At its last meeting, the Santa Monica City Council voted 5–2 to approve an emergency zoning ordinance that will reshape our city’s single-family neighborhoods. The new rules allow up to 20 units on vacant residential lots, permit three-story buildings where only single-family homes were allowed before, and eliminate affordable housing fees for projects with five or fewer units. Setbacks and height limits have been relaxed, paving the way for dense development on formerly quiet streets.
The ordinance extends and amends regulations tied to California’s SB 1123 (Starter Home Revitalization Act), effective July 1. While supporters say it will create “missing middle” housing, many residents — and even Mayor Lana Negrete — warned it will mostly benefit developers, drive speculation, displace long-term residents, and strain our infrastructure. Eliminating affordable housing fees for smaller projects could mean millions in lost funding for truly affordable units.
The Council passed this measure under a declared “emergency,” bypassing the kind of extended public debate and thorough impact review such a drastic change deserves. Mayor Negrete and Councilmember Ellis Raskin voted no; Jesse Zwick, Dan Hall, Barry Snell, Caroline Torosis, and Natalya Zernitskaya voted yes.
What’s at stake:
· Increased congestion, reduced parking, and overburdened schools.
· The permanent loss of the open space and neighborhood character that make Santa Monica unique.
· Development patterns that could displace lower-income residents without delivering genuine affordability.
What we can do to overturn this:
· Demand a repeal: Contact the Council and urge them to rescind the ordinance before it takes root.
· Push for a referendum: Under California law, residents can gather signatures to put the ordinance on the ballot for voters to decide.
· Organize and show up: Fill council chambers at every meeting; speak during public comment; form neighborhood coalitions.
· Engage the media: Write letters to the editor, call in to local radio, and use social media to inform fellow residents.
This ordinance is set to remain in effect until December 31, 2026 — plenty of time for developers to change our city forever. We have a narrow window to stop it before the bulldozers arrive. If you care about the livability, safety, and future of Santa Monica, now is the time to act.
Santa Monica Citizens: Rally Now to Reclaim Control of Our Neighborhoods
Santa Monica’s City Council has exploited a declared “housing emergency” to fast-track a sweeping ordinance—without adequate public debate—that fundamentally rewrites zoning rules. Now, single-family neighborhoods face the threat of being carved up for high-density development, with up to 20 units per lot, three-story buildings, and waived affordable housing fees for small developments under five units.
Council Vote Summary:
Approved by (5): Jesse Zwick, Dan Hall, Barry Snell, Caroline Torosis, Natalya Zernitskaya
Opposed by (2): Mayor Lana Negrete, Councilmember Ellis Raskin
A normal, transparent planning process has been bypassed. Now is the moment to reverse this decision—legally, strategically, and powerfully.
Action Steps to Repeal the Ordinance
· Demand Repeal: Call, email, or visit council members and demand they rescind the emergency zoning ordinance before it becomes the norm.
· Mobilize a Referendum: California law allows residents to collect signatures to force a public vote. Let’s initiate that drive immediately to halt progress.
· Occupy the Public Stage: Fill council chambers (2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.), speak during public comment, and form neighborhood alliances to amplify your voice.
· Amplify the Message: Submit letters to the editor, use social media, and contact local media to spotlight the risks—congestion, displacement, and overwhelmed infrastructure.
Council Member Contact Information
Mayor: Lana Negrete (Opposed) – Email: Lana.Negrete@santamonica.gov
Mayor Pro Tem: Caroline Torosis (Supported) – Email: Caroline.Torosis@santamonica.gov
Councilmember: Jesse Zwick (Supported) – Email: Jesse.Zwick@santamonica.gov
Councilmember: Dan Hall (Supported) – Email: Dan.Hall@santamonica.gov
Councilmember: Ellis Raskin (Opposed) – Email: Ellis.Raskin@santamonica.gov
Councilmember: Barry Snell (Supported) – Email: Barry.Snell@santamonica.gov
Councilmember: Natalya Zernitskaya (Supported) – Email: Natalya.Zernitskaya@santamonica.gov
Timing is Critical: The emergency ordinance is slated to remain in effect until December 31, 2026—but passage now means developers could begin reshaping neighborhoods within weeks. We must act before the first permit is filed.
Daniel Gregory
Santa Monica