A Draft of the Proposed Ordinance, Along With a Summary of Community Feedback, Will Be Presented to the Planning Commission
Santa Monica is inviting residents and property owners to weigh in on proposed updates to municipal codes that would adjust height limits for fences, walls, and hedges in the front yard setbacks of multifamily zones.
The proposed changes, directed by the Santa Monica City Council earlier this year, would increase the maximum allowable height of fences, walls, and hedges within the front setbacks of R2, R3, and R4 multifamily zones from 3.5 feet to 5 feet.
Additionally, structures above 3.5 feet would need to include at least 50% visual transparency, and new guidelines would clarify how retaining walls are measured.
Residents can share their opinions through a digital survey available in both English and Spanish until Dec. 31. The front setback is defined as the area between the front of a building and the front property line, or 20 feet from the property line, whichever is smaller. On corner lots, the front property line is the shortest side facing a street.
A draft of the proposed ordinance, along with a summary of community feedback, will be presented to the Planning Commission early next year before the ordinance is submitted to the City Council for final approval.
Residents and property owners can provide feedback on the proposed changes through a digital survey, available in English and Spanish, through Dec. 31.
