By Jorge Casuso
January 24, 2022 -- Due to the "devastating impact" of the coronavirus shutdown on Santa Monica's economy, the City Council on Tuesday is expected to extand the deadlines for building projects.
The proposed emergency ordinance would apply to projects with rights granted under "planning entitlements, permits and approvals" issued and still active as of March 13, 2020, according to staff's report to the Council.
The extension also would apply to entitlements, permits and approvals issued between March 13, 2020 and December 31, 2022, as well as to projects with applications received during that period, staff said.
The extended deadline is intended to "support continued economic recovery, as well as extend the public hearing timelines for applications associated with the historic preservation program," according to the report.
"A current and immediate threat to the public health, safety, and general welfare continues to exist due to the devastating impact the COVID-19-mandated closures and limitations have had on the local economy," staff wrote.
The proposed interim zoning regulations and emergency ordinances are "necessary to stimulate economic recovery and to protect the public health, safety, and welfare," staff said.
Most projects with palnning entitlements have two years to exercise rights, according to staff.
Those in the Coastal Zone have an additional six months, while most affrdable housing projects have three years.
The two-year extension would "allow applicants additional time to proceed with their projects due to the economic impacts of COVID-19, which has affected business operations and the construction industry," staff wrote.
Under the proposed emergency ordinance, requests for a time extension can be submitted "at any time prior to 30 days before" the permit expires, as opposed to the usual six months.
"The impacts of COVID-19 have increased the uncertainty for applicants who may need to request additional extensions beyond the two additional years already granted," staff said.
In addition, the proposed ordinance would extend the application public hearing deadline for Structure of Merit and Landmark designation to 100 days and for the Certificate of Appropriateness to 65 days.
It is proposed that the Structure of Merit and Landmark designation application public hearing deadline be extended to 100 days and the Certificate of Appropriateness public hearing deadline to 65 days.
The Landmarks Commission would then have 35 days to render a decision on a Structure of Merit or Landmarks designation application, staff said.
|
