City of Santa Monica
City Council Meeting
AGENDA
LANA NEGRETE
MAYOR
ELLIS RASKIN CAROLINE TOROSIS
COUNCILMEMBER MAYOR PRO TEM
DAN HALL BARRY SNELL
COUNCILMEMBER COUNCILMEMBER
JESSE ZWICK NATALYA ZERNITSKAYA
COUNCILMEMBER COUNCILMEMBER
OLIVER C. CHI
CITY MANAGER
HEIDI VON TONGELN
ACTING CITY ATTORNEY
NIKIMA S. NEWSOME
CITY CLERK
STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR THAT PROMOTE CIVILITY AT ALL PUBLIC MEETINGS:
• Treat everyone courteously; • Embrace respectful disagreement and dissent as democratic rights, inherent components of an inclusive
public process, and tools for forging sound decisions
• Hate has no place in Santa Monica. The City opposes
abusive or threatening hate speech, intolerance, or
dehumanization, and supports basic civil respect and
human decency.
• Listen to others respectfully;
• Exercise self-control;
• Give open-minded consideration
to all viewpoints;
• Focus on the issues and avoid
personalizing debate;
Regular meetings are broadcast live on CityTV cable channel 16 and on the internet at santamonica.gov. Cable television re-broadcasts air on Thursday and Saturday at 11:30 AM. The agenda will air on CityTV on Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM, and on Monday and Tuesday at 12:30 PM and 6:00 PM.
City of Santa Monica Generated: 9/10/2025 12:07 PM Page 2
RULES OF ORDER FOR THE CONDUCT OF CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS (Resolution No.11663(CCS))
WAYS TO PROVIDE PUBLIC COMMENT
If you are interested in providing public comment at a City Council meeting, there are several ways to participate:
(1) Written public comment. In lieu of oral public comment, the public is strongly encouraged to submit written public comment on agenda items via email to [email protected]. For written public comment submitted by 12:00 pm on the day of the meeting, best efforts shall be made to have them available online for viewing. Please note the agenda item number in the subject line of your written comments.
(2) Oral public comment.
- In-person: Persons wishing to address the City Council regarding items on the agenda must be present and submit their name and address (optional) to the City Clerk before the public comment section is opened for that item or before the public hearing is opened where one is required by law. Register to speak at the Speaker Kiosk prior to the meeting. - Telephone: Persons wishing to address the Council by telephone must register at santamonica.gov/public-comment no later than 5:00 p.m. the day before a meeting. Showing electronic presentation materials are not permitted when commenting by telephone.
Oral public comment from any one individual is limited to a total of 6 minutes per City Council meeting, with a maximum of 2 minutes per agenda item if speaking on multiple items. A member of the public may allocate time between items in one-minute increments up to 2 minutes and those requesting to speak on only one agendized item for the meeting may speak for up to 4 minutes on that one item. Except for noticed public hearings or quasi-judicial items, if more than 25 speakers are registered to speak during a public input section, the amount of time shall be reduced to 1 minute per speaker during that section.
Except for the author of the request, public comment on 15-items are limited to 1 minute.
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 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. Information regarding the Levine Act can be found here or you can contact the FPPC.
ORDER OF BUSINESS (may not be changed except by majority vote of the City Council.)
1. General Public Input
(Members of the public may address the City Council
only on items not on the agenda, but within the
subject matter jurisdiction of the City and on Special
Agenda Items.)
2. Special Agenda Items (Commendations and
Proclamations presented).
3. Public Comment for Consent Calendar and Closed
Sessions Only.
4. Consent Calendar (All items considered in one
motion unless removed by a City Councilmember for
discussion. No public comment is permitted on
second readings.)
5. Closed Sessions.
6. Public Comment on remaining Agenda Items
7. Study Session.
8. Continued Items.
9. Administrative Proceedings.
10. Ordinances:
• 1
st Reading
• 2
nd Reading (No public comment is
permitted on second readings.)
11. Staff Administrative Item.
12. Public Hearings.
13. Reports of Boards and Commissions.
14. Resolutions.
15. Written Communications (Other than
Reports of Commission and Officers.)
16. Councilmember Discussion Items.
Agendas and reports are accessible on the City's webpage at smgov.net/council/agendas. They are also available at the City Clerk's Office and in alternate formats upon request. For a free email subscription to the City Council Agendas, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (310) 458-8211 or [email protected].
Si desea comunicarse con alguien en español, llame a nuestra oficina al (310) 458-8211 y pida hablar con Esterlina Lugo.
City of Santa Monica Generated: 9/10/2025 12:07 PM Page 3
AGENDAS
CITY OF SANTA MONICA
REGULAR MEETING
.CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS.
1685 MAIN STREET, ROOM 250, SANTA
MONICA, CA AND, TELECONFERENCE SITE
IN SAN SEBASTIÁN, 20004 SPAIN
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
MEETING BEGINS AT 5:30 PM (PDT)
TELECONFERENCE SITE AT 2:35 AM (CEST)
The Santa Monica City Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 5:35 P.M. (Pacific Daylight Time) in the City Council Chambers, 1685 Main Street, Room 250, Santa Monica, California 90401 and 2:35 A.M. (Central European Summer Time) at a teleconference site located at Hotel Maria Cristina, Paseo de la República Argentina, 4, San Sebastián, 20004 Spain, where a Councilmember will be present and participating via teleconference.
HOW TO PROVIDE PUBLIC COMMENT BY TELEPHONE
Persons wishing to address the City Council by telephone must register at santamonica.gov/public-comment no later than 5:00 p.m. the day before a meeting.
Donation of time and showing electronic presentation materials are not permitted when commenting by telephone.
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE / LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
ROLL CALL
City of Santa Monica 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.
City of Santa Monica Generated: 9/10/2025 12:07 PM Page 4 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.
LEVINE ACT DISCLOSURES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS / PROCEDURAL
MOTIONS
1. GENERAL PUBLIC INPUT AND COMMENT ON SPECIAL AGENDA ITEMS (For regular meetings, public comment is permitted on Special Agenda Items and items not on the agenda that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City. State law prohibits the City Council from taking any action on items not listed on the agenda, including issues raised under this agenda item. For special meetings, public input is limited to scheduled Special Agenda Items only.)
1.A. Written Comments
2. SPECIAL AGENDA ITEMS
2.A. Commendation: SM Little League AllStar Baseball Team
2.B. Recognition of Outgoing Board & Commission Members
2.C. Proclamation: Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Week and The Week Without Driving
2.D. Proclamation: Suicide Prevention Week (Sep 7-13)
3. PUBLIC INPUT (ITEMS UNDER CONSENT CALENDAR AND CLOSED SESSION ONLY)
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
(All items will be considered and approved in one motion unless removed by a Councilmember for discussion. In accordance with Charter section 615, the adoption of all ordinances and resolutions shall be by reading of title only unless a Councilmember present dissents. No public discussion is permitted on ordinances for second reading and adoption.)
4.A. City Council - Special Meeting - Jul 29, 2025 5:35 PM
4.B. City Council - Special Meeting - Aug 12, 2025 5:35 PM
4.C. Award RFP #445 and Professional Services Agreement to Hazen and Sawyer for On-Call Groundwater Remediation Technical Support
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of categorical exemptions pursuant to Section 15307 (Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of Natural Resources) and Section City of Santa Monica Generated: 9/10/2025 12:07 PM Page 5 15308 (Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the Environment) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Award RFP #445 to Hazen and Sawyer for on-call remediation technical support services for the Public Works Department; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement with Hazen and Sawyer in an amount not to exceed $1,500,000 for a five-year period, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
4.D. Award RFP#451 to Emergency Management Consulting Solutions, LLC to Manage Regional Training Group on Behalf of Los Angeles Area Fire Chiefs Association
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. Award RFP# 451 to Emergency Management Consulting Solutions, LLC for a management consultant to assume the Executive Director position of the Regional Training Group on behalf of the Los Angeles Area Fire Chiefs Association; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement with Emergency Management Consulting Solutions, LLC, in an amount not to exceed $250,000 for one year, with four additional one-year renewal options, for a total amount not to exceed $1,410,000 over a five-year period (including a $160,000 contingency), with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval and grant fund availability.
4.E. Award Contract to RAMCO Construction for As-Needed General Contractor Services
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council
1. Adopt a finding of categorical exemptions pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement with RAMCO Corporation for General Contracting Repairs for the Public Landscape Division of the Public Works Department. This recommended award is made as an exception to the competitive bidding process pursuant to Section 2.24.250(c) and is for a total amount not to exceed $350,000 with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
4.F. Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance to Amend Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 3.16.120(c) to Clarify That the Expiration of the Free Metered Parking Benefit Applies to All Clean Air Vehicle Decals Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
City of Santa Monica Generated: 9/10/2025 12:07 PM Page 6
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 that modifies Santa Monica Municipal Code (SMMC) 3.16.120(c) to clarify that the expiration of the free metered parking benefit for zero emission vehicles applies to all Clean Air Vehicle decals.
4.G. Award Professional Services Agreement to Dudek for Preparation of an Environmental Impact Report for the Water Reservoir Upgrades and Improvements Project
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Award RFP# SP2761 to Dudek for preparation of the environmental review and documentation for the Water Reservoir Upgrades and Improvements Project for the Public Works Department; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement with Dudek for a total amount not to exceed $1,100,000 over a three-year period, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
4.H. Award RFP #444 and Agreements to 4Front, Arcadis U.S. Inc., and Hazen and Sawyer for On-Call Technical Services for Rehabilitation and Replacement of Water and Wastewater Infrastructure
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemptions pursuant to Sections 15301 and 15302, and a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Award RFP #444 to 4Front, Arcadis U.S. Inc., and Hazen and Sawyer for oncall technical support services for the Water Resources Division; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute agreements for on-call technical support services with 4Front, Arcadis U.S., Inc., and Hazen and Sawyer, in an amount not to exceed $750,000 for each agreement over a five-year period, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
4.I. Award Contract to Trojan Technologies Corp for Maintenance of Trojan Ultraviolet Advanced Oxidation Process (UV AOP) System
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the California Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement with Trojan Technologies Corp for maintenance of the Trojan Ultraviolet Advanced City of Santa Monica Generated: 9/10/2025 12:07 PM Page 7 Oxidation Process (UV AOP) systems. This recommended award is made as an exception to the competitive bidding process pursuant to Santa Monica Municipal Code (SMMC) Section 2.24.250(b) and is for a total amount not to exceed $1,700,000 over a five-year period, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
4.J. Approval of First Modification to Software as a Service Agreement with Locality Media, LLC (dba First Due) for Fire Records Management Software 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. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a first modification to Software as a Service Agreement #11304 in the amount of $90,000 with Locality Media, LLC dba FirstDue, for fire incident pre-plans, fire inspection, inventory management and other Fire-related records management software (RMS) for the Fire Department. This will result in a five-year amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $430,000, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
4.K. Approval of Agreement with Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI) for Geographic Information System (GIS) Software and Services 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 Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (Esri) for ArcGIS software and services, for the Information Services Department. This recommended award is made as an exception to the competitive bidding process pursuant to Section 2.24.250 (b) and is for an amount not to exceed $198,990 (including a $18,090 contingency) for an initial three-year term, with one additional three-year renewal option on the same terms and conditions for a total amount not to exceed $397,980 over a six-year period (including a $36,180 contingency), with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
4.L. Approval of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Syndicate to CoProduce Tech Street Santa Monica, a One-Day Event Including Street Closure for LA Tech Week
City of Santa Monica Generated: 9/10/2025 12:07 PM Page 8 Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt findings of Categorical Exemptions pursuant to Section 15301 and Section 15323 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a Memorandum of Understanding with Syndicate to co-produce a one-day street closure event called Tech Street Santa Monica – Celebrating 150 Years of Innovation in Santa Monica on Monday, October 13, 2025.
4.M. Approval of Agreement with Insight Public Sector, Inc. for the Purchase of Microsoft Enterprise Licenses
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 Insight Public Sector, Inc. for the purchase of Microsoft enterprise software licenses, including software license upgrades and license planning services, for the Information Services Department. This recommended award is made as an exception to the competitive bidding process pursuant to Section
2.24.250 (c) and is for an amount not to exceed $1,234,824 (including a $161,064 contingency) for one year, with two additional one-year renewal options on the same terms and conditions for a total amount not to exceed $4,462,624 over a three-year period (including a $582,082 contingency), with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
4.N. Second Reading and Adoption of an Interim Zoning Ordinance Amending Interim Zoning Regulations Established to Promote Economic Recovery by Increasing Land Use Flexibility in the City’s Downtown Area and Establishing a Pilot Program to Allow for Exclusively Commercial Outdoor Uses in the Office Campus District
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached Ordinance.
4.O. Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Amending the Text of Santa Monica Municipal Code Article 9 Planning and Zoning to Promote Economic Recovery and Increase Land Use Flexibility in the City’s Downtown Area Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached Ordinance.
4.P. Adoption of Resolution Ratifying Regional Fires Emergency Proclamation and Supplements - New Item Received 9/04/2025
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
City of Santa Monica Generated: 9/10/2025 12:07 PM Page 9
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Sections 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption). 15268 (Ministerial Projects), and 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Adopt the proposed resolution ratifying the Executive Order issued by the Director of Emergency Services declaring the existence of a local emergency in the City of Santa Monica and the Supplements to that Order.
4.Q. Approval of Agreement for Service as Interim City Attorney – Heidi von Tongeln - New Item Received 9/04/2025
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15601(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Appoint Heidi von Tongeln as Interim City Attorney commencing September 9, 2025; and,
3. Authorize the Mayor to negotiate and execute an employment agreement with
Ms. von Tongeln for her service as Interim City Attorney.
4.R. Adoption of Resolution Ratifying Homelessness Emergency Proclamation - New Item Received 9/04/2025
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. Adopt the proposed resolution ratifying the 2025 Proclamation of the City Council of the City of Santa Monica Declaring a Local Emergency on Homelessness.
4.S. Adoption of Resolution Outlining the City's Current Fiscal Distress - New Item Received 9/04/2025
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. Adopt the attached Resolution of the City Council of the City of Santa Monica Identifying Local Fiscal Distress Based on Decreased Revenue and Increased Liabilities.
5. CLOSED SESSIONS
City of Santa Monica Generated: 9/10/2025 12:07 PM Page 10
5.A. Conference with legal counsel - anticipated litigation - Gov’t. Code § 54956.9- litigation claims of Constance White and Milana Davis against City of Santa Monica pertaining to condemnation of property located at 1811 Ocean Avenue.
One case.
5.B. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1):
Izumi Streller v. City, et al; LASC # 23SMCV03137 [report out only] - New Item Received 9/04/2025
5.C. Conference with real estate negotiator - Gov. Code § 54956.8; property: 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, California; City negotiators: Oliver Chi, City Manager and Heidi von Tongeln, Acting City Attorney; persons to be negotiated with: Chris Neilson, Trigild IVL, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, solely in its capacity as receiver for the specific assets of Macerich SMP LP; under negotiation: price and terms of payment - New Item Received 9/04/2025
CITY MANAGER REPORT
TRAVEL ANNOUNCEMENT AND MAYOR'S HIGHLIGHT
6. PUBLIC INPUT ON REMAINING AGENDA ITEMS
. Public Input for 12-Items will be heard at the time when the Public Hearing is called.
7. STUDY SESSION
No items
8. CONTINUED ITEMS
No items
9. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS
No items
10. ORDINANCES
(Public comment is permitted on ordinances for introduction and first reading. No public discussion is permitted on ordinances for second reading and adoption. In accordance with Charter section 615, the adoption of all ordinances and resolutions shall be by reading of title only unless a Councilmember present dissents.)
10.A. Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Adopting Building Performance Standards to Support Carbon Emissions Reductions from Existing Buildings
City of Santa Monica Generated: 9/10/2025 12:07 PM Page 11 Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15308 (Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the Environment) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Introduce for first reading the attached ordinance that amends the Santa Monica Municipal Code (SMMC) by adding chapter 8.39, entitled Building Energy Benchmarking and Building Performance Standards to support carbon emissions reductions from existing buildings.
11. STAFF ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
11.A. Approval of Santa Monica Aging and Disability Action Plan Recommended Action
Staff recommend 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. Approve and Receive the Santa Monica Aging and Disability Action Plan (Attachment A).
11.B. Establishment of a Self-Certification Pilot Program and Introduction and First Reading of Ordinances to (1) Amend Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter
8.108 to revise the Construction and Demolition Material Recycling Compliance Process and to transition from a deposit-based system to a finebased enforcement approach, and (2) Establish Interim Zoning Regulations Updating Applicability Thresholds and Standards for Resource and Recycling Room Dimensions to; and Adopt a Resolution of Intention to Amend the Text Section 9.21.130 of the Zoning Ordinance Related to Resource Recovery and Recycling Standards - New Item Received 9/04/2025
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of Statutory Exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Government Code Section 15061(b)(3).
2. Introduce for First Reading an Ordinance amending Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 8.108, Subpart B, to amend the construction and demolition material recycling compliance process and to transition from a deposit-based system to a fine-based enforcement approach.
3. Introduce for First Reading an Interim Zoning Ordinance updating applicability thresholds and standards for resource and recycling room dimensions set forth in Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 9.21.130 in order to further economic recovery efforts by facilitating a self-certification building permit program.
4. Adopt a Resolution of Intention directing the Planning Commission to initiate amendments to the text of Section 9.21.130 of the City’s Zoning Ordinance to update applicability thresholds and resource and recycling room dimensions City of Santa Monica Generated: 9/10/2025 12:07 PM Page 12 in order to further economic recovery efforts by facilitating a self-certification building permit program.
11.C. Approval of Proposed Regulatory Updates to High-Rise Building Definitions and Single Stairway Multi-Family Building Provisions - New Item Received 9/04/2025
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Direct that as part of the City’s next regular building and fire code update process, staff align the City’s building and fire code definitions for high-rise buildings to be consistent with the Statewide high-rise definition as set forth in Health & Safety Code 13210(b).
2. Authorize staff to implement an updated Alternate Materials and Methods Request (AMMR) process for single-exit stairway multi-family residential buildings of up to six stories in height pursuant to the attached Information Bulletin (Attachment A).
12. PUBLIC HEARINGS
12.A. Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Article 6 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code to Establish a Permitting Process and Operational Conditions for Commercial Cannabis Uses; Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Article 9 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code to Authorize Commercial Cannabis Uses within Certain Zoning Districts; Authorization for City Manager to Execute All Necessary Associated Documents to Accept the Cannabis Equity Assessment; Adoption of a Resolution Establishing a Cannabis Equity Program; and Adoption of a Fee Resolution Establishing a Non-City-Based Cannabis Delivery Permit Fee and Cannabis Retailer Permit Fees - New Item Received 9/04/2025 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. Adopt the attached Ordinance amending the text of Article 6 of the Municipal Code to establish a permitting process and operational conditions for commercial cannabis uses.
3. Adopt the attached Ordinance amending the text of Article 9 of the Municipal Code to authorize commercial cannabis uses within certain zoning districts.
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to accept the Cannabis Equity Assessment.
5. Adopt the attached Resolution establishing a cannabis equity program.
6. Adopt the attached Resolution establishing Cannabis Retailer Permit fees and a Non-City-Based Cannabis Delivery Permit fee.
13. REPORTS OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
No items
City of Santa Monica Generated: 9/10/2025 12:07 PM Page 13
14. RESOLUTIONS
No items
15. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS OTHER THAN REPORTS OF COMMISSION AND
OFFICERS
No items
16. COUNCILMEMBER DISCUSSION ITEMS
16.A. Appointment to three unscheduled vacancies for terms ending on June 30, 2026, and three unscheduled vacancies for terms ending on June 30, 2028 on the Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. Board - New Item Received 9/04/2025
16.B. Appointment to one unscheduled vacancy for a term ending on June 30, 2026 on the Arts Commission - New Item Received 9/04/2025
16.C. Appointment to five scheduled vacancies for terms ending on June 30, 2029 on the Measure GS Resident Oversight Committee - New Item Received 9/04/2025
16.D. Appointment to one unscheduled vacancy for a term ending on June 30, 2028 on the Disabilities Commission - New Item Received 9/04/2025
16.E. Recommendation to accept Analise Wells's resignation from the Housing Commission and authorize the City Clerk to publish the vacancy - New Item Received 9/04/2025
16.F. Recommendation to accept Federico Galavis's resignation from the Arts Commission and authorize the City Clerk to publish the vacancy - New Item Received 9/04/2025
16.G. Recommendation to accept Staci Griesbach's resignation from the Arts Commission and authorize the City Clerk to publish the vacancy - New Item Received 9/04/2025
16.H. Request of Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Hall and Mayor Pro Tem Torosis that the City Council consider directing the City Manager to investigate alleged violations of the Santa Monica Municipal Code related to Waymo’s operation at the Lots on Euclid and Broadway and develop a report that includes a of summary complaints, how the City is taking action, and what additional action(s) are under consideration to resolve resident complaints and alleged municipal code violations. A community meeting between impacted residents and other parties as needed to provide the community with updates on how the City is addressing their concerns and a forum to share experiences shall be held within 30 days. - New Item Received 9/04/2025
City of Santa Monica Generated: 9/10/2025 12:07 PM Page 14
16.I. Request of Mayor Negrete that the City Council direct the City Manager to create a pilot microgrant program to address the habitability of RentControlled/Deed Restricted Units. - New Item Received 9/04/2025
16.J. Request of Mayor Negrete that the City Council direct the City Manager to create an online portal and mapping feature to track the application status and progress of all Development Entities taking advantage of the new Off-Site Affordable Housing Pilot Incentive Program. - New Item Received 9/04/2025
16.K. Request of Councilmember Raskin that the City Council consider directing the City Manager to discontinue work efforts related to four previously requested Council Direction 16 Items. - New Item Received 9/04/2025
16.L. Request of Councilmember Snell that the City Council consider waving of fees for the GREENwell event organized by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Sigma Lambda Omega Chapter on Sunday, September 21, 2025, that will celebrate their participation in the Coastal Clean Up Day 2025 , by directing the City Manager to waive the City’s portion of fees, including application, administrative, neighborhood notification, container fees, parking, and zero waste plan fees associated with the use of Cresent Bay Park in an amount up to $2,150 in waived fees. - New Item Received 9/04/2025
ADJOURNMENT
Agendas and reports are accessible on the City's webpage at www.smgov.net/council/agendas. They are also available at the City Clerk's Office and in alternate formats upon request. For a free email subscription to the City Council Agendas, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (310) 458-8211 or [email protected].
Members of the public unable to attend a meeting but wishing to comment on an item(s) listed on the agenda may submit written comments prior to the meeting by meeting by mailing them to: City Clerk, 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 or to [email protected]. Written comments received from the public by 12 PM on the day of the City Council meeting will be distributed to the City Council prior to the meeting and posted online. Members of the public who submit written public comment on an agenda item may be subject to the Levine Act which requires disclosure of campaign contributions of more than $500 to an officer of the City within the preceding 12 months.
City Hall and the Council Chambers are wheelchair accessible. If you require any special disability related accommodations to either attend or provide public testimony at a Council meeting (i.e. sign language interpreting, access to an amplified sound system, remote option, etc.), please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (310) 458-8211 or TDD: (310) 917- 6626 or via email at [email protected] at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting. Best efforts shall be made to accommodate requests received after the 72-hour deadline. In the case of special meetings, requests should be submitted as early as possible, but no later than noon the day of the special Council meeting.
Si desea comunicarse con alguien en español, llame a nuestra oficina al (310) 458-8211 y pida hablar con Esterlina Lugo.
City of Santa Monica Generated: 9/10/2025 12:07 PM Page 15 Santa Monica Blue Bus Lines #1, #2, #3, #5, #9 and the EXPO Line serve City Hall.
Parking is available on Main Street, on Olympic Drive, and in the Civic Center Parking Structure (validation free).