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# Santa Monica council adopts zoning changes for auto dealers and downtown parking
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/051106-story-20060511-4/
- Published: 2006-05-11T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T17:46:58.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Government & Politics, Downtown, #archive-import, Homeless

The following is a summation of what went on in the Santa Monica City Council chambers during the council’s meeting May 9, including a timeline, notable public comments and excerpts taken.

Mayor Bob Holbrook calls the City Council to order. All members are present, except Mayor Pro Tem Bobby Shriver, who arrived late, and Councilmember Pam O’Connor, who was out of town. Council approves the consent agenda. Council moves into closed session.

Council returns from closed session. There is no action to report. Council adopts a law modifying zoning requirements in residential areas. Council begins discussion regarding a law allowing auto dealers to receive an incentive for constructing roof-top parking at local dealerships. The law also allows for the use of parking lots in residential areas to be used for inventory storage if the dealer is in compliance with the original operating permit. Public comment ends. Council approves changes to zoning laws regulating auto dealers. Council begins discussion of new standards for development downtown, including requirements for off-street parking for mixed-use developments that offer commercial space. Public comment ends. Council approves changes to zoning laws regulating downtown development, including ground floor heights, street fronts, landscaping, and instituted requirements for pedestrian-oriented uses on corners in downtown on Sixth and Seventh streets. Council approves of the first reading of a law allowing the City Manager to approve workers compensation claims in excess of $15,000\. Council hears testimony from the public regarding a law requiring a retention period for grocery store workers when their place of employment goes through a change in ownership. Council votes unanimously to approve the law, which must come back for a second reading. Council holds a public hearing and approves an action plan for the upcoming fiscal year for the use of federal grants. The plan is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Staff is expected to receive Community Development Block Grant Funds and Home Investment Partnership Act funds in the amount of $3.3 million for fiscal year 2006-07\. Those funds are earmarked for tenant rental assistance, affordable housing and capital improvement projects, including a new homeless services center at 505 Olympic Blvd. Council hears from city staff regarding the expansion of the Big Blue Bus headqua Council closes the meeting. The next regularly scheduled council meeting will be held May 23 at City Hall.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 11, 2006.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/051106.pdf?ref=smdp.com)