sr-042479-10aSanta Monica, California, April 17, 1979
TO: The Mayor and City Council
APR 2 4 8979
FROM: The City Staff
SUBJECT: Planning Commission Recommendation for a Moratorium
on Condominium Projects Involving Conversion or
Removal of Existing Housing
Introduction
This report transmits a recommendation by the Planning Com-
mission that the City Council impose a 60 day moratorium on
further condominium projects involving either conversions or
removal of existing dwelling units.
Background
At their meeting of April 16th the Planning Commission on the
basis of the approval of the rent control initiative unanimously
approved a motion recommending that the City Council impose a
moratorium on further approval of condominium projects involving
conversions or any projects where existing housing units will be
removed and that during this period the Council develop criteria
for future condominium activities in light of the new rent con-
trol law. The Commission also deferred action on 17 scheduled
condominium projects pending the City Council's response.
The Planning Commission will meet next on May 7th at which time
the deferred items will be considered in the event that a mora-
torium is not in effect. In addition to the 17 projects deferred
APR 4 X974
Mayor and City Council - 2 - April 17, 1979
on April 16th, 26 projects, 8 involving conversions, would be
set. for hearing in May.
Alternatives
The authority to .impose a moratorium on condominium approvals
rests only with the City Council which may accept or reject the
Planning Commission's request. An urgency moratorium may be
imposed by vote of at least five Council members or a non-urgency
moratorium could be imposed in 30 days through regular Council
action. A 30 day delay would be far less satisfactory and add
further uncertainties for. pending projects.
Recommendation.
In view of the new rent control legislation, the need for clari-
fication and assessment of the procedures involved, it is respect-
fully recommended that the City Council act favorably upon the
Planning Commission's request by imposing a moratorium for 60 days
or more to be effective immediately on approval of any condo-
minium project involving either conversion or removal of existing
housing units and that the City staff be directed to prepare an
analysis of possible criteria covering future actions for the
Council's consideration.
Prepared by: James Lunsford
JL:bt
Moratorium
CITY PLANNING DEPARTMENT
CITY OF SANTA MONICA
M E M O RAN D U M
DATE: April 17, 1979
TO: The Honorable City Council
FROM: The City Planning Commission
SUBJECT: Request for a Moratorium on Condominium Projects
Involving Existing Rental Units
In view of the approval of the rent control initiative by the
electorate on April 10, 1979, the Planning .Commission recommends
that the City Council impose a moratorium on further condominium
conversions or new condominium projects involving removal of
existing units for a minimum of 60 days, and that during this
period criteria for future condominium procedures be developed.
This action was unanimously approved by the six members of the
Planning Commission present.
The Commission has deferred action on 17 condominium projects
involving either conversion or removal of existing housing
pending the City Council's consideration of this request.
Respectfully submitted,
DONALD G. MALCOLM, Chairman
City Planning Commission
City of Santa Monica