Council Limits Multi-family Construction

By Jorge Casuso

It may be getting a little quieter in Santa Monica.

On Tuesday night, the City Council extended an emergency interim ordinance that restricts the number of buildings constructed in multi-family districts at one time.

The 18-month extension allows the city to evaluate the Construction Rate Program, which limits construction or substantial remodeling to one project within a 500-foot radius. It also limits projects to one per block if the block is longer than 500 feet.

"I think this is an important and relatively simple ordinance to increase the quality of life," said Mayor Ken Genser. He said the ordinance simply says, "There can't be too much construction at one time."

Councilman Paul Rosenstein -- who along with Councilman Robert Holbrook voted against the measure -- questioned the need for the restrictions. He said that there is little multi-family construction because landlords are cashing in on a state law that allows them to raise the rents of vacated rent-controlled units to what the market will bear.

"If there is any concern that there is a lot of construction, it is a misplaced concern," Rosenstein said. "I don't think we have any evidence to back the concern.... This ordinance goes beyond what is necessary."

Landlord attorneys also questioned the need for the program, saying it places constraints on development and could be open to legal challenge.

"We have fundamental concerns," said attorney Chris Harding, who was representing the Santa Monica Housing Council, a group that includes builders, architects and housing providers. "The 18 months is far too long. This is a poorly designed, anti-development and anti-housing measure.

"We're not for a construction rate program, but there could be tolerable versions," Harding said. "You're at the extreme end of intolerable."

In an unrelated action Tuesday night, the council directed staff to hold public workshops before the city installs cameras at selected major intersections to photograph motorists who run red lights. The suggestion was made by Ellen Brennan on behalf of several neighborhood groups.

"New technologies inevitably raise new issues," said Councilman Kevin McKeown. "I absolutely welcome the workshop. I think it's perfect."

The city is expected to select a vendor this fall to supply and install the cameras.