El Segundo Municipal Code Art. D Housing Overlay (h-O) Zone

SECTION:

• 15-7D-1: Purpose

• 15-7D-2: Development Standards

• 15-7D-3: LandscapeLandscaping

• 15-7D-4: Off Street Parking And Loading Spaces

• 15-7D-54: Signs

• 15-7D-65: Vehicular Access

• 15-7D-76: Affordable Housing Developments

• 15-7D-1: PURPOSE:

The purpose of this zone is to provide consistency with and implement policies related to those locations which are designated Housing Overlay on the General Plan land use map and in the General Plan text. This overlay permits multiple dwelling units at high densities to facilitate meeting the City’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation and Housing Element goals. (Ord. 1657, 5-7-2024)

15-7D-2: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS:

The following development standards apply to the Housing Overlay parcels located in these four neighborhoods.

A. General Provisions:

1. As provided by chapter 2 of this title.

2. New dwelling units must be internally integrated and connected.

3. An addition to, or extension of, a dwelling unit, except a garage, must share a common wall and be internally integrated and connected to the existing dwelling unit.

B. Lot Area: A minimum of 7,000 square feet.

C. Height:

1. The height of all buildingsBuildings or structures with a pitched roof shallmust not exceed 47 feet and three stories. Buildings or structures with a flat roof must not exceed 41 feet and three stories.

2. A maximum grade differential of six feet is permitted on sloping lots. The vertical height which exceeds the maximum grade differential limit is included in measuring the maximum building height. On sloped lots, a segmented grade plane may be applied to different portions of a building.

3. See section 15-2-3 of this title for exceptions to building height.

D. Setbacks:

1. Front Yard: Structures must maintain a minimum setback of 15 feet with the exception of , except for structures fronting Franklin Avenue, where no setback is required. Entry gates for vehicular access must maintain a minimum setback of 20 feet.

a. Porches, verandas, courtyards, raised decks, or pergolas may encroach into the front-yard setback a maximum of six feet.

2. Side yard facing a side street: Structures must maintain a minimum setback of Ten10 percent of the width of the lot, but shall never be less than three feet and need not be more than five feet, except if parking garages or covered parking spaces face a street, then the minimum setback shall be 20 feet.

3. Side yard facing an adjacent lot: Structures must maintain a minimum setback of Ten10 percent of the width of the lot on each side of the lot, but shall never be less than three feet and need not be more than five feet. Detached accessory structures, located in the rear one-third of the lot, are allowed zero setback on one interior side lot line.

4. Side yard, reversed corner: Reversed corner lots shall have the following side yard with a triangular area described as follows: one angle shall be formed by the rear and street side property lines, and the sides of this angle shall be 15 feet in length, measured along the rear and street side property lines. The third side of this triangle shall be a straight line connecting the two other lines at their endpoints. This triangular side yard setback area shall be in addition to the other side yard setback requirements described in subsections D2 and D3 of this section.

5. Rear Yard: A minimum of Primary structures must maintain a minimum setback of 10 feet.

6. Rear Yard: Detached accessory structures are allowed zero setback on the rear property line and on one interior lot side line in the rear one-third of the lot. , except as provided in subsection H2 below.

E. Lot Width: A minimum of 50 feet.

F. Unit size:

1. The minimum unit size per dwelling unit shall be 250 gross square feet.

2. The average unit size for all dwelling units shall be at least 600 gross square feet.

G. Density: The maximum permitted density shall be 65 dwelling units per acre.

H. Placement Of Buildings And Structures:

1. A minimum distance of three feet must be maintained between buildings.

2. A detached accessory structure in the rear one-third of the lot may be located on the rear and one interior side lot line, unless one of the following conditions exists:

a. Where the lot rears upon an alley and the vehicular entrance to the detached accessory structure is from the alley, such detached accessory structure shall be set back a distance measured from the opposite side of the alley that will provide a turning radius as follows:

(1) 90 degrees - 25 feet

(2) 75 degrees - 21 feet

(3) 60 degrees - 18 feet

(4) 45 degrees - 18 feet

b. On the rear third of a reversed corner lot, a detached accessory structure may be built to the interior lot side line, but no building shall be erected closer than five feet to the property line of any abutting lot to the rear. However, if an alley intervenes and the vehicular entrance to the detached accessory building is directly from the street side, a detached accessory building may be built to the rear lot line.

c. Notwithstanding the above, a detached accessory dwelling unit must be set back at least four feet from interior side and rear property lines.

I. Lot Coverage: All buildings, including detached accessory buildings, may cover 100 percent of the lot area, except for any required setback and/or open space areas.

J. Common Recreation Facility Requirements: A minimum of 50 square feet of common recreational facility space is required per unit for buildings with 21 or more units.

K. Building Frontage: No plane of a building wall facing a building along a street-facing property line shall exceed 140 feet in width.

1. Developments that include more than one building shall maintain a minimum 25 feet open-to-the-sky separation to allow for landscape, courtyards, and passageways.

L. Massing Modulation: The top story of all new developmentsFor new developments, the top story’s gross floor area must be a maximum 70 percent of the largest floor area oflargest story in the building.

1. Notwithstanding the above, ifIf more than ten10 percent of the total number of dwelling units in a building are three or more-bedroom units, the top story’s gross floor area must be a maximum of 90 percent of the largest floor areastory of the building.

M. Building Wall Modulation: No plane of a building wall facing a property line shall exceed 36 feet in height or length without at least a two-foot offset for a minimum length of six feet in the wall plane. When expanding or adding onto the height or length of an existing building wall, only the expansion or addition shall not exceed 36 feet without wall modulation. Below is an example of wall modulation for walls up to 43 feet:

1. Buildings are exempt from the above wall modulation standard if at least one of the following components are integrated into the building design:

a. Windows that are recessed or projected at least three inches from the wall plane.

b. Three feet of landscaped building setback on street-facing sides in addition to the existing setback standards.

c. Two or more materials on street-facing facades.

N. Balconies: External Balconies facing an abutting R-1 zoned neighborhoodsproperty are prohibited.

O. Condominium Conversions: Condominiums and stock cooperatives converted from multiple-family dwellings shall meet all the requirements for condominiums in effect at the time they were originally constructed. If there were no condominium standards in effect at the time of construction, the conversion shall comply with the condominium standards of ordinance 898, adopted January 20, 1976.

P. Detached Accessory Buildings:

1. Unless permitted as an accessory dwelling unit pursuant to article 15-4E of this title, detached accessory buildings shall not contain a kitchen or kitchen facilities, a bathtub or shower and shall not be used for sleeping purposes. Each multi-family lot is permitted no more than two detached accessory dwelling units.

2. Detached accessory buildings, except detached accessory dwelling units, shall not be rented or used as a separate dwelling unit or as an “R” occupancy, as defined by the California Building Code, except that they may contain a sink and a toilet.

3. Prior to issuance of a building permit for a detached accessory structure, except a detached accessory dwelling unit, the Director shall require the recording of a covenant to run with the land, which states that the accessory structure shall not be used in violation of this subsection.

Q. Parking:

1. A minimum of one parking space per bedroom is required. No more than two parking spaces are required per unit.

2. Standard residential parking dimensions in the Housing Overlay shall be 8.5' W X 18' L8.5 feet by 18 feet.

3. Tandem and mechanical parking shall be permitted for two or more-bedroom units.

4. Notwithstanding the standards in this section, see Section 15-5-5 for additional parking area design standards.Chapter 15 of this title for additional off-street parking and loading standards.

15-7D-3: LANDSCAPING:

A. Except where not allowed per the placement of existing utilities, one deciduous or evergreen on-site tree must be provided per 25 feet of street-facing frontage length along the front-yard, rear-yard, and street-facing side-yard setbacks.

1. Trees must be planted within a maximum of ten10 feet of the property line.

B. Those setback areas fronting upon a public street must incorporate a minimum of 50 percent softscape and a maximum of 50 percent hardscape in the landscape, except for those portions devoted to vehicular parking. In addition, those portions of the property which abut a different zoning classification must be landscaped with trees and shrubs to provide an effective buffer from adjoining property.

C. The setback areas may contain artificial turf or synthetic grass in the side and rear yards only, provided that it: 1) is not harmful to the environment (such as containing lead based or other hazardous materials); 2) includes a pervious surface to address percolation, drainage, runoff, and stormwater detention requirements; and 3) is incorporated into a comprehensive landscaping design and site plan.

D. Drought-tolerant plants must be utilized in the landscape. (Ord. 1657, 5-7-2024)

15-7D-4: OFF STREET PARKING AND LOADING SPACES:

Off-street parking shall be provided as required by Chapter 15 of this title. (Ord. 1657, 5-7-2024)

15-7D-54: SIGNS:

Signs in the Housing Overlay Zone shall comply with the requirements of chapter 18 of this title. (Ord. 1657, 5-7-2024)

15-7D-65: VEHICULAR ACCESS:

Where a Housing Overlay lot abuts an alley, vehicular access to the lot must be from the alley. Curb cuts and driveways must be installed in conformance with section 15-15-5 of this title. (Ord. 1657, 5-7-2024)

15-7D-76: AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS:

Housing developments in which at least 20 percent of residential units are affordable to lower-income households shall be considered a by-right use as defined in Government Code Section 65583.2.

SECTION 29: ESMC Subsection 15-15-3(G) (General Provisions: Expansion or Remodeling of Building, or Change in Use) is amended as follows:

H. Expansion Or Remodeling Of Building, Or Change In Use:

1. Expansion Of Building Or Use, Generally: Upon change or expansion of a building, or outdoor use area resulting in additional floor area devoted to a use, additional outdoor use area, or an increase in the number of dwelling units on a lot, additional parking and loading spaces must be provided only for the additional floor area, outdoor use area, or residential units without diminishing the existing parking, unless such parking exceeds the requirements of this chapter.

2. Addition Of Floor Area To A Dwelling Unit: Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the cumulative addition of one thousand (1,000) square feet of gross floor area to a residential unit upon the effective date hereof must comply with the minimum parking requirements for residential units as established in this chapter.

3. Change Of Use, Generally: When the use of a building changes to another use that is required to have the same number of parking spaces, no additional parking spaces are required for the new use, regardless of the number of spaces provided by the previous use, if the previous use was legally established and the number of spaces has not decreased. When a change in use requires more off street parking than the previous use, additional parking spaces must be provided equal in number to the difference between the total number of spaces required by the new use and the number of spaces required for the immediately previous use. When a change in use requires less off street parking than the previous use, no additional parking spaces are required.

SECTION 30: ESMC Subsection 15-15-5(D) (Parking Space Location) is amended as follows:

D. Parking Space Location:

1. Residential:

a. Required parking spaces, excepting guest spaces, must be located within a garage or carport as required in Subsection S of this Section.

b. No required guest parking space may be located, in whole or in part, in a required front yard or front two-thirds of a required side yard.

2. Nonresidential and Mixed-Use:

a. Parking spaces may encroach into a required street-facing setback up to a maximum of 50 percent of the required setback area, provided a minimum landscaped setback of five feet is maintained. Parking spaces may encroach into a required interior side and rear setback up to the interior side or rear property line, provided that the interior side and rear property line does not abut a public or private street.

b. Parking spaces that back up directly into a driveway entrance must maintain a minimum landscaped setback of 20 feet from any street facing property line.

c. Where vehicular access is provided by an alley, parking may intrude into the required rear yard; provided, however, the amount of setback intruded upon must be replaced by increasing the other required yards on site by an equivalent amount.

FIGURE 2 - PARKING SPACE LOCATION

[Figure]

SECTION 31: ESMC Subsection 15-15-5(H) (Parking Space Dimensions) is amended as follows:

H. Parking Space Dimensions:

1. Minimum Interior Dimensions:

Notes:

1. Lots under 40 feet in width.

2. The dimensions of accessible parking spaces must comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), title III and California Code of Regulations (CCR), California Access Code, title 24.

3. Each bicycle space must accommodate one 2-bicycle capacity rack.

4. Single-Family Dwellings:

a. Two-car garages must have minimum interior dimensions of 20 feet by 20 feet, except for narrow lots as indicated below.

FIGURE 4 - SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING GARAGE

[Figure]

b. Individual garages must not exceed 900 square feet in size or a four car capacity, whichever is less. Subterranean garages and semi-subterranean garages that meet the definition of a basement are exempt from this requirement.

3. The Director may approve adjustments to the parking space dimensions standards as provided in Chapters 22 and 23 of this title.

SECTION 32: ESMC Subsection 15-15-5(I) (Compact Spaces) is amended as follows:

I. Compact Spaces: Compact parking is allowed for office, industrial, hotel, mixed-uses, and recreational uses up to a maximum of 20 percent of required parking spaces. Parking provided in excess of the required number may be compact in size. Compact spaces cannot be allowed for retail uses.

SECTION 33: ESMC Subsection 15-15-5(J) (Tandem Spaces) is amended as follows:

J. Tandem Spaces: All tandem parking spaces, where allowed, must be clearly outlined on the surface of the parking facility.

TANDEM SPACES PERMITTED

Notes:

1. Tandem spaces for single- and two-family dwellings must be assigned to the same unit.

2. Tandem parking is permitted for multiple-family residential developments involving density bonuses, pursuant to Government Code section 65915.

3. Parking provided in excess of the required number may be tandem in configuration.

The Director may approve adjustments to the required number and standards for tandem parking spaces as provided in Chapters 22 and 23 of this title, subject to conditions. The conditions may include recording of a covenant agreement, requiring a parking attendant, requiring valet service, and other operational conditions. The Director may also approve tandem parking in excess of the above limits for permitted temporary uses and/or special events.

SECTION 34: ESMC Subsection 15-15-5(N) (Driveway and Curb Cuts) is amended as follows:

N. Driveway and Curb Cuts: All curb cuts and driveways must lead directly to required parking. Curb cuts not leading to parking, must be removed whenever new buildings are constructed or additions are made to existing buildings. The location and design of all driveway entrances and exits must comply with the standards listed below. The goal of these standards is to: 1) preserve on street parking spaces, 2) improve traffic safety, and 3) improve on site vehicle circulation.

1. Driveway and Curb Cut Width:

Note:

1. Curb cut width excludes the width of aprons.

2. Curb Cut Locations:

FIGURE 8 - CURB CUT AND DRIVEWAY LOCATIONS

[Figure]

3. The Director may approve adjustments to the driveway and curb cut standards as provided in Chapters 22 and 23 of this title.

SECTION 35: ESMC Subsection 15-15-5(Q) (Parking Structure Standards) is amended as follows:

Q. Parking Structure Standards:

1. The following setback requirements apply to all subterranean parking facilities:

Note:

1. The parking structure must be designed in such a manner as to maintain sufficient soil above for landscaping (ground cover, shrubs and trees) to grow above grade.

2. The Director may approve adjustments to the parking structure standards as provided in Chapters 22 and 23 of this title.

SECTION 36: ESMC Subsection 15-15-5(R) (Special Residential Parking Provisions) is amended as follows:

R. Special Residential Parking Provisions:

1. Covered parking: All required parking spaces must be covered and enclosed in the following manner:

*Not applicable to mixed-use developments

2. Residential Garage Openings: All garages must meet the minimum and maximum widths listed below:

*Not applicable to mixed-use developments

3. Residential Turn Radius Requirements:

a. One or two car garages located behind a residence must provide a minimum turning radius of 25 feet.

b. Residential garages that take access directly from an alley may measure the required turn radius to the opposite side of the alley.

FIGURE 10 - RESIDENTIAL TURN RADIUS AND ALLEY ACCESS

[Figure]

4. The Director may approve adjustments to the special residential parking provisions standards as provided in Chapters 22 and 23 of this title.

S. Vehicle Lifts: Vehicle lifts may be used by right to provide off street parking spaces on lots in the single-family residential (R-1) zone and the two-family residential (R-2) zone where the vehicle lifts provide parking in excess of the minimum number of required parking spaces subject to the standards in this section and in this chapter.

1. An administrative use permit is required for vehicle lifts providing required off street parking spaces on lots in the R-1 and R-2 zones subject to the following:

a. The vehicle lift must be located only within a fully enclosed garage.

b. A vehicle lift may only be used to store two vehicles vertically where a minimum vertical height clearance from the floor to the ceiling plate of the garage is a minimum of 14 feet clear of obstructions.

c. A vehicle lift must be designed and used as a designated parking space for use only by occupants in the same dwelling unit as the parking space located directly below the vehicle lift.

d. A vehicle lift must be permitted only if it is operated with an automatic shutoff safety device, is installed according to manufacturer specifications, and is operable at all times.

2. In nonresidential and mixed-use zones, vehicle lifts are permitted as tandem spaces, subject to the limitations in ESMC § 15-15-5(K), and may store up to two vehicles vertically.

SECTION 37: Subsection (A) of § 15-15-6 (Automobile spaces required) is amended as follows:

A. Automobile Spaces Required

SECTION 38: Enforceability.

Repeal of any provision of the ESMC does not affect any penalty, forfeiture, or liability incurred before, or preclude prosecution and imposition of penalties for any violation occurring before this Ordinance’s effective date. Any such repealed part will remain in full force and effect for sustaining action or prosecuting violations occurring before the effective date of this Ordinance.

SECTION 39: Validity of Previous Code Sections.

If this entire Ordinance or its application is deemed invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, any repeal or amendment of the ESMC or other city ordinance by this Ordinance will be rendered void and cause such previous ESMC provision or other the city ordinance to remain in full force and effect for all purposes.

SECTION 40: Severability.

If any part of this Ordinance or its application is deemed invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the City Council intends that such invalidity will not affect the effectiveness of the remaining provisions or applications and, to this end, the provisions of this Ordinance are severable.

SECTION 41: Recording.

The City Clerk is directed to certify the passage and adoption of this Ordinance; cause it to be entered into the City of El Segundo’s book of original ordinances; make a note of the passage and adoption in the records of this meeting; and, within fifteen (15) days after the passage and adoption of this Ordinance, cause it to be published or posted in accordance with California law.

SECTION 42: Execution.

The Mayor or presiding officer is hereby authorized to affix his signature to this Ordinance signifying its adoption by the City Council, and the City Clerk, or duly appointed deputy, is directed to attest thereto.

SECTION 43: Electronic Signatures.

This Ordinance may be executed with electronic signatures in accordance with Government Code §16.5. Such electronic signatures will be treated in all respects as having the same effect as an original signature.

SECTION 44: Effectiveness. This Ordinance will go into effect and be in full force and effect on the thirty-first (31st) day after its passage and adoption.

PASSED AND ADOPTED this 7 th day of July, 2026.

____________________________

Chris Pimentel, Mayor

ATTEST:

________________________________

Susan Truax, City Clerk

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

________________________________

Mark D. Hensley, City Attorney

CERTIFICATION

STATE OF CALIFORNIA )

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS

CITY OF EL SEGUNDO )

I, Susan Truax, City Clerk of the City of El Segundo, California, do hereby certify that the whole number of members of the City Council of said City is five; that the foregoing Ordinance No. 1684 was duly introduced by said City Council at a regular meeting held on the 16th day of June, 2026, and was duly passed and adopted by said City Council, approved and signed by the Mayor, and attested to by the City Clerk, all at a regular meeting of said Council held on the 7th day of July, 2026, and the same was so passed and adopted by the following vote:

AYES: Mayor Pimentel, Mayor Pro Tem Baldino, Council Member Giroux, and Council Member Keldorf

NOES: None

ABSENT: Council Member Boyles

ABSTAIN: None

WITNESS MY HAND THE OFFICIAL SEAL OF SAID CITY this 7 th day of July, 2026.

Susan Truax, City Clerk

of the City of El Segundo,

California

ORDINANCE NO. 1685

AN URGENCY INTERIM ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO, ENACTED PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65858, EXTENDING TO AND THROUGH SEPTEMBER 15, 2026 THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF ORDINANCE NO. 1683 IMPOSING A 45-DAY MORATORIUM ON THE APPROVAL OF ANY LAND USE ENTITLEMENTS, PERMITS, OR OTHER APPROVALS FOR MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL HOUSING PROJECTS WITH MORE THAN TEN UNITS UNLESS THE HOUSING PROJECT INCLUDES A SPECIFIED AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMPONENT, AND FINDING THAT ADOPTION OF THIS URGENCY INTERIM ORDINANCE IS EXEMPT FROM THE PROVISIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT

The Council of the City of El Segundo does ordain as follows:

SECTION 1: This Ordinance is adopted pursuant to Government Code Sections 36937 and 65858, and other applicable laws.

SECTION 2: Findings: The El Segundo City Council finds, determines and declares as follows:

A. On June 16, 2026, at a duly noticed public meeting, the City Council adopted an urgency interim ordinance (Ordinance No. 1683) pursuant to the provisions of Government Code 65858 imposing a temporary 45-day moratorium on the approval of any land use entitlements, permits, or other approvals for multi-family residential housing projects with more than ten units unless the housing project includes a specified affordable housing component.

B. Ordinance No. 1683 will expire on July 31, 2026, unless extended pursuant to Government Code section 65858, which authorizes the City Council, after notice pursuant to Government Code section 65090 and a public hearing, to extend the Ordinance for 10 months and 15 days, upon approval by a four-fifths vote, and upon making the same findings required for the initial adoption of the interim ordinance.

C. Government Code section 65858(d) requires the City Council, at least ten days prior to expiration of the interim ordinance or any extension thereof, to issue a written report describing the measures taken to alleviate the condition that led to the adoption of the interim ordinance. The written report was issued on June 26, 2026.

D. On July 7, 2026, in accordance with Government Code section 65858, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing to consider extending Ordinance No. 1683 for a period of ten months and fifteen days from the date that the Ordinance would have otherwise expired. Notice of the July 7, 2026, public hearing was published in the El Segundo Herald on June 25, 2026, in compliance with Government Code section 65090.

E. The City Council has determined that the circumstances and conditions that led to the adoption of Ordinance No. 1683, which are set forth therein and summarized therein, have not been alleviated as of the date of this Ordinance and would continue to create the concerns and pose the threats described in Ordinance No. 1683.

F. The City may adopt and enforce all laws and regulations not in conflict with the general laws and the City holds all rights and powers established by state law.

G. The City has a compelling interest in the careful and orderly planning and regulation of land uses within the City.

H. The City Council further finds that the temporary moratorium and interim regulations and restrictions authorized by Ordinance No. 1683 are a matter of local and city-wide importance and are not directed towards any particular applicant or potential applicant for a multifamily housing project.

I. Government Code sections 36937 and 65858 authorize the adoption of an urgency ordinance to protect the public health, safety and welfare and to prohibit certain land uses that may conflict with the land use regulations that the City Council is considering or intends to study within a reasonable time.

J. The state of California requires local governments to plan to meet the housing needs of all income groups. Local governments have a responsibility to use their powers to facilitate the improvement and development of housing to meet the housing needs of all economic segments of the community. (Gov’t Code § 65580, subd. (d).) Each city’s housing element must include a program to assist in the development of adequate housing to meet the needs of extremely low, very low, low- and moderate-income households. (Gov’t Code § 65583, subd. (c)(2).) Program 4 of the city’s certified Housing Element for the 2021-2029 cycle commits the city to exploring the creation of an inclusionary housing program, including an inclusionary housing ordinance.

K. As documented in the city’s General Plan, there is a housing shortage for extremely low, very low, low-, and moderate income households in the city. The city also has a significant jobs-housing imbalance. As of 2020, there were estimated to be approximately 4.2 jobs for every resident. That ratio is expected to grow into the foreseeable future. Increasingly, lower income persons who work within the city are unable to locate suitable housing at prices they can afford and are increasingly excluded from living in the city. Federal and state housing subsidy programs are not sufficient by themselves to satisfy the needs of extremely low, very low, and low-income households.

L. Newly constructed market-rate housing does not provide housing affordable to extremely low, very low, or lower income households. New development that does not include or otherwise provide for affordable housing will further exacerbate the current housing shortage for these lower income groups by reducing the supply of land available for development and causing the price of remaining land to increase, thereby making affordable housing increasingly difficult to develop.

M. The inclusionary housing requirements of Ordinance No. 1683 will substantially advance the city’s legitimate interest in providing additional housing affordable to all income levels because the inclusionary units required by this chapter must be affordable to either extremely low, very low, or lower income households.

N. Ordinance No. 1683 was adopted pursuant to the city’s police power authority to protect the public health, safety, and welfare. Requiring affordable units within each multifamily residential development of more than ten units is consistent with the community’s housing element goals of protecting the public welfare by fostering an adequate supply of housing for persons at all economic levels and maintaining both economic diversity and geographically dispersed affordable housing.

O. Requiring developers of new market rate housing to provide some housing affordable to extremely low, very low, and lower income households is reasonably related to the impacts of those projects because, among other things:

1. Rising land prices have been a key factor in preventing development of new affordable housing. New market-rate housing uses available land and drives up the price of remaining land. New development without affordable units reduces the amount of land development opportunities available for the construction of affordable housing.

2. New residents of market-rate housing place demands on services provided by both public and private sectors, creating a demand for new employees. Some of these public and private sector employees needed to meet the needs of the new residents earn incomes only adequate to pay for affordable housing. Because affordable housing is in short supply in the city, such employees may be forced to live in less than adequate housing within the city, pay a disproportionate share of their incomes to live in adequate housing in the city, or commute ever increasing distances to their jobs from housing located outside the city. These circumstances harm the city’s ability to attain employment and housing goals articulated in the city’s General Plan and place strains on the city's ability to accept and service new market-rate housing development.

P. Based on the facts and circumstances herein described, the City Council finds that there is a current and immediate threat to the public health, safety, or welfare and that the approval of additional use permits, building permits, or any other applicable entitlement for use which is required by the El Segundo Municipal Code in order to develop a multifamily housing project would result in that threat to public health, safety, or welfare. The City of El Segundo is almost entirely built out, with relatively little undeveloped land remaining. Consequently, any new multifamily residential development will likely be infill development, redevelopment of existing sites, or adaptive reuse. Every time a new market-rate housing project is developed there are fewer sites available for future residential development and, consequently, the price of those remaining sites increases and the amount of land development opportunities available for the construction of affordable housing decreases. At the same time, the state Legislature is increasingly taking action to address the housing shortfall across the state by removing regulatory barriers to the construction of new multifamily housing. Accordingly, to ensure that the development of new multifamily housing does not further exacerbate the current affordable housing shortage and impair the city’s ability to provide affordable housing opportunities for lower income families in the future, the city must act swiftly to ensure that all new multifamily housing projects with more than ten dwelling units include an affordable housing component.

Q. Adoption of this Ordinance will allow the city reasonable time to effectively study the possible enactment of a permanent inclusionary housing ordinance in furtherance of myriad state laws and regulations intended to promote, encourage, and foster the development of affordable housing, together with the city’s own Housing Element goals, policies, and objectives regarding the provision of affordable housing opportunities.

R. Ordinance No. 1683 was specifically intended to facilitate the production of housing for lower income households, as defined in Section 50079.5 of the California Health and Safety Code. A temporary extension of Ordinance No. 1683 will continue to facilitate the production of housing for lower income households.

S. More than 170 communities across California have adopted inclusionary housing ordinances. Some examples within Los Angeles County include Rancho Palos Verdes, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Pasadena, South Pasadena, and Calabasas.

T. The interim regulations and restrictions imposed by Section 3 of Ordinance No. 1683, including, without limitation, the minimum inclusionary housing requirements set forth therein, are reasonable and consistent with inclusionary housing mandates throughout the state. Preliminary assessments conducted by staff indicate that the inclusionary housing requirements imposed by Ordinance No. 1683 sit safely at or slightly below the thresholds staff anticipates proposing for a permanent inclusionary housing ordinance.

U. The City Council finds and determines that extending Ordinance No. 1683 will not have the effect of denying approvals needed for the development of projects with a significant component of multifamily housing. The Council so finds for several reasons including, without limitation, the following:

1. Ordinance No. 1683 does not require the denial of any approval needed for the development of multifamily housing projects. Rather, it simply requires any multifamily housing project with more than ten units to include a specified percentage of affordable units. The inclusionary housing requirement imposed by Ordinance No. 1683 is in line with and, in many cases, well below that of other local jurisdictions throughout the state. Furthermore, preliminary assessments conducted by staff indicate that the inclusionary housing requirements imposed by Ordinance No. 1683 sit safely at or slightly below the thresholds staff anticipates proposing for a permanent inclusionary housing ordinance.

2. Ordinance No. 1683 provides developers with reasonable alternatives to the inclusion of affordable housing units within a development, including off-site construction or the payment of in-lieu fees.

3. Ordinance No. 1683 exempts from the inclusionary housing requirement (i) all multifamily housing projects with ten dwelling units or fewer, (ii) accessory dwelling units, (iii) the reconstruction of any structures that have been destroyed by fire, flood, earthquake or other act of nature, provided that the reconstruction of the site does not increase the number of dwelling units by more than ten, (iv) residential building additions, repairs or remodels, provided that such work does not increase the number of existing dwelling units by more than ten, and (v) any multifamily housing project for which a complete application has been submitted to the city prior to the effective date of the Ordinance.

4. Ordinance No. 1683 includes an administrative remedy through which any affected developer can petition the City Council for a waiver, adjustment, or reduction of the applicable inclusionary requirement as necessary to ensure that application of the interim standards does not result in an unconstitutional taking of property under the federal or state constitution.

5. State law, including, without limitation, the Density Bonus Law (Government Code section 65915), and the El Segundo Municipal Code (including Title 15, Chapter 35) allow for generous density bonuses, incentives, and concessions, all intended to provide economic incentives and ensure housing project feasibility.

SECTION 3: Environmental Review. Exercising its independent judgment on the basis of the whole record, the City Council finds that this Ordinance is not subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines. Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) pertain to activities that will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect change to the environment and that are not defined as a project under Section 15378. This Ordinance has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment directly or indirectly. In addition, pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines, this Ordinance is not subject to CEQA because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that its adoption may have a significant effect on the environment.

SECTION 4: Severability. If any part of this Ordinance or its application is deemed invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the City Council intends that such invalidity will not affect the effectiveness of the remaining provisions or applications and, to this end, the provisions of this Ordinance are severable.

SECTION 5: Certification. The City Clerk is directed to certify the passage and adoption of this Ordinance; cause it to be entered into the City of El Segundo’s book of original ordinances; make a note of the passage and adoption in the records of this meeting; and, within 15 days after the passage and adoption of this Ordinance, cause it to be published or posted in accordance with California law.

SECTION 6: Urgency Declaration. This Ordinance is declared to be an urgency measure pursuant to Government Code section 65858 for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety, and welfare. The reasons for the urgency are declared and set forth in Section 2 hereof and in Section 2 of Ordinance No. 1683.

SECTION 7: Extension of Interim Ordinance. Pursuant to Government Code section 65858(a), the City Council hereby extends the effective period of Ordinance No. 1683 to and through September 15, 2026, at which time it will automatically expire unless further extended by the City Council pursuant to the procedures set forth in Government Code section 65858. To that end, the 45-day period prescribed by Subsection (A) of Section 3 of Ordinance No. 1683, together with all of the interim regulations and restrictions set forth in Section 3 of Ordinance No. 1683, are extended to and through September 15, 2026.

SECTION 8: Effective Date. This Ordinance is declared to be an urgency measure pursuant to Government Code section 65858 and shall become effective immediately upon adoption pursuant to Government Code sections 36937(b) and 65858 for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety, and welfare. The reasons for the urgency are declared and set forth in Section 2 hereof and in Section 2 of Ordinance No. 1683.

SECTION 9: Vote Required. In accordance with Government Code section 65858, this ordinance is adopted by a four-fifths vote.

PASSED AND ADOPTED this 7 th day of July, 2026.

____________________________

Chris Pimentel, Mayor

ATTEST:

________________________________

Susan Truax, City Clerk

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

________________________________

Mark D. Hensley, City Attorney

CERTIFICATION

STATE OF CALIFORNIA )

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS

CITY OF EL SEGUNDO )

I, Susan Truax, City Clerk of the City of El Segundo, California, do hereby certify that the whole number of members of the City Council of said City is five; that the foregoing Ordinance No. 1685 was duly passed, approved, and adopted by said City Council at a regular meeting held on the 7 th day of July, 2026, approved and signed by the Mayor, and attested to by the City Clerk, by the following vote:

AYES: Mayor Pimentel, Mayor Pro Tem Baldino, Council Member Giroux, and Council Member Keldorf

NOES: None

ABSENT: Council Member Boyles

ABSTAIN: None

WITNESS MY HAND THE OFFICIAL SEAL OF SAID CITY this 7 th day of July, 2026.

Susan Truax, City Clerk

of the City of El Segundo,

California

ADOPTING ORDINANCE

ORDINANCE NO. 1335

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA ADOPTING THE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL CODE

BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of El Segundo, California, as follows:

Section 1: From and after the date of passage of this ordinance, the City Code of the City of El Segundo, California prepared by Sterling Codifiers, Inc. containing the compilation of all ordinances of a general nature together with the changes made to said ordinances, under the direction of the governing body of the City, shall be accepted in all courts without question as the official code and law of the City as enacted by the Mayor and City Council.

Section 2: There is hereby adopted, as a method of perpetual codification, the loose-leaf type of binding together with the continuous supplement service, provided by Sterling Codifiers, Inc., whereby each newly adopted ordinance of a general and permanent nature amending, altering, adding or deleting provisions of the official City Code is identified by the proper catchline and is inserted in the proper place in each of the official copies, one copy of which shall be maintained in the office of the City Clerk, certified as to correctness and available for inspection at any and all times that said office is regularly open.

Section 3: All ordinances of a general nature included in this official City Code shall be considered as a continuation of said ordinance provision and the fact that some provisions have been deliberately eliminated by the governing body shall not serve to cause any interruption in the continuous effectiveness of ordinances included in said official City Code. All ordinances of a special nature, such as tax levy ordinances, bond ordinances, franchises, vacating ordinances and annexation ordinances shall continue in full force and effect unless specifically repealed or amended by a provision of the City Code. Such ordinances are not intended to be included in the official City Code.

Section 4: It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to change or amend by additions or deletions, any part or portion of such Code, or to insert or delete pages or portions thereof, or to alter or tamper with such Code in any manner whatsoever which will cause the law of the City to be misrepresented thereby.

Section 5: All ordinances or parts of ordinances, excluding Title 6, in conflict herewith, are, to the extent of such conflict, hereby repealed.

Section 6: Operative Date. This ordinance shall become effective at midnight on the thirtieth (30th) day from and after the date of the final passage and adoption of this ordinance; shall cause the same to be entered in the book of original ordinance of said city; shall make a minute of the passage and adoption thereof in the records of the meeting at which the same is passed and adopted; and shall within fifteen (15) days after the passage and adoption thereof, cause the same to be published or posted in accordance with the law.

PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 15th day of May, 2001.

[Figure]