The liberal, affluent enclave of Santa Monica is infamous for its controversies over growth policy. A proposed Zoning Ordinance Update (ZOU), currently under consideration by the City Council, has struck a nerve.
Larry Mantle details the debate surrounding a controversial zoning code update in the beach community of Santa Monica in Los Angeles County. Mantle's coverage is included in a 20-minute discussion on Air Talk, a show on the Southern California Public Radio station KPCC.
The introduction text to the show sets the scene for the ZOU debate:
"It’s the first comprehensive change to the city’s zoning in more than three decades, and local no-growth activists are rallying against it. They say it'll change the character of their 'beach town,' and are demanding an overall height reduction of all zoning standards and a ban childcare in single-family neighborhoods. But supporters say the reality is that Southern California needs to build more homes."
The show includes guests on either side of the issue, including Jason Islas of Santa Monica Next, who last year made a strong statement about overdevelopment in Santa Monica—for cars, that is.
Other recent local media coverage includes an article by David Mark Simpson, who details a marathon City Council hearing on April 14, 2015. Niki Cervantes also reports that a slow growth group by the name of Residocracy has gathered a petition in opposition to the ZOU.
According to the city of Santa Monica Planning and Community Development Department website, the ZOU "is being carried out by the City’s Planning and Community Development Department (PCD) to implement the 2010 Land Use and Circulation Element (LUCE)." A final vote on the ZOU is expected next month.
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