Most of Santa Monica isn’t right on the ocean, and these stucco boxes end up all over the city.
I’m talking affluent neighborhoods in LA with bigger lots in general – parts of Palisades, Brentwood, Santa Monica north of San Vicente, Beverly Hills, etc.
The new rule is the square footage of a home cannot exceed 1/2 the lot size. That is the exact same law in place in Los Angeles. What is the problem??
I dislike the city council of Santa Monica (trying to tear down public infrastructure to increase property values), but I do support them when they make a rational decision like this.
This is temporary rule is clearly supported by old people who bought a home back when Santa Monica was not as wealthy as it is today. It’s kind of annoying how old people fight until death to prevent change from taking place. Whether they like it or not, big homes are the future of Santa Monica, especially when it cost at least $3,000,000 to buy a home in most of the city. Why the heck would I spend millions to live in a tiny house?!
wealthy people are the only people who can afford to buy a home in Santa Monica and most of them want homes with all the bells and whistles – big open kitchens, walk-in closets and master bedroom suites etc. they aren’t interested in cramming into a little bungalow that still cost a fortune.
All these people complaining Santa Monica is "losing its character" – it hasn’t lost a thing – it’s still packed with bitchy, rich NIMBYs, and that will likely be its character until the end of time or a massive tsunami wipes it off the map.
Costa Hawkins: the California law renters want repealed, explained
Interesting and insightful comments. I would only add that capping someone’s return on investment is at the root of this argument: Any sane person would select any investment that rises at market rate (or better) over one that is capped so low. In this way, rent control discourages investment and sadly encourages the ongoing shortage of units. Rent control’s goals were noble and well-meaning but the results have been the opposite of their intended effect.
If you believe rent control works, peruse listings in Santa Monica.