In March of this year, the Culver City Council voted 5 to 0 for an Alternative Plan to SB 79 based on the Livable Communities Initiative model. The Alternative Plan moves density to commercial corridors, generally moving it from single family home neighborhoods. This increase in density is critically important for LCI because it was the key reason LCI buildings could not be permitted under SB 79.
It was the next step up on a previous policy shift when the council voted unanimously in September of 2025 to allow single-stair buildings. This made Culver City the first city in California to allow this style of smaller, more efficient five-story buildings that will permit faster, less expensive builds. ‘Single stair’ is a traditional style that is seen in older cities such as New York and Philadelphia; it’s even a running gag in Neil Simon’s 1963 play Barefoot in the Park.
According to the Livable Communities Initiative, “This puts Culver City at the forefront of U.S. cities moving towards a simpler model of urban transformation, and positions Culver City to tap into $200 million in Federal Funding for cities for Standard Plans and Pattern Books.”
The pattern of making housing happen is just what is needed for the city to continue to decrease commuter traffic, and turn folks who already work here into residents.
Mayor Freddy Puza stated that “Culver City is really leading the way in creating the easiest ways to build housing; from our Alternative Plan to our Single Staircase approval, we want to create the right conditions to make housing affordable for all.”
The goal to create high-quality walkable neighborhoods can lead to a vibrant urban success story. The approach has brought together the community around a shared goal: building more housing while creating better neighborhoods.
Judith Martin-Straw
Graphic credit, additional text – Livable Communities
