Santa Monica’s City Council voted to upzone the Pico neighborhood under California SB 79, targeting single-family homes for higher-density development near major transit. Residents said the change threatens their properties after the Council meeting was canceled and staff instead heard public comments.
WHO:Santa Monica City Council; Santa Monica community development staff; Planning Commission and staff recommendations; local Pico residents
WHAT:Council upzoned Pico under SB 79, applying transit-area density rules to single-family homes despite staff and Planning Commission recommendations favoring multi-family areas.
WHEN:Reported Sep 4, 2026 at 2:59 AM ET
WHERE:Santa Monica, CA
WHY:Routine/scheduled item — no distinct cause reported beyond the event itself.
Reporting from 1 identified publisher for this event.
