Santa Monica : Excavation Limit Approved

Property in residential districts may no longer be fully excavated. The City Council passed a 45-day emergency moratorium that prohibits excavation that is not directly beneath the existing structure.

Such development is “beyond the level of intensity that was intended” under current standards, a staff report stated.

Councilwoman Christine Reed proposed the measure after seeing underground garages built nearly to the foot of the sidewalk in residential areas. Reed was concerned that construction of underground structures may prevent rain from soaking through to the ground water and that this would create excess runoff.

The City Council is expected to hold a hearing on the matter next month.