Santa Monica Votes on Possibly Supporting Legislation That Would Allow Upzoning Near Expo Line

SB 79 is an effort by Senator Scott Weiner to allow transit agencies zoning control over property they own and to “upzone” near bus rapid transit and light rail stations. The measure has drawn opposition from a whopping 93 cities across the state with only West Hollywood voicing support. However, the Santa Monica City Council is slated to vote on possibly supporting the legislation at their May 13 meeting (Agenda, Item 4J).

Adding to the controversy, a report compiled by city staff outlining the legislation mistakenly outlined the legislation as more expansive than it is in its current draft. The amended legislation now only applies to areas near passenger rail and bus rapid transit stops. Earlier versions of the legislation would have applied to areas surrounding bus stops where multiple lines intersected as well.

As amended, SB 79 would:

• Upzone near rail and bus rapid transit stations: allow buildings up to seven stories high within a quarter mile from major transit stops and up to four stories high within a half-mile;
• Allow transit agencies to set their own zoning standards for properties they own near rail and bus rapid transit stations,
• Speed up the permitting process for projects within a half-mile from rail and bus rapid transit stations transit stops.

At least in part because of this error, community organizations sent frantic emails to members and supporters urging them to voice their concerns to the Council with the Friends of Sunset Park calling it “the worst CA housing bill in a long time.” 

Staff corrected the error in an update to the agenda this morning. The lead image above shows that the only areas that face potential upzoning in Santa Monica should this legislation pass would be along the Expo Line (E Line) as illustrated in the above image.

In a statement to Next, Councilmember Jesse Zwick, the author of the support motion, urged the other Councilmembers to vote in favor of the legislation.

“SB 79 will allow us to build the homes we desperately need in the exact places that make the most sense: in close proximity to high-quality transit. There’s no way California can avert its interconnected housing affordability and climate crises without the kind of bold and collective action like this bill envisions.”

For more on SB 79, read this update at Streetsblog.

About The Author

Damien Newton

Damien is the executive director of the Southern California Streets Initiative which publishes Santa Monica Next, Streetsblog Los Angeles, Streetsblog San Francisco, Streetsblog California and Longbeachize.

See author's posts