1 FINDINGS AND DETERMINATION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA IN THE MATTER OF
THE DESIGNATION OF A CITY LANDMARK
DENIAL OF THE DESIGNATION
OF A RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURE
LOCATED 1921 20th STREET
AS A CITY LANDMARK
SECTION I. T h e Santa Monica Conservancy filed a Landmark designation application with the City of Santa Monica (City). The City Council, having held a Public Hearing on September 14, 2026 hereby finds that the subject property located at 1921 20th Street does not meet one or more of the criteria for designation as a City Landmark as enumerated in SMMC 9.56.100 and denies the designation of the structure and property at 1921 20th Street as a City Landmark.
Landmark Criteria
9.56.100(A)(1). It exemplifies, symbolizes, or manifests elements of the cultural, social, economic, political, or architectural history of the City.
The subject property appears to be a remnant of an early phase of development. During the period of development prior to 1920, Sanborn Maps from 1918 indicate that the residential blocks north of Delaware Avenue between 14th and 20th Streets were only 25% built out. The more significant period of growth occurred later as multi-family development that occurred from the 1920’s through the 1940’s. The property appears to be a remnant of the earlier, yet insignificant period of development. As such, it does not symbolize or manifest elements of the history of the neighborhood or the city.
Therefore, 1921 20th Street does not meet Landmark Criterion 1.
9.56.100(A)(2). It has aesthetic or artistic interest or value, or other noteworthy interest or value.
The primary residence is a simple example of an Airplane Bungalow. Airplane Bungalows are a small subset of the modest Craftsman Bungalow type that is still prevalent in the city. As a very simple example, it doesn’t represent the aesthetic of artistic or noteworthy interest or value that would meet this criteria. Further, due to its poor condition and loss of materials and integrity, it no longer retains aesthetic or artistic interest, or other noteworthy interest.
Therefore, 1921 20th Street does not meet Landmark Criterion 2. 2 9.56.100(A)(3). It is identified with historic personages or with important events in local, state, or national history.
No evidence was provided to suggest that any of the prior owners or occupants of the property were persons of significance or made significant contributions to important events in local, state, or national history. The original property owners may have owned three adjacent lots, however, no information provided identifies or connects any historic personages or events with the subject property.
Therefore, 1921 20th Street does not meet Landmark Criterion 3.
9.56.100(A)(4). It embodies distinguishing architectural characteristics valuable to a study of a period, style, method of construction, or the use of indigenous materials or craftsmanship, or is a unique or rare example of an architectural design, detail, or historical type valuable to such a study.
The subject building is a typical example of a Craftsman Bungalow, with a subtype of Airplane Bungalow. Airplane Bungalows have always been a rare subtype in Santa Monica. As a very simple subtype not prevalent in the City, the residence appears to be a remnant rather than a quality example of its type and does not appear to embody characteristics valuable to a study of a period. As a simple example, the structure does not convey the horizonal massing proportions and visual relationship between the low horizonal lower floor and modest recessed upper floor composition typical of this sub-type. Additionally, although relatively intact, the residence is in considerable disrepair due to deferred maintenance over the years. Due to its poor condition, the residence appears to lack sufficient overall integrity.
Therefore, 1921 20th Street does not meet Landmark Criterion 4.
9.56.100(A)(5). It is a significant or a representative example of the work or product of a notable builder, designer, or architect.
There is no evidence that the primary structure on the property is connected to a notable builder, designer or architect.
Therefore, 1921 20th Street does not meet Landmark Criterion 5.
9.56.100(A)(6). It has a unique location, a singular physical characteristic, or is an established and familiar visual feature of a neighborhood, community, or the City.
The subject building is on a typical lot in the Pico neighborhood and does not have a unique location or singular physical characteristic, nor is it an established and familiar visual feature of the neighborhood, community or City.
Therefore, 1921 20th Street does not meet Landmark Criterion 6.
3 SECTION II. There is no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
SECTION III. I hereby certify that the above Findings and Determination accurately reflect the final determination of the City Council of the City of Santa Monica on October 27, 2026 as determined by the following vote:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Each and all the findings and determinations are based on the competent and substantial evidence, both oral and written, contained in the entire record relating to the decision. All summaries of information contained herein or in the findings are based on the substantial evidence in the record. The absence of any particular fact from any such summary is not an indication that a particular finding is not based in part on that fact.
NOTICE
If this is a final decision not subject to further appeal under the Landmark and Historic District Ordinance of the City of Santa Monica, Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter
9.56, the time within which judicial review of this decision must be sought is governed by Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.6, which provision has been adopted by the City pursuant to Municipal Code Section 1.16.010.
Respectfully Submitted
October 27, 2026
Caroline Torosis, Mayor
Attest:
Wolfred Solorzano, City Clerk