- The California Coastal Commission is reviewing the city's Local Coastal Program plan regarding development activities in Santa Monica.
- Political proposals and bills are being introduced to either retain or strip the California Coastal Commission's oversight of Santa Monica development.
SCAG Directs Massive Housing Density Changes for Santa Monica
What happened
The Southern California Association of Governments published a Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) in 2021 that directed Santa Monica to plan for nearly 9,000 new dwelling units over an eight-year period ending in Fall 2029. Because Santa Monica is largely built out, this goal requires significant redevelopment. State laws have also mandated increased density and massing around major transit stops and allow single-family lots to be subdivided, potentially permitting up to 10 dwelling units per lot.
From smdp.com
Why it matters
The RHNA requires Santa Monica to undertake massive redevelopment to meet housing goals. This is occurring alongside state laws that reduce local control and double previously allowed density. These changes signal an existential shift to Santa Monica’s built environment.
Political proposals are currently being introduced to either retain or remove the California Coastal Commission's oversight of Santa Monica development. The California Coastal Commission is also reviewing the city's Local Coastal Program plan.
From smdp.com
Who's involved
- Santa MonicaThe beachfront city where zoning changes are being directed.
- Southern California Association of GovernmentsThe regional planning organization that published the RHNA.
- city councilThe legislative body responsible for enacting policies for Santa Monica.
- California Coastal CommissionThe government agency reviewing Santa Monica's Local Coastal Program.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Santa MonicaSpeculative
Santa Monica might see increased construction costs and demand for housing units due to mandated redevelopment.
- city councilSpeculative
The city council could face increased administrative costs managing the required response to the RHNA directive.
Keep exploring
Part of
Political proposals and bills are being introduced to either retain or strip the California Coastal Commission's oversight of Santa Monica development.Also in this story
- A trailer bill has been introduced that could grant Santa Monica greater coastal development authority.
- Sierra Club, Surfrider Foundation, and Rick Zbur are involved in the opposition to a bill (AB 1740) affecting Santa Monica development.
The entities involved
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Santa Monica
beachfront city in Los Angeles County, California, United States
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Southern California Association of Governments
regional planning organization in Southern California
Related events
- Santa Monica City Council is managing the city's housing plans, including issues related to Sunset Park.
- A nonprofit organization based in Santa Monica serves the LA area, while the Mayor oversees city operations under subcommittee investigation into fund management.
- A nonprofit organization utilized an apartment in Santa Monica on October 13, 2026.