Santa Monica Planning Commission Meeting October 7, 2026

At its October 7, 2026 meeting, the Santa Monica Planning Commission received an update on the airport-conversion plan. Staff said an RFP for the project’s environmental analysis had gone live, as had an RFP for planning and pre-design work on the immersive nature district and connectivity. The project is being developed in phases, with costs, implementation funding, and possible revenue or partnership models still to be assessed. Staff also noted that the City Council had accepted Prop 4 and Regional Parks and Open Space grants in July to support planning. Separately, the City’s Clarity permitting software is scheduled to launch for building permits on December 7; the planning and public works modules are expected later. No contract award or RFP selection was reported.

The Commission unanimously denied an appeal of the Architectural Review Board’s approval of a 102-unit housing project at 3205 Ocean Park Boulevard, including 16 affordable units. On a separate proposed development agreement for Orange Barrel Media’s digital display at 1355 Third Street, staff described a $30,000 one-time contribution and an annual community-benefit payment equal to the greater of 20% of advertising revenue or a $500,000 minimum guarantee, escalating 3% annually from June 2027. The agreement also provides 20% of operating time for City and art content and includes building-occupancy requirements. Commissioners supported recommending the agreement to Council while seeking additional tree-replacement mitigation; the available transcript excerpt does not capture the complete vote tally.