Planning Commission approves conversion of 7494 Santa Monica Blvd to six-room hotel

The West Hollywood Planning Commission voted unanimously on March 19 to approve a conditional use permit to convert portions of the multi‑tenant building at 7494 Santa Monica Boulevard into a six‑room hotel, preserving the building’s exterior and requiring the operator to register and remit transient occupancy tax (TOT).

Staff told commissioners that the project would convert second‑ and third‑floor office/live‑work units and one ground‑floor restaurant space into six guest rooms while leaving the Javista restaurant’s ground‑floor mezzanine untouched. The staff report said the conversion does not change the building’s footprint, scale or exterior and recommended approval with revised conditions that remove vacation‑rental provisions and require hotel registration, TOT collection and compliance with applicable business tax and auditing procedures.

The applicant’s consultant, Rick Gunter, said the ground‑floor room was included to provide an accessible unit and described operational measures — blinds and remote check‑in via phone app — to maintain street activation and security. "We'll have blinds on the inside so it'll be open during the daytime when either the room is unoccupied…and blinds that you would pull down if you're sleeping," Gunter said, adding the building is monitored with cameras and that emergency owner contact information can be shared with neighbors.

Public commenters were divided. Nearby resident Slade Lynn urged commissioners to reject the conversion, warning about the loss of a longtime breakfast restaurant and the risks of a remotely operated hotel with no on‑site staff. "Who do the neighbors go to if things get out of hand?" Lynn asked. Other neighbors, including Stephanie Harker and Kathy Blavis, said they supported the project as a modest reuse that would produce TOT revenue and would not change the building façade.

Commissioners discussed street activation and soundproofing for the ground‑floor unit, the visibility of the guest room window, and enforcement of TOT and hotel registration. Staff explained that the change of use will require a certificate of occupancy and that Finance will audit and flag hotel uses for TOT compliance.

Commissioner Caballero moved to approve the project per the staff report with the strike‑out of the vacation‑rental conditions; Vice Chair Jones seconded. The motion passed 7‑0. The commission memorialized the action as Resolution PC26‑1636. Appeals must be submitted in writing to the City Clerk within 10 calendar days (deadline: March 30, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.).

The applicant, neighbors and city staff were advised that any implementation steps (building permits, certificate of occupancy, business registration and TOT setup) will be processed through the city’s normal permitting and finance procedures.