A Landmark Status Could Save Chez Jay

The best dive in town may stay dive-y with intervention from the Santa Monica Landmarks Commission.

Commissioners have filed papers to nominate , the humble blue bar south of the Santa Monica Pier on Ocean Avenue, as a local landmark, the first in a series of steps that could prevent or delay a makeover.

Dimly lit with the exception of twinkly lights and so far completely unencumbered by the development that's sprouted up nearby in downtown, Chez Jay could be —or demolition—under the city’s 2005 Civic Center Specific Plan, which calls for it to be transformed into an airy, outdoor dining space compatible with the future .

If ultimately awarded, a landmark designation would stall or thwart renovations or a teardown, said Landmarks Commissioner Ruth Lehrer.

Demolition of a landmark would require the city to obtain a "certificate of economic hardship" that would prove that establishment cannot be profitable over a sustained period of time. The city would also have to find that razing the restaurant would not have any significant environmental impacts under the California Environmental Quality Act.

It would be difficult to fulfill both of those requirements, Lehrer said, adding that no one has ever successfully submitted a certificate of economic hardship.

Still, even if the city decides to renovate, not demolish, the building, if the restaurant were landmarked, the renovation would have to follow stringent guidelines such as keeping the new design in line with the restaurant's original architecture, Lehrer said.

Preservation through landmarking, however, could become moot.

The Santa Monica Daily Press reported Tuesday that because the restaurant sits on land owned by the Redevelopment Agency, Santa Monica might lose control of the parcel and its ability to keep the restaurant there.

"The state could force the property to be...  sold on the open market, with the proceeds going to taxing entities," Andy Agle, the city's director of Housing and Economic Development, told the local paper.

And before the building receives landmark protections, however, the commission has to find that it meets at least one of the six criteria, such as "exemplifying, symbolizing or manifesting the cultural, social, economic, political or architectural history" of the city or having a unique location or characteristic.

The cultural and social significance criteria is likely to be the most relevant to Chez Jay, Lehrer said.

In the past, buildings awarded landmark status for their cultural significance include Zephyr Surf Shop, located on Pico Boulevard and Main Street. It was designated as a landmark in 2007 for its relevance to the beach-going, surfing and skateboarding community.

The Landmarks Commission will hold a public hearing in the coming months to discuss Chez Jay as a possible landmark, said Scott Albright of the city's Planning Division.

A city consultant is currently researching and studying the history and significance of the restaurant, Albright said, and will submit a report to the commission.

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