Santa Monica Council Exempted Lots from State Housing Law
The city council voted to restrict building heights in the Pico neighborhood to pause state density requirements.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in City Hall
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Should local governments prioritize neighborhood height limits over state-mandated housing density?
The Santa Monica City Council has voted to exempt 89 single-family lots in the Pico neighborhood from Senate Bill 79 development standards. This ordinance imposes a 28-foot height limit on new construction near the Expo/Bundy Metro stop.
Why it matters
The city aims to temporarily pause state housing law density requirements as it navigates the mandate to plan for 8,895 new housing units by 2029. This measure seeks to control development density while staff studies alternative upzoning options for the area.
The ordinance caps building heights at 28 feet, a significant reduction from the 55 to 60 feet allowed under current state law. Affected lots are permitted a 1.25 floor-area ratio and 40 units per acre, with three preliminary applications already pending.
The players
Santa Monica City Council
This local governing body is responsible for passing ordinances and setting municipal policy regarding land use and urban development.
State Department of Housing and Community Development
This state agency oversees and reviews local housing policies to ensure compliance with California’s statewide housing mandates.
The details
The city council decision targets 89 parcels to prevent higher-density development allowed under state law until at least 2031. This action mirrors a similar strategy implemented in Los Angeles to stall development applications while local planners refine their regional housing strategy.
Timeline
June 2026: Los Angeles implemented a similar policy to postpone Senate Bill 79.
October 23, 2026: The temporary exemption ordinance officially takes effect.
2029: This marks the deadline for the city to plan for 8,895 new housing units.
October 2030: The city expects to adopt its 2029-2037 housing element.
October 2031: The temporary exclusion ordinance is set to expire.
Political Context
Housing advocates and developers often argue that local exemptions undermine the state’s attempt to address the regional housing crisis through mandated density. Critics of the city council's move suggest it could lead to further legal friction with state officials who prioritize rapid growth in transit zones.
Residents in the Pico neighborhood will see capped building heights on new projects, which may affect the scale and nature of upcoming residential developments. For prospective builders, the ordinance introduces a temporary barrier that limits density compared to what state law previously allowed.
The takeaway
This policy reflects the ongoing tension between municipal autonomy and state-level housing density mandates. Property owners and developers should monitor the state review process as it will determine whether these height restrictions stand or are overturned by higher authorities.
Further reading
For more information on local development policies, visit City Hall.
Live Poll
Should local governments prioritize neighborhood height limits over state-mandated housing density?
