City Eases Housing Restrictions, Monitors Price Gouging, Provides Resources
The city of Santa Monica is taking steps to support businesses, protect consumers, and assist displaced residents in the wake of regional wildfires, officials announced Wednesday.
All Santa Monica areas north of San Vicente Boulevard remain under an Evacuation Warning. Residents may voluntarily return to this area but should remain prepared with gathered essentials and be ready to leave if conditions worsen.
There are currently no mandatory evacuation orders in the city of Santa Monica and no active fires in Santa Monica. This is the latest map for the city of Santa Monica.
Under an emergency order, the city has eased restrictions on short-term rentals to help those impacted by the fires find temporary housing. Property owners can rent homes, apartments, and accessory dwelling units for less than 30 days during the emergency, without minimum lease requirements. Rent control laws remain in effect, and the city has pledged to monitor and strictly enforce anti-price gouging measures. For more information on housing for fire victims, including
how property owners can offer units for rent, click here.
Residents or property owners offering units to displaced individuals must complete a registration form and obtain a business license. To find more information on price gouging click here.
The Emergency Does Not:
- Suspend the City’s local rent control or just cause eviction laws. These remain in effect.
- Remove affordability restrictions and the requirement to utilize the City’s Below Market Housing Waitlist on deed-restricted affordable residences within the City of Santa Monica.
- Waive Federal Section 8 Voucher restrictions which prevent voucher holders from subleasing or short-term renting their residence.
The Consumer Protection Unit of the Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office is investigating reports of price gouging. State law prohibits price increases exceeding 10% on goods, services, or housing after a declared emergency. Complaints can be filed by emailing Consumer.Mailbox@santamonica.gov or visiting smconsumer.org.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is providing free walk-in counseling and disaster loan assistance to affected businesses and homeowners. Counseling sessions are available at the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce Hours on Monday through Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 2525 Main St. #103 – this service will not be available on Monday, January 20 due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
Santa Monica businesses are also offering promotions and discounts to evacuees and first responders, including reduced rates at hotels and deals at restaurants, salons, and retail shops. Residents are encouraged to support local businesses by purchasing gift cards or visiting establishments in person. Support local vendors at the Santa Monica Farmers Market, now open in all locations as regularly scheduled.
The Santa Monica Pier invites the community to support by purchasing gift cards from Santa Monica restaurants, shops, and small businesses and bringing them to Locals’ Night on Jan. 23. Gift cards will be collected and donated to those in need.
As regional air quality improves, the city encourages residents to take advantage of public transit or use Santa Monica’s bike network. The Big Blue Bus and Metro E Line have resumed normal fare collection after temporarily suspending fares for evacuees.
Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) remains closed north of Lincoln Boulevard, with alternate routes available through I-10. Areas north of San Vicente Boulevard remain under evacuation warnings, and residents returning voluntarily should remain prepared to leave if conditions worsen.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued guidance on safe cleanup, air quality precautions, and ocean water safety. Santa Monica officials assured residents that the city’s tap water remains safe to drink.
You can watch a video message from the city regarding drinking water safety:
