Signature Events
Resolution
October 14, 2025
Item 11-A
October 14, 2025
Item 11-A
October 14, 2025
Community Events are
vital to Santa Monica's
Economic Vitality,
Cultural Identity, and
Community Connection
Attract World-Class
Events to City Assets
such as our Beach, Pier,
Promenade, Parks and
City Streets
Proposed Resolution
identifies Signature
Community Events and
Waives City Permit
Fees
Streamlines Santa
Monica's Events
process making it
easier, faster and more
transparent to host
community events
Purpose & Summary
Item 11-A
October 14, 2025
Item 11-A
October 14, 2025
Types of City Events
Proposed Signature Events
City Sponsored Events
City Produced Events
Commercial Events
Large Scale Event License Agreements
Item 11-A
October 14, 2025
Item 11-A
October 14, 2025
Eligibility Criteria for Signature Events
City-Owned
Site
Benefits
Nonprofit
Free &
Open to
Public
3+ Years
Annually
Community
Benefits
Supports
Local
Businesses
Item 11-A
October 14, 2025
Item 11-A
October 14, 2025
Current Community Events Identified
Event Name Organizer
Pier 360 Santa Monica Pier Corporation
Locals Night Santa Monica Pier Corporation
Easter on the Promenade Downtown Santa Monica
Pride on the Promenade Downtown Santa Monica
Dia de Los Muertos on the Promenade Downtown Santa Monica Open Main Street – Day of the Dog Main Street Business Improvement Association Open Main Street – Summer Solstice Main Street Business Improvement Association Montana Avenue Art Walk Montana Merchants Association
July 4th Parade Ocean Park Association
Festival of Chariots International Society for Krishna Consciousness LA Opera at the Beach LA Opera
Ice Grand Opening Day Downtown Santa Monica
Westside Unity Classic Car Show Pico Youth & Family Center Veteran’s Day Ceremony US Army
Item 11-A
October 14, 2025
Item 11-A
October 14, 2025
Ongoing Improvements
REVISED POLICIES:
GREATER FLEXIBILITY,
TRANSPARENCY & MORE
CUSTOMER FRIENDLY
REIMAGINED SPACES:
CREATION OF THE NEW
BEACH PLAY ZONE AKA
"THE SANDBOX"
EXPANDED CAPACITY:
HIGHER OCCUPANCY AT
HIGH DEMAND SITES
& FREQUENCY OF EVENTS
NEW ALLOWANCES:
ALCOHOL, VENDING,
& DRONE SHOWS AT
CERTAIN COMMUNITY
EVENTS
PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS:
A STREAMLINED, CITYWIDE
SOFTWARE SOLUTION &
DEVELOPMENT OF NEW
EVENTS PLANNING GUIDE
Item 11-A
October 14, 2025
Item 11-A
October 14, 2025
Broader Special Events Strategy
An overview of key initiatives underway include:
Developing a Large-Scale Events Resolution to streamline approvals for major, high-impact activations.
Expanding the City’s inventory of event-ready spaces, including the addition of Historic Belmar Park and Santa Monica Airport locations.
Enhancing customer service and field coordination, supported by the addition of a new City Events Coordinator.
Strengthening interdepartmental collaboration and communications through the new Clariti permitting system.
Establishing clearer cost transparency for event producers, balancing access with fiscal sustainability.
Item 11-A
October 14, 2025
Item 11-A
October 14, 2025
Recommended Action
Adopt CEQA
§15061(b)(3)
Finding:
no significant
effects
1 Adopt Signature
Events Resolution
establishing a Santa
Monica Signature
Events category
2 Authorize Waiver
of City Event Fees
for Designated
Signature Events
3 Item 11-A
October 14, 2025
Item 11-A
October 14, 2025
Conclusion
Creates a
Clear,
Welcoming,
Transparent
Process
Strengthens
Economic
Recovery &
City Identity
Provides
Certainty
for
Organizers
Aligns with
Current Fee
Waiver
Practices
Supports
longstanding
Community
& Cultural
Events
Item 11-A
October 14, 2025
Item 11-A
October 14, 2025