Mass Timber Residential Tower Proposed Under SB 79 in Santa Monica

Applicant Bruce Adler has submitted plans to redevelop a single-family parcel at 1517 15th Street in Santa Monica into a 12-story residential building. Situated near the E Line's 17th Street/SMC Station, the project represents the city's second proposal utilizing Senate Bill 79, which took effect in July 2026 to allow by-right multifamily housing near major transit nodes.

The proposed development includes 32 one- and two-bedroom apartments with zero vehicular parking. To secure key development incentives and zoning waivers for its 138-foot height, the project reserves six units for very low-, low-, and moderate-income households. Architectural plans detail an 11-story mass timber structure resting on a single-story concrete base.

The submittal reflects growing transit-oriented density in the corridor, where nearby Metro-owned land and community housing developments are also slated for new residential construction.

For developers and investors, the project demonstrates how SB 79 and state density incentives can unlock significant vertical density on small single-family parcels located within transit priority areas.