Adaptive Reuse

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Adaptive Reuse Ordinance Adopted!

On October 8, 2024, the City of Santa Monica adopted the new Adaptive Reuse Ordinance to create new housing opportunities in existing buildings. Adaptive reuse is one of the strategies identified in the City's certified 6th Cycle Housing Element to adress the City's housing needs while also providing a solution to rising vacancy trends of existing buildings. Adaptive reuse refers to the repurposing of an existing building and updating it for a new use. 

The Adaptive Reuse Ordinance (SMMC Section 9.31.035) establishes a new adaptive reuse program to remove zoning and process barriers and create new incentives to convert existing buildings to residential use. For more information, please refer to the Adaptive Reuse Ordinance handout.

News and Events

City Council Meeting Final Adoption

On October 8, 2204, the City Council adopted the second reading of the Adaptive Reuse Ordinance (new Section 9.31.035 of the Santa Monica Zoning Ordinance). The final ordinance can be found here (starting on page 190 of the PDF):

The staff report on the Adaptive Reuse Ordinance from the September 24, 2024 City Council first reading of the Ordinance held can be found here: Council Adoption

A recording of the September 24, 2024 meeting on the first reading of the ARO can be viewed online


Planning Commission Session - August 7, 2024
6:00 PM

The Planning Commission held a hearing to review and recommend the amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to implement Housing Element's Phase 2 programs, which includes the Adaptive Reuse Ordinance (see item 11-A). The Planning Commission voted to recommend to the Council adoption of the draft ARO into the Zoning Ordinance. 

Scenario Modeling of Potential Adaptive Reuse Projects by Omgivning

Presentation to Planning Commission on draft ARO


City Council Study Session - June 11, 2024
5:30 PM

The City Council held a study session to discuss and provide direction to City staff on implementation of the Housing Element's Phase 2 programs, which includes the adaptive reuse ordinance. Staff report and agenda (see item 7-A) is posted on City Council Agenda webpage


Technical Working Group Session #2 - June 5, 2024
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

The City hosted a second virtual working group session to discuss strategies and potential amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to incentivize adaptive reuse of buildings to residential use. The discussion focused on the draft strategy for the ordinance and the waiver/reduction of development standards for adaptive reuse projects. Powerpoint presentation is posted below:


Planning Commission Study Session - May 8, 2024
6:00 PM 

The Planning Commission held a study session to discuss and provide direction to City staff on implementation of the Housing Element's Phase 2 programs, which includes the adaptive reuse ordinance. Staff report and agenda (see item 8-C) is posted on the Planning Commission agenda webpage.


Technical Working Group Session #1 - May 2, 2024
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

The City hosted its technical working group session virtually to discuss strategies and potential amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to incentivize adaptive reuse of buildings to residential use. The focus of this first session was on process incentives. Presentation and video from the session can be accessed below:


Introductory Public Session

The City held an introductory public session on the Adaptive Reuse Ordinance on March 28, 2024. Presentation and video can be accessed below: