March 29, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica Businesses Navigate Red Tape: Businesses can benefit from banding together

Opening a new business or maintaining an independently owned shop in Santa Monica has never been an easy feat, especially when the economy is in a downward spiral.

Reports show that California shoppers are still tightening their purse strings as sales drop for the second fiscal year in a row, according to the State Board of Equalization. That’s almost a 20 percent drop in Los Angeles for 2009 from the year previous.

Santa Monica businesses attempt to draw in customers with sales promoted on banners and fanciful decorations on storefronts during even the smallest of holidays. The City diligently regulates these kinds of beautification projects, such as hanging holiday lights in trees lining the streets.

Chuck Dembo is a retail broker at Dembo Realty that understands the difficulty mom and pop businesses have as new merchants looking at the Montana Avenue business district.

“Historically the City has been very difficult with business owners who are looking to open,” Dembo said. “It’s a sign of the times. If you’re a developer, it’s a lot of red tape and some of the more sophisticated architects and with deeper pockets can afford to go through process.”

The City of Santa Monica regulates almost every aspect of a business from building architectural features to the look and amount of signage in the window. Three business improvement districts (BIO) in the city aim to assist businesses while they navigate a sea of red tape. Uniting this collaboration are three staff liaisons in the city Economic Development office, who are designated to work with the respective districts.

Miriam Mack, the economic development division manager for Santa Monica, said the bevy of regulations is for the “betterment of the city.” One business district that has excelled with City support is the Main Street Business Improvement Association. She said the Bayside District and Corporation regulate themselves and raise funds to install the plethora of lights and temporary decorations that flood the streets.

Mack stressed that any business district can come together to lobby for beautification projects in the “public domain,” which is any area outside of the private business. Businesses must first go to approval from the City for permits and construction bids to have temporary decorations installed, maintained, and tore down, she said, but individual signage and promotions are a separate regulation process. Individual regulations are a whole different beast for businesses with tedious approval and redesign processes.

The key to success when lobbying the City is utilizing a collective voice. Property taxes cover the cost of the elaborate light displays in areas of downtown, which were established by the Main St. BIO. Montana Avenue and Pico Boulevard both host art walks with allowance from the City to attract crowds. Mack said the City is available to facilitate such projects.

Pico Improvement Organization (PIO) Chairman Robert Kronovet called the “10 code enforcement officers” an inefficient use of taxpayer money when business districts should regulate themselves. Kronovet, who is running for City Council, called merchant associations the best way to keep jobs to sustain a city.

The PIO works with the City to throw an annual festival in order to promote area businesses and attract customers.

“What we experience is a centralized power structure and we want to do more on our own,” Kronovet said.

Peter Plath, the owner of the Pico Neighborhood shop Acapillow Home Furnishings, said independent owners like him are discouraged by the ordinances that have grown to be a detriment to these small businesses. Sending tickets is not the answer, he said, but finding a solution first with the merchant.

“During these trouble times we need the City to work with us as much as we can to work with the overall prosperity of the businesses,” Plath said.

in News
Related Posts

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....

Teen Kung Fu Coming to Pali Rec Center

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

This 8-week session, priced at $160, commences in April 2024 Palisades Recreation Center introduces Teen Kung Fu classes, fostering a...

After Securing $200K Grant, City Embarks on Action Plan for Older Adults, People with Disabilities and Caregivers

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The City Will Engage Experts, Nonprofit Partners, Commissioners, and Stakeholders to Spearhead the Planning Process The city of Santa Monica...

City Commences Phase 2 of Beach Restoration Project

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Project Will Enlarge the Habitat for Significant Native Species, Including the Federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover Phase 2 of...

Caltrans Extends Closure on Topanga Canyon Boulevard Due to Mud and Rockslide

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

PCH Closure on March 26 Adds to Local Road Closures, Seek Alternative Routes The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has...

Animal Rights Groups Demand an End to Turtle Racing at Brennan’s Pub

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Organization Says Its Tried to Contact the Westside Bar for Months By Zach Armstrong Among its numerous entertainment events...

SMC Unveils Spring 2024 Issue of Acclaimed Literary Journal, Author Readings Coming in April

March 24, 2024

March 24, 2024

The Issue Presents a Mix of New, Returning, and Debut Writers, Reflecting Diversity and Enduring Relationships Santa Monica College announced...