SR-403-003
PCD:SF:JT:f:\plan\share\council\strpt\2-cargarage.doc
Council Mtg: October 5, 1999 Santa Monica, California
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Staff
SUBJECT: Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance to Amend Santa Monica
Municipal Code (SMMC) Section 9.04.10.08.060(a) to Allow an Unobstructed
Interior Width Dimension of 18’ for Existing Two-Car Garages that Serve
Single Family Residences.
Introduction
This report recommends that the City Council introduce for first reading an ordinance to
amend SMMC Section 9.04.10.08.060(a) to allow a minimum unobstructed interior width
dimension of 18’ for private two-car garages in existence on May 5, 1999 that serve single
family residences. On June 16, 1999, the Planning Commission voted 5 to 0 to recommend
approval of this amendment. The proposed ordinance is contained in Attachment A.
Background
Off-street parking has been required for single-family dwellings since 1948. At that time, a
single-car garage was required but there were no minimum dimension standards. In 1968,
this standard was changed to require two covered parking spaces measuring a minimum of
9’ in width by 20’ in length per space. In 1980, the requirement for two covered spaces
remained, but the dimensional requirement changed to a minimum of 8 ½’ in width by 18’
in length per space. These requirements remained in effect until the September, 1988
Zoning Ordinance adoption.
Since September, 1988 the off-street parking requirement for detached single-family
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dwellings has been a two-car garage with a minimum unobstructed interior length
dimension of 18’ and a minimum unobstructed interior width dimension of 20’. This
requirement applies to all new two-car garages, to existing two-car garages serving single-
family residences which are undergoing a substantial remodel, and to single-family
residences located in the R1 Single-Family Residential District which are adding 50% or
more additional square footage.
Discussion
Santa Monica Municipal Code (SMMC) Section 9.04.20.10.030(b) allows for modifications
to interior garage dimensions through approval of a variance. Since 1997, 10 variance
applications have been filed for modifications to the minimum dimensional requirements for
two-car garages, all of which have been approved. Six of these applications involved
existing single-family dwellings, which had proposed either a substantial remodel or
additions in excess of 50% of the existing building square footage. These projects retained
existing two-car garages that did not meet the minimum unobstructed interior width
requirement, but had been used for years to park two vehicles. In the interest of
streamlining the permit process for single-family building additions and to avoid the
unnecessary demolition of functional two-car garages, staff initiated this proposed
ordinance amendment to allow the retention of smaller two-car garages.
The minimum twenty foot width requirement for new two-car garages provides for ample
room for passengers and their vehicles. Although the Code requires a minimum
unobstructed width of 20’ for new garages and this remains the optimal width requirement,
in an effort to facilitate the retention of existing structures, staff has studied the interior
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width dimension of garages to determine the minimum dimensions necessary for vehicle
circulation and access. Staff believes that a minimum 18’ width dimension will allow for the
safe movement of two vehicles in and out of the garage and still provide adequate space
for people to enter and exit the vehicles. The proposed ordinance to allow an existing 18’
wide garage to be retained meets the intent of the Code to provide parking for two vehicles
within a garage and eliminates the need for the demolition of usable two-car garages,
which is consistent with the City’s goals for sustainability.
Planning Commission Action
The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on the proposed text amendment on
June 16, 1999 and forwarded to the Council a recommendation to adopt the proposed
ordinance as recommended by staff.
CEQA Status
The text amendment contained in the proposed ordinance would not result in any physical
changes to existing structures and would have no significant effects on the environment.
Therefore, in accordance with Article 5, Section 15061, Subsection (b)(3) of the State of
California CEQA Statutes and Guidelines, the proposed ordinance is exempt from the
provisions of CEQA.
Public Notification
A display advertisement was published in The Argonaut at least ten consecutive calendar
days prior to the hearing. The notice is contained in Attachment B.
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Budget/Financial Impact
The recommendation presented in this report does not have any budget or fiscal impact.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Council conduct a public hearing and introduce for first reading
the attached ordinance amending SMMC Section 9.04.10.08.060(a).
Prepared by: Suzanne Frick, Director
Jay M. Trevino, AICP, Planning Manager
Amanda Schachter, Acting Principal Planner
Paul Foley, Associate Planner, City Planning Division
Planning and Community Development Department
Attachments: A. Ordinance amending SMMC Section 9.04.10.08.060(a).
B. Public Notice
PF
F:\PLAN\SHARE\COUNCIL\STRPT\2-cargarage.doc
July 5, 2007
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