> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Redefining remodeling in SM
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/redefining-remodeling-in-sm/
- Published: 2004-02-09T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T03:44:42.000Z
- Author: John Wood
- Tags: Government & Politics, Santa Monica, #archive-import

CITY HALL — In a city that’s almost entirely built out and a state that rewards long-time property owners with hefty tax breaks, many residents and businesses choose to remodel — when they can.

But in Santa Monica, simple projects can often take months, if not years, to be approved. Plus, they can be expensive, due largely to a complex web of laws and planning codes that govern developments.

With these concerns in mind, the Planning Commission held a special workshop last week to gather public input and discuss how the process can be simplified. They recommended relaxing the laws governing DEFINE, from page 1

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 9, 2004.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/020904.pdf?ref=smdp.com)