Section 2.32.300 Requiring Residency for DTSM, Pier Corp, and SMTT, held first reading.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Introduce for first reading an ordinance adding Section 2.32.300 to the SMMC requiring resident representation for a minimum of half of Council appointees to non-profits; and
3. Apply the residency requirement to appointments and
reappointments upon the resignation or expiration of current board member’s terms.
Considerable discussion ensued on topics including, but not limited to the merits of having residents appointed to these boards by Council as well as the merit of having perspectives of people who are constituents of the city but who are not residents.
Motion by Councilmember Snell, seconded by Councilmember Hall, to adopt the staff recommendation. The motion was approved by the following Docusign Envelope ID: 5802A5F7-1827-4A94-9179-E0025C8E6EF6 9 May 13, 2025
vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Zwick Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, Mayor Negrete
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC INPUT ON
REMAINING AGENDA
ITEMS:
Members of the public Speaker: Lucian Tudor, Denise Barton, Mari Miranda, Johnathan Foster, Connor Webb, Gleam Davis, Andrew Thomas, Anthony R. commented on Item 10.A.
Member of the public Connor Webb commented on Item 16.E.
ORDINANCES:
3 rd STREET
PROMENADE
ENTERTAINMENT ZONE
PROGRAM
10.A. Introduction and Adoption of an Emergency Ordinance Adding Chapter 6.43 and Amending Section 4.08.200 Relating to the Third Street Promenade Entertainment Zone Program, was presented.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Introduce and Adopt an Emergency Ordinance Adding Chapter 6.43 and Amending Section 4.08.200 to the Santa Monica Municipal Code Relating to the Promenade Entertainment Zone Program to Promote Economic Recovery.
Questions asked and answered of staff included: what is the earliest a business on the Promenade can serve alcohol; have there been any drunken and/or disorderly complaints on the Promenade in the recent past; does every business have to use the same cup; is there any initial financial impact to the City; can there be a City branded cup; is the intent to launch the entertainment zone seven days a week; will the management plan restrict certain types of alcohol; is there potential for expanding the entertainment zone beyond the proposed area; how will noise levels be enforced; what standard is being used to determine necessary law enforcement staffing; how many businesses on the Promenade with current liquor licenses have expressed an interest in participating in the entertainment zone; have the numbers on the potential economic impacts for the city been evaluated; is there a communication strategy; and is there potential for partnerships with ride share companies to avoid drinking and driving concerns.
Considerable discussion ensued on topics including but not limited to strong support of the entertainment zone as a tool for revitalizing downtown; tracking economic impact measurements; support for diverse, independent businesses; ensuring regular arts, music, and local vendor activations; Docusign Envelope ID: 5802A5F7-1827-4A94-9179-E0025C8E6EF6 10 May 13, 2025
seeking a parallel plan to reduce commercial vacancies; being cautious about rolling out the program too quickly; doing a soft rollout before Pride on the Promenade; starting with implementation from Friday to Saturday to minimize financial impacts in terms of police staffing; and communication with Promenade maintenance, security and police.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, seconded by Councilmember Hall, to introduce and hold first reading of the ordinance reading by title only and waiving further reading thereof. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zwick, Hall, Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, Mayor Negrete
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
ZONING CHANGES
12.A. Introduction and First Reading of Ordinances to (1) amend the text of the Zoning Ordinance for consistency with recent updates to State law and implement other changes, corrections, and clarifications; (2) amend Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 8.08 to extend expiration for all building permit applications complete as of January 6, 2025; (3) and amend the Official Districting Map for parcels located at 2644 30th Street and 1331 Wilshire Boulevard for consistent designations; Adoption of Resolutions to Amend the Santa Monica General Plan Land Use Map for parcels located at 2644 30th Street and 1331 Wilshire Boulevard for consistent designations, was held.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding that the proposed amendments to the text of the City’s Zoning Ordinance, Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter
8.08, the Official Districting Map, and the General Plan Land Use Map are exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act consistent with the findings set forth in the “Environmental Review” section of this Report.
2. Introduce for First Reading an Ordinance Amending the Text of the City’s Zoning Ordinance to Eliminate Parcel Size Threshold for Streamlined Review of Housing Projects, Increase the Maximum Square Footage for Accessory Dwelling Units, Revise Provisions Related to Ministerially Approved Lot Splits and Duplexes on Parcels Zoned Single-Unit Residential, Adjust the Criteria for Streamlined Review of Housing Projects on Large Sites Within Bergamot Zoning Districts, Provide Extensions for Projects Approved prior to January 6, 2025, Convert Parcel Coverage Development Standards to Floor Area Ratio for the City’s Residential Zoning Districts, and Align Density Standards for the City’s Docusign Envelope ID: 5802A5F7-1827-4A94-9179-E0025C8E6EF6 11 May 13, 2025
Multiple-Unit Residential Zoning Districts with the Intensities Envisioned in the Land Use and Circulation Element; for Consistency With Recent Updates to State law; and Making Other Minor Changes, Corrections and Clarifications.
3. Introduce for First Reading an Ordinance Amending Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 8.08 to Extend Expiration for Building Permit Applications Complete as of January 6, 2025
4. Adopt a Resolution Amending the Santa Monica General Plan Land Use Map for the Parcel Located at 1331 Wilshire Boulevard for Consistent Designation.
5. Introduce for First Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Amending the Official Districting Map for the Parcel Located at 1331 Wilshire Boulevard for Consistent Designation.
6. Adopt a Resolution amending the Santa Monica General Plan Land Use Map for the Parcel Located at 2644 30th Street for Consistent Designation.
7. Introduce for First Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Amending the Official Districting Map for the Parcel Located at 2644 30th Street for Consistent Designation.
Members of the public Speaker Jonah Breslau, Heather Thomasom, Dan Kolhoff, Nikki Kolhoff, Tracey Hom, Dave Rand, Alex Brown, Stephen Anderson, Connor Webb, Kara Block, Mindi Shank, Gabrielle Ipale, Paula Larmore, and Shawn Landres, spoke to the recommended action.
Questions asked and answered of staff included: concurrent permitting for ADUs; is it possible to create a separate bonus program while maintaining the same ADU limit; whether the bonus program could potentially be rented or sold, since now, both options are in the code; would attached ADUs receive the same relief from development standards as detached ADUs; clarification on setback requirements, especially for alleyways; timelines for ADU approvals and potential distinctions between project sizes; clarification on why staff recommended removing the owner occupancy requirement; how owner occupancy would be practically applied if required; confirmation about the current community meeting process for parcels over an acre; whether staff has discretion to deny projects during these meetings; the legality of the proposed spot zoning; the definition of housing projects; potential modifications to the administrative approval process; and the feasibility of expanding ADU square footage limits.
Considerable discussion ensued on topics including, but not limited to streamlining making it easier to build what's already legally allowed; supporting removing administrative barriers to housing; the owner occupancy requirement as preventing missing middle housing; townhomes being built without owner occupancy requirements in other parts of the city; that the changes being prescribed are implementing state law; concerns about Docusign Envelope ID: 5802A5F7-1827-4A94-9179-E0025C8E6EF6 12 May 13, 2025
spot zoning; adding a sunset clause to the administrative approval process; concerns about the affordability of new housing developments; and the potential impacts of spot zoning on neighborhood character.
Motion by Councilmember Raskin, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, to adopt the staff recommendation with the following amendments:
Administrative Approvals (Chapter 9.39):
• Add the following text to Section 9.39.020(A)(1)(c): "If, upon initial review of a project application, the Director or their designee finds that there is substantial evidence a project may have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health or safety (as those terms are defined by Government Code Section 655895.5), and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the adverse impact, the project shall be ineligible for an Administrative Approval. Upon any such finding by the Director or their designee, the finding may be appealed to the Planning Commission.
Alternatively, if not appealed, the project application may proceed pursuant to the Development Review Permit procedures in Chapter 9.40." • Note that Table 9.37.160 will need to be updated to reflect this change. • Add a sunset clause that specifies the amendments to Chapter 9.39 will terminate after five (5) years.
Definition of “Housing Project” (Section 9.52.020.1125):
• Delete the proposed new text in subdivisions (B)(2)(b) and (B)(3)(d), which discuss hotel uses, and instead add a new Subdivision (E) that says: “Unless otherwise consistent with and authorized pursuant to the Housing Accountability Act (Government Code Section 65589.5, as may be amended), a mixed-use development shall not qualify as a Housing Project if it includes the following uses: a hotel, motel, bed and breakfast inn, or other transient lodging, except a portion of the project may be designated for use as a residential hotel, as defined in Section 50519 of the Health and Safety Code.”
ADU updates
• Update applicable portions of the code to state that an Accessory Dwelling Unit may be permitted up to 1,350 square-feet if it contains at least three bedrooms.
SB 9/SB 450 Owner Occupancy Requirement (Section 9.31.125(D)(6)):
• Replace the amended text with the following (note that existing text is not underlined, and our proposed amendments to the existing text are underlined): "Occupancy. Property owner shall intend to live on one of the resulting parcels for three years following subdivision completion. For the purposes of this subdivision, "owner" shall include the beneficiary of a trust or any other individual with a beneficial fee interest in the property that will be subdivided pursuant to this Chapter.”
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Substitute motion by Councilmember Zwick, seconded by Councilmember Zernitskaya for the following:
• Approving streamlining of parcels above one acre;
• Adding health and safety provisions;
• Including a five-year sunset provision;
• Exempting projects with hotel portions;
• Continue exempting ADUs from FAR requirements;
• Allowing conversions of ADUs beyond initial footprint; • Permitting newly constructed attached ADUs;
• Allowing upper story outdoor space on all units;
• Raising duplex minimum square footage to 1500 square feet; • Limiting ARB meetings to two; and
• Requesting staff return with SB 1123 implementation plan.
Motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zwick, Hall, Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya Mayor Pro Tem Torosis
NOES: Mayor Negrete
ABSENT: None
Motion by Councilmember Raskin, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Torosis to table staff recommendations four through seven as printed on the agenda.
Motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Snell, Raskin,
Mayor Negrete, Mayor Pro Tem Torosis
NOES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Hall, Zwick
ABSENT: None
COUNCILMEMBER
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
In accordance with Council Rule 6(y), all Councilmember Discussion items were considered and approved in one motion unless removed by a Councilmember for discussion.
Items 16.A., 16.B., and 16.F. were removed and considered separately in accordance with Council Rule 6(y)
TRANSIT SECURITY
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
16.A. Appointments to three seats on the Transit Security Advisory Committee for terms ending June 30, 2027. (CONTINUED FROM 4/22/2025), was heard.
On order of the Mayor, the floor was opened for nominations.
Councilmember Snell nominated Eric Fisher to the Youth Advocate seat.
Eric Fisher was voted by acclamation – unanimous vote in his favor, with all Docusign Envelope ID: 5802A5F7-1827-4A94-9179-E0025C8E6EF6 14 May 13, 2025
Councilmembers present.
Councilmember Hall nominated Frederick Foy Law Enforcement seat.
Frederick Foy was voted by acclamation – unanimous vote in his favor, with all Councilmembers present.
Motion by Councilmember Raskin, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, to table the remaining appointments to the Transit Security Advisory Committee. Motion was approved by unanimous voice vote with all Councilmembers present.
CLEAN BEACHES &
OCEAN PARCEL TAX
CITIZENS OVERSIGHT
COMMITTEE
16.B. Appointment to one unscheduled vacancy on the Clean Beaches & Ocean Parcel Tax Citizens Oversight Committee for a term ending on June 30, 2025, was heard.
On order of the Mayor, the floor was opened for nominations.
Councilmember Hall nominated Marion Clark.
Marion Clark was voted by acclamation – unanimous vote in their favor, with all Councilmembers present.
TRANSIENT
OCCUPANCY TAX
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
16.C. Recommendation to accept Danielle Goller's resignation from the Transient Occupancy Tax Advisory Committee and authorize the City Clerk to publish the vacancy, was accepted.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, seconded by Mayor Negrete, to accept the resignation with regret.
The motion was approved by a unanimous voice vote, with all members present.
ASSEMBLY BILL 306 16.D. Request by Mayor Negrete that the City Council consider taking an “Oppose Unless Amended” position on Assembly Bill 306 (Schultz), which, as currently written, would impose a six-year moratorium on any changes to the building code that affect residential buildings; and direct the City Manager to prepare a letter requesting the following amendments: 1) Exclude existing residential buildings from the moratorium, so that it would apply only to newly constructed housing.
This change would allow the City to continue its critical work to decarbonize older housing stock, increasing energy efficiency, reducing monthly utility costs, and improving health and quality of life for current residents; and 2) Clarify that local governments can adopt the existing 2025 State Building Code language currently scheduled to take effect January 1, 2026; and that the California Building Standards Docusign Envelope ID: 5802A5F7-1827-4A94-9179-E0025C8E6EF6 15 May 13, 2025
Commission, and other adopting agencies, may consider and approve modifications to the 2031 State Building Code, prior to the June 1, 2031 date stated in the current bill language. This clarification is consistent with the author’s intent to pause only one triannual building code cycle.
Further, direct the City Manager to work with the City’s legislative advocate to articulate the need for these amendments and to send the letter to the bill’s author, Senator Allen, and Assemblymember Zbur, was approved.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, seconded by Mayor Negrete, to approve the item.
The motion was approved by a unanimous voice vote, with all members present.
SANTA MONICA PIER
EVENTS
16.E. Request of Councilmembers Hall, Zwick, and Mayor Negrete that the City Council direct the Interim City Manager to work with the Santa Monica Pier Corporation, Santa Monica Travel and Tourism, and the Santa Monica Pier Lessees Association to bring back large music events and multi-day festivals to the Santa Monica Pier as part of our strategy to pursue economic opportunity and growth, was approved as amened to state that the Interim City Manager will bring back a plan to bring back large music events and multi-day festivals to the Santa Monica Pier.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, seconded by Mayor Negrete, to approve the item.
The motion was approved by a unanimous voice vote, with all members present.
COUNCIL
DISCRETIONARY FUNDS
16.F. Request of Councilmember Zernitskaya, Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, and Mayor Negrete that the City Council allocate $1,000 of Council Discretionary Funds to the Santa Monica Animal Shelter Foundation to help defray costs related to their Open House Fundraiser on June 7, 2025. Funds will cover certain event costs such as, but not limited to, a DJ, supplies, and other items needed to make the event a success so that more of the donations received can go to assisting animals in need, was heard.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, seconded by Mayor Negrete, to approve the item. The motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Zwick Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, Mayor Negrete
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Docusign Envelope ID: 5802A5F7-1827-4A94-9179-E0025C8E6EF6 16 May 13, 2025
SKILLBRIDGE
PROGRAM
16.G. Request of Councilmember Hall that the City Council direct the Interim City Manager to work with the Police Chief, Human Resources Director, and recruiting team to establish a Department of Defense Skillbridge program for the purpose of opening a new recruitment pipeline for vacant roles. Utilize learnings and best practices from similar programs established by: Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Airport Police, Salinas Police Department, and San Diego Police Department. To the extent possible, prioritize efforts with local-toSouthern California bases such as Los Angeles Air Force Base and Camp Pendleton to initiate recruitment efforts, was heard.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, seconded by Mayor Negrete, to approve the item.
The motion was approved by a unanimous voice vote, with all members present.
ADJOURNMENT On order of the Mayor, the City Council meeting adjourned at 2:03 a.m. in memory of Jennifer “Jenn” Barraza Mendoza.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
Nikima S. Newsome Lana Negrete
City Clerk Mayor
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