100% Affordable Housing in Downtown Santa Monica

The Commission unanimously approved a 100% affordable housing project on 4th Street in downtown Santa Monica, replacing a previous city-owned parking structure that was underutilized. The Commission approved removal of the parking structure in a previous CDP, knowing full well that the City’s intent was to replace it with much-needed coastal zone affordable housing. 

The complex will include 122 rental units of various sizes, along with services for residents including laundry, a play area for children, and a ground level grocery store that will be open to the public. The project received fast-track approval thanks to state legislation by Assemblymember Wicks (AB 2011 and AB 2243), bills which streamline affordable housing in commercially-zoned areas. However, the Commission placed one meaningful condition on the property: requiring the units to remain 100% affordable for the life of the building, rather than the standard 55 year deed restriction that was included in Wicks’ bills. 

Commissioners expressed uniform support for the project. Commissioner Escalante called the project “a beautiful thing.” Commissioner Lopez applauded the applicant, EAH Housing, having seen firsthand their transformative work in providing affordable housing in Marina as well as farmworker housing in Greenfield, both in Monterey County where he serves as a County Supervisor.

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Recent years have seen growing criticism of the Commission, with some alleging it discriminates against or obstructs new housing development. Multiple bills have been introduced in Sacramento seeking to exempt various housing types from Coastal Act review. While we share concerns about inequitable coastal access—California's coastline remains overwhelmingly wealthy and white—these legislative proposals overlook a crucial fact: the Commission's affordable housing authority was stripped away by the Legislature itself through the 1981 Mello Act.

From 1977 to 1981, the Commission was a powerhouse for coastal housing equity. It protected roughly 1,200 existing affordable units from demolition and required developers to include approximately 5,000 deed-restricted affordable units in new market-rate projects. That's 6,200 affordable units created or protected in 4 years. This aggressive approach made real progress toward economic diversity along the coast. But the Legislature eliminated this authority four decades ago, severely constraining the Commission's ability to address coastal housing inequity. The Commission itself strongly opposed this repeal at the time. Then-Chairman Lenard Grote warned at a legislative hearing that revoking that power would "make sure that the ability to live near the coast is reserved for the wealthy." He was right.

Even with the limitations imposed on them by the state legislature, the Commission continues championing affordable housing wherever it can. The 4th Street project's unanimous approval—like last year's Venice Dell approval—demonstrates the Commission's commitment to facilitating affordable development while upholding coastal protections.

The Coastal Zone desperately needs more affordable housing. Californians from all walks of life deserve to live, work, and enjoy our coastline. Affordable housing and coastal protection aren't competing values—they're complementary goals. When we work together, we can deliver both: homes for working families alongside thriving beaches, intact ecosystems, and public access for everyone. Projects like this one prove it's possible.

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