Developer Filed Plans for Santa Monica Tower

A 32-unit residential building is proposed for a site on 15th Street in Santa Monica.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Apartments

Bold vector editorial illustration of a modern vertical residential building silhouette adjacent to a magnolia tree, set in coastal light. — A developer has submitted a preliminary application for a 12-story, 32-unit apartment building located at 1517 15th Street in Santa Monica. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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On August 14, 2026, a developer filed a preliminary application for a 12-story residential building at 1517 15th Street in Santa Monica. The proposed project aims to construct 32 units, including six deed-restricted affordable residences, on the site of an currently unoccupied single-family home.

Why it matters

The project seeks to utilize transit-density laws to maximize development capacity near the 17th Street/Santa Monica College Metro station. By leveraging state policies, the developer aims to secure zoning waivers for height, floor-area ratio, and setbacks.

The proposed 138-foot structure carries an estimated construction cost of $36.1 million and features a floor-area ratio of 8.96. The project includes 26 market-rate units alongside the six deed-restricted affordable units.

The players

Santa Monica City Council

This local governing body manages municipal zoning regulations and public hearings for new housing developments.

Public Landscape Division

This municipal department oversees the maintenance and preservation of trees and vegetation within the city limits.

The details

The development plan utilizes the Housing Crisis Act to secure local rules and SB 79 transit-priority zone parking exemptions for the project site. The developer also plans to coordinate with the Public Landscape Division to address the preservation of an existing magnolia tree on the property.

The developer filed the preliminary application on August 14, 2026.
The Santa Monica City Council held a public hearing regarding citywide upzoning plans on September 8, 2026.

Culture Shift

This proposal highlights a broader transition toward increased urban density as cities grapple with housing shortages and transit-oriented development. It reflects a shift away from traditional single-family zoning as developers capitalize on state-level mandates to densify residential areas.

Residents may see a significant change to the neighborhood streetscape as the proposed 138-foot tower replaces an existing single-family home. The project will eventually add 32 new households to the area, potentially increasing density near the transit station.

The takeaway

This filing illustrates the increasing use of state transit-density laws to bypass traditional municipal zoning restrictions in Southern California. Property owners and neighbors should monitor upcoming council hearings for potential modifications to height and setback requirements.