Santa Monica Will Vote on Transit Housing Ordinance
The City Council will consider final approval for a zoning ordinance to allow multi-family units near rail stations.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in City Hall
Live Poll
Should your local government increase housing density in existing single-family neighborhoods?
Santa Monica City Council is scheduled to cast a final vote on a transit-oriented housing ordinance this Tuesday, September 22, 2026. The policy aligns local zoning with state law SB 79 to facilitate multi-family development within a half-mile of major transit hubs.
Why it matters
The ordinance aims to fulfill California state housing density requirements while managing local displacement risks. By focusing on the Gandara Park area, the city seeks to direct new growth into transit zones rather than redeveloping existing multi-unit residential neighborhoods.
The ordinance allows for multi-family developments up to five stories tall within a 0.5-mile radius of transit zones like the Expo Bundy rail station. Santa Monica is one of five California cities that supported SB 79, while 131 others opposed the measure.
The players
Santa Monica City Council
This is the governing legislative body responsible for passing municipal ordinances and land-use policies for the city.
California Department of Housing and Community Development
This state agency oversees and enforces compliance with statewide housing laws and development regulations.
The details
The plan impacts 89 single-family parcels in the Gandara Park area, where one in five households are currently renters. Two developments have already been proposed for the area, including a 12-story condo building project.
Timeline
July 28, 2026: Council voted 5 to 1 to allow development on the parcels.
September 8, 2026: The ordinance passed its first reading.
September 17, 2026: The California Department of Housing and Community Development met with city staff.
September 22, 2026: The final vote is scheduled.
Political Context
Opponents of the upzoning argue that the measure risks displacing current residents in long-standing single-family neighborhoods. Advocates maintain that the concentration of new multi-family housing near transit corridors is necessary to meet state-mandated growth targets.
Residents in the Gandara Park area may see significant changes to their neighborhood density as the ordinance allows for taller, multi-family construction. Property owners and renters should monitor upcoming city planning sessions to understand how these zoning changes impact local land-use rights and housing availability.
The takeaway
The move reflects a growing trend of California municipalities aligning local zoning with state mandates to address regional housing shortages. Residents are encouraged to review city-provided transit zone maps to determine if their properties fall within the scope of upcoming multi-family developments.
Further reading
For more updates on local governance and land-use planning, visit City Hall.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Surfsantamonica.
Live Poll
Should your local government increase housing density in existing single-family neighborhoods?
