City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: December 9, 2025
Agenda Item: 4.G
1 of 2
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Heidi Von Tongeln, Interim City Attorney, City Attorney's Office, Administration
Subject: Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 13.04, Vacant Properties, of Article 13, Neighborhood Preservation, of the City of Santa Monica Municipal Code to Require the Registration of Vacant Properties
Recommended Action
Staff recommends:
1. The City Council rescind the action taken on November 18, 2025, adopting Ordinance Amending Chapter 13.04, Vacant Properties.
2. The City Council adopt the corrected version of Ordinance Amending Chapter
13.04, Vacant Properties.
Executive Summary
At its meeting on October 28, 2025, the City Council introduced for first reading an ordinance amending Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 13.04, Vacant Properties, of Article 13, Neighborhood Preservation, of the City of Santa Monica Municipal Code (the Ordinance) to require the registration of vacant properties.
The Council heard the second reading and adopted the Ordinance on November 18, 2025. However, the version of the Ordinance adopted November 18 inadvertently listed January 1, 2026, as the deadline by which vacant property owners must register their properties. The correct date, as set forth in the Ordinance as introduced on October 28, is July 1, 2026. Thus, Council is now being asked to rescind the November 18 adoption of the Ordinance, and adopt the corrected version reflecting the July 1, 2026 deadline for registration.
2 of 2
The Ordinance adopted November 18 has not yet taken effect. If adopted, the corrected Ordinance will take effect January 9, 2026.
Prepared By: Bradley Michaud, Legal Administrative Services Officer Approved Forwarded to Council
Attachments:
A. Chapter 13.04 - Vacant Properties Registration - 2d