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June 27, 2025 - July 3, 2025 Volume CXXIII Issue 214
Planning Commission Approves 18-Story Residential Tower on 6th Street, Rejects Environmental Appeal The 194-foot-tall building exceeds local height limits by 109 feet under California’s Density Bonus Law
The Santa Monica Planning Commission unanimously approved an 18-story, 172unit residential tower at 1437 6th Street on June 18 denying an appeal from the Supporters Alliance for Environmental Responsibility that sought a full environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act. The project, developed by 1437 6th Street Owner LLC, includes 26 affordable units and two levels of subterranean parking with 55 vehicle spaces and 88 bicycle spaces. Located in the Neighborhood Village zoning district, the 194-foot-tall building exceeds local height limits by 109 feet and increases the floor area ratio from 4.0 to 10.0 under California’s Density
Bonus Law. SAFER argued the project required CEQA review, citing its discretionary nature and the demolition of a potentially historic building at 1433 6th Street. The group claimed the Architectural Review Board (ARB), which approved the project’s design on April 21 has authority to address environmental impacts, including public health and safety, under the Santa Monica Municipal Code. The commission, acting as an appellate body, rejected the appeal, affirming the project’s exemption from CEQA as a ministerial action under Section 15268 of CEQA Guidelines. Commissioners stated their review was limited to design elements, such as materials, colors, and landscaping, and lacked authority to impose environmental mitigations. They cited legal precedent, including a 2018 case from St. Helena, to support the exemption. The project’s design features two vertical forms: one with white plaster inspired by local architecture and another with an allglass facade. It includes balconies, a roof deck, and operable windows for all units.
The ARB imposed conditions to enhance the east and west elevations and ensure appropriate plant selection. The commission also noted that the site’s historic status was not designated at the time of the project’s application, and state law prohibits retroactive historic determinations after an application is deemed complete. No landmarks
designation was proposed during the required 75-day review period. SAFER’s appeal, filed April 29, did not allege specific environmental impacts but focused on procedural claims. The commission’s decision, required within 30 days of the hearing under local and settlement agreement terms, finalizes the ARB’s approval.
Santa Monica Police Arrest Shooting Suspect After Officer Ambushed Near Downtown Mall Man Linked to Waymo Vehicle Gunfire Taken Into Custody Following Tense Manhunt The suspect wanted in connection with a shooting that injured two teenagers in a Waymo vehicle last weekend was taken into custody Wednesday following an ambush on a Santa Monica police officer near a busy downtown shopping center. Authorities said the arrest occurred after a three-hour manhunt prompted by a confrontation near Santa Monica Place, where the suspect allegedly opened fire on an officer attempting to approach him. The officer recognized the individual from a department bulletin linked to a recent non-fatal shooting involving gunfire directed at a self-driving Waymo vehicle that injured two teens. According to Santa Monica Police Chief Ramon Batista, during a press conference,
was recovered at the scene, and police later confirmed the man was the same individual sought in both shooting investigations. As of Wednesday evening, authorities had not released the suspect’s name or other details other than that he is believed to be a transient.
“After identifying himself as a police officer, a short foot pursuit ensued, where the officer was ambushed. The suspect fired multiple rounds at the officer and fled the area on foot.” Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete stated that the suspect is believed to be responsible for the Waymo shooting. Batista reported that the officer is in good spirits but has sustained serious, but nonlife-threatening wounds. The suspect was reportedly located near Montana and Ocean Avenues. A handgun believed to have been used in the ambush
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