City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: May 26, 2026
Agenda Item: 4.H
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To: Mayor and City Council
From: Oliver Chi, City Manager, Office of Major Events
Subject: Advancing Major Events: Authorization to Negotiate and Enter Into License Agreements for Upcoming Major Events, including a license agreement for the use of the Camera Obscura Building by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs during the LA28 Summer Olympic Games and a license agreement for the use of the Santa Monica Pier Deck and portions of Santa Monica Beach during the 2027 Superbowl Game; Adoption of Resolutions to Facilitate Upcoming Major Events and Community Events, including the hosting of Club France at the Annenberg Beach House and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs at the Camera Obscura Building Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt findings of categorical exemptions pursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities), Section 15303 (Class 3 - New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures), Section 15311 (Class 11 - Accessory Structures), Section 15323 (Normal Operations of Existing Facilities for Public Gathering), and Section 15061(b)(3) (common sense exemption) of the CEQA Guidelines for approval of the license agreement with the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (“FDFA”) and temporary waiver of certain provisions of the Santa Monica Municipal Code to facilitate the FDFA’s use of the Camera Obscura building, as set forth in the staff report;
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a license agreement with the FDFA for use of the Camera Obscura Building during the 2028 Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games;
3. Adopt a resolution authorizing an exemption from certain provisions of the Santa Monica Municipal Code to facilitate use of the Camera Obscura Building by the FDFA in accordance with the License Agreement during the 2028 Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, from June 14, 2028 – September 21, 2028;
4. Adopt findings of categorical exemptions pursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities), Section 15303 (Class 3 - New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures), Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land), and Section 15311 2 of 22
(Class 11 - Accessory Structures), Section 15323 (Normal Operations of Existing Facilities for Public Gathering), and Section 15061(b)(3) (common sense exemption) of the CEQA Guidelines for approval of the license agreement with ESPN Productions, LLC, in connection with the use of the Santa Monica Pier Deck, and portions of the Santa Monica Beach and adjacent parking lots as a temporary interactive broadcast and event space for the 2027 Super Bowl, from January 18 through February 22, 2027;
5. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a license agreement with ESPN Productions, LLC, in connection with the use of the Santa Monica Pier Deck, and portions of the Santa Monica Beach and adjacent parking lots as a temporary interactive broadcast and event space for the 2027 Super Bowl, from January 18 through February 22, 2027;
6. Adopt findings of categorical exemptions pursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities), Section 15303 (Class 3 - New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures), Section 15311 (Class 11 - Accessory Structures), Section 15323 (Normal Operations of Existing Facilities for Public Gathering), and Section 15061(b)(3) (common sense exemption) of the CEQA Guidelines for approval of a resolution authorizing exemptions from certain code provisions of the Santa Monica Municipal Code to facilitate use of the Annenberg Beach House by the French National Olympic Committee (“CNOSF”) during the 2028 Summer Olympic Games as a temporary interactive broadcast and event space from June 30, 2028 – August 4, 2028, as set forth in the staff report;
7. Adopt a resolution authorizing exemptions from certain provisions of the Santa Monica Municipal Code to facilitate use of the Annenberg Beach House by CNOSF during the 2028 Summer Olympic Games as a temporary interactive broadcast and event space from June 30, 2028 – August 4, 2028.
Executive Summary
Santa Monica is preparing for a multi-year period of major event opportunities in winter 2027, for the Super Bowl, and summer of 2028, for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
These opportunities could support local businesses, attract visitors, generate international visibility, and strengthen Santa Monica’s position as a premier coastal destination.
This report advances four related actions. First, it brings forward two proposed license agreements for Council consideration:
1. A license agreement for the use of the Camera Obscura Building by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs during the LA28 Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games; and
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2. A license agreement for the use of the Santa Monica Pier Deck and portions of Santa Monica Beach by ESPN Productions, LLC, during the 2027 Superbowl Game.
Second, this report proposes targeted waivers of the Santa Monica Municipal Code to facilitate temporary activations for Council consideration:
1. Temporary waivers for use of the Annenberg Beach House by CNOSF during the LA28 Summer Olympic Games; and
2. Temporary waivers for use of the Camera Obscura building by the FDFA during the LA28 Summer Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games; Discussion
License Agreement for the Camera Obscura Building – Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs; LA28 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games The FDFA is a department of the Swiss confederation. The FDFA desires to license the Camera Obscura building, located at 1450 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, California, and adjacent areas of Palisades Park during the 2028 Summer Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games from June 14, 2028 – September 21, 2028, for operation of the House of Switzerland hospitality, cultural, media, and event venue for Olympic, Paralympic, and non-Olympic/non-Paralympic stakeholders.
License Fee: $300,000, with possibility for an additional $200,000 if FDFA elects to exercise Optional Expansion Area.
Community Benefits include:
• Support for City events such as Promenade activations and Open Streets Events.
• Reasonable efforts to engage local business, including without limitation to utilize Santa Monica hotels, restaurants, and other businesses prioritizing local businesses whenever possible, with support from the City and Santa Monica 4 of 22
Travel and Tourism to assist with identifying the best businesses to meet the needs of the Licensee, taking into account quality, availability, and commercial reasonableness.
• A Santa Monica table/film/information booth within the License Area during the Event Period, subject to Licensee’s prior approval, which may be granted or withheld in Licensee’s reasonable discretion, and subject to reasonable coordination with Licensee as to location, size, design, branding, and timing. • Potential contribution of certain furniture, fixtures, and equipment to support the Event or a legacy project. Following the conclusion of the Event, the Parties envision that Camera Obscura will maintain an exterior consistent with its landmark designation, while containing representative elements of Swiss culture and a Swiss visual aesthetic on the inside.
License Agreement for the Santa Monica Pier Deck – ESPN Productions, LLC; Super Bowl 2027 Event
ESPN Productions, LLC desires to license portions of the Santa Monica Pier deck, a portion of the beach south of the Pier (“Sandbox South”), and Santa Monica Beach Parking Lot 1 South and Lot 3 South, Santa Monica, California in connection with the 2027 Super Bowl as a temporary interactive broadcast and event space (the “Event”).
On or about December 2, 2025, ESPN submitted a proposal to host the Event during the period from January 18 through February 22, 2027, inclusive of load-in and load-out time, that would include the construction of a temporary interactive broadcast and event space.
On December 16, 2025, Council authorized the City Manager to move forward with the proposal for the purpose of (i) analyzing the potential license of the License Area for the Event and (ii) informing the negotiations of the potential terms and conditions of this license agreement between the Parties (the “License Agreement”). City and ESPN executed that certain Exclusive Negotiating Agreement, dated December 17, 2025 (the “ENA”).
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Following completion of negotiations in accordance with the ENA, City and Licensee now seek to enter into this License Agreement for Licensee to use the License Area during the License Term.
License Fee: $1,057,654
Community Benefits include:
• Provision of free public access to programming during the License Term and community programming;
• Funding of a recreational “legacy project” in consultation with the City, to be used during the Event and, upon conclusion of the Event, to be donated to the City for continued use by local programs to include support for breakdown and transport for storage post Event along with the setup and use instructions;
• Wayfinding within the City aimed at increasing foot traffic and visitor activity at the Santa Monica Beach and Pier;
• Solicitation of appropriate local branding or activation partnerships, including prioritization of expanded activations to other areas within the City;
• Use of nearby hotels, restaurants, and small businesses; • Priority consideration given to activations at other City locations, including the 3rd Street Promenade; or
• Opportunities for on-site partnerships with the City.
Waiver Resolutions
On April 14, 2026, City Council introduced for first reading, and adopted on second reading on April 28, 2026, an ordinance (”Major Special Events Ordinance”) to, among other things, amend certain provisions of the Santa Monica Municipal Code, 6 of 22
to exempt certain special events from discrete Municipal Code requirements, or to authorize the City Manager to make exemptions, if the following findings are met:
(1) Strict application of the Municipal Code would result in practical difficulties or unnecessary hardships, which would frustrate the purposes of the event; (2) The requested exemption is limited to the event period and is otherwise temporary in nature;
(3) The premises at which the event will be held will be restored to the original conditions in place prior to the requested exemption;
(4) The proposed event is of extraordinary scope and will provide a significant benefit to the community, including, but not limited to, events that (a) generate significant indirect economic and community benefits; (b) attract both residents and visitors; and (c) promote Santa Monica on a regional, national, and global stage; and (5) The permittee or licensee has agreed to implement best practices and provide adequate procedures to minimize and respond to event impacts; and These targeted exemptions to the Santa Monica Municipal Code are necessary to accommodate certain special events including the ones, below, because these events are extraordinary or unique in scope, scale, or benefit, and the Council deems the below ordinance exemptions necessary to facilitate these major events.
Waiver Resolution for the Camera Obscura Building – FDFA; LA28 Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games
A waiver resolution is necessary to implement the activities contemplated by the license agreement for the temporary use by FDFA of the Camera Obscura building and adjacent areas of Palisades Park (the “License Area”) during the LA28 Summer Olympic Games (the “Event”). This waiver resolution is supported by the following findings:
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(A) Strict application of the Santa Monica Municipal Code would result in practical difficulties or unnecessary hardships, which would frustrate the purposes of the Event. i. Provisions In Santa Monica Municipal Section 4.08.340 (Closing Hours For Amusement and Entertainment Places)
The Event may include broadcasts, interviews, celebrations, ceremonies, events, meals and entertainment in the License Area 24-hours per day due to the international interest in the 2028 Summer Olympics and the staggered times zones throughout the world and most specifically the 9 hour time difference between Santa Monca and Switzerland, and would simply not be feasible to successfully host without a temporary waiver of the City’s standard operating hours limitations for entertainment.
ii. Provisions In Santa Monica Municipal Section 4.12.110 (Restrictions on demolition, excavation, grading, spray painting, construction, maintenance or repair of buildings)
The Event is expected to include construction of temporary structures.
Timeline/schedule for load in, load out, and assembly activities will require working outside of normal construction hours established in SMMC Section
4.12.110. Confining this work to occur only within standard construction hours would significantly extend the overall schedule for load in, load out, and assembly.
iii. Provisions in Santa Monica Municipal Chapter 4.12, Noise, including, but not limited to, Sections 4.12.025, 4.12.030, 4.12.040,
4.12.050, 4.12.060, 4.12.080, 4.12.100, 4.12.105, 4.12.110 The Event will include live music, other live events, and video broadcasts of 2028 Summer Olympic and Olympic-related events to outdoor fans, along with operations and events in the License Area 24-hours per day due to the 8 of 22
international interest in the 2028 Summer Olympics and the various times zones throughout the world and the 9 hour time difference between Santa Monca and Switzerland, and it would simply not be feasible to successfully host the Event without a temporary waiver of the City’s existing noise provisions.
Licensee will be required to implement audio practices to limit the impacts of noise outside the License Area, including: directing speakers inward towards Event attendees.
iv. Provisions in Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapters 6.32, Solicitation and Peddling, 6.36, Vending, and 6.112 Street Performers The Event is expected to include ticket sales for various events and admittance into the License Area as well as sales of merchandise in the License Area, including on the beach, and thus a temporary waiver of the City’s provisions restricting merchandise sales, solicitation and peddling, and ticket sales in beach areas and parks is needed.
v. Provisions in Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapters 4.68, Community Event, and Chapter 9.61, Signs, including but not limited to Sections 4.68.130, 9.61.140, and 9.61.230
In order to generate and ensure key sponsor support, Licensee will need to install temporary branding, advertising and other signage at the Event venue and possibly elsewhere, including wayfinding, in excess of signage otherwise allowed under the City Sign Code.
(B) The premises at which the Event will be held will be restored to the original conditions in place prior to the requested exemption.
Pursuant to the License Agreement between Licensee and the City, Licensee shall restore the premises and return them to the City in the same condition in 9 of 22
which they were prior to Licensee’s use of the premises, including full cleanup, removal of all litter, equipment and personal property, etc. (C) The requested exemptions are limited to the event period and are otherwise temporary in nature.
The Event is a short-term event scheduled to take place between June 14, 2028, to September 21, 2028 (or subject to modified dates centered around the 2028 Summer Olympics) as a Switzerland Hospitality House. (D) The proposed event is of extraordinary scope and will provide a significant benefit to the community.
The Event will attract local and regional residents, national visitors and international visitors alike, will generate significant direct and indirect economic and community benefits, and will promote the City of Santa Monica on a national and global stage.
Proposed Impact Metrics
The City of Santa Monica will experience the following types of economic benefits from the Event:
1. General Economic Benefits
• Licensee will pay the City a license fee of $300,000 for use of the License Area and, if Licensee exercises its option to activate the Optional Expansion Area, Licensee will pay the City an additional $200,000. • Direct jobs, labor income, and economic output within the City associated with event setup and takedown, including various jobs and labor income that may accrue to Santa Monica residents. • Indirect economic impacts resulting from Event setup and takedown that may involve supply chain purchases of goods and services from Santa Monica businesses.
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• Induced economic impacts associated with household spending by directly and indirectly impacted Santa Monica workers associated with the event.
• Similar direct, indirect, and induced economic impacts associated with event operations and economic activity generated by out-of-town visitor spending at the event and elsewhere in the City, some of which may accrue to Santa Monica residents and businesses. This includes promotion of Santa Monica as a tourism destination via the event sponsor’s advertising.
2. Tax Revenue Benefits
• Business License Tax revenue from all business activity occurring within the License Area related to setup, takedown, and operation of the event.
• Additional sales of food, beverages, and merchandise within the License Area resulting in additional sales tax revenue. • Incidental spending by employees associated with event setup, takedown, and operations resulting in additional sales tax revenue and Business License Tax revenue for businesses where spending occurs. • Incidental spending by out-of-town visitors within the Downtown area and elsewhere in the City for food, beverage, and retail shopping resulting in additional sales tax revenue and Business License Tax revenue for businesses where spending occurs. Using the City’s typical visitor shares of daytrip and overnight visitors, as well as average spending of $47 per person per day, indicates millions of dollars in total sales in the City across the two-month time period the Event will occur. 11 of 22
• Incremental Transient Occupancy Tax revenue generated from overnight stays by Licensee officials, representatives and employees involved in the Event, as well as its setup and takedown. • Incremental Transient Occupancy Tax revenue associated with outof-town overnight guests attending the event. Since 2023, the average hotel room rate in the month of June in Santa Monica has been $363. • Parking Tax revenues associated with net additional paid parking within the City.
• Incremental traffic fine revenue associated with event personnel and out-of-town event visitors.
(E) Licensee will work with the City to implement best practices and adequate procedures to minimize noise levels and other impacts from the Event.
Pursuant to the License Agreement Licensee has agreed to work and cooperate with the City to develop a parking and traffic management plan, security plan, and zero waste sustainability plan for the Event and cooperate in good faith with the City to ensure minimal impacts of the Event as to neighbors and shall be responsible for mitigating impacts at no cost to the City.
Waiver Resolution for the Annenberg Beach House – CNOSF; LA28 Summer Olympic Games
A waiver resolution is necessary to implement the activities contemplated by the license agreement for the temporary use by CNOSF (aka “Club France”) of the Annenberg Beach House (the “License Area”) during the LA28 Summer Olympic Games (the “Event”). This waiver resolution is supported by the following findings:
(A) Strict application of the Santa Monica Municipal Code would result in practical difficulties or unnecessary hardships, which would frustrate the purposes of the Club France Event.
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i. Provisions In Santa Monica Municipal Section 3.04.030 (Beach parking lot parking permits) and Section 3.12.380 (Driving on sidewalk or Beach Promenade)
Subject to further approval from the City, CNOSF may occupy portions of the beach parking lots at the Annenberg Beach House to store and operate power, broadcast and other trailers for the Club France Event and may need vehicular access to certain areas outside the parking lot and driveways for load in, operation (active), and load out periods, and it would simply not be feasible to successfully host the Club France Event without a temporary waiver of the City’s requirements related to parking and vehicles at and on the beach parking lots and surrounding areas.
ii. Provisions In Santa Monica Municipal Section 4.08.340 (Closing Hours For Amusement and Entertainment Places)
The Club France Event may include broadcasts, interviews, celebrations, ceremonies, events, meals, and entertainment in the License Area 24-hours per day due to the international interest in the Summer Olympics and the staggered times zones throughout the world and most specifically the 9 hour time difference between Santa Monca and Paris, France, and would simply not be feasible to successfully host without a temporary waiver of the City’s standard operating hours limitations for entertainment.
iii. Provisions In Santa Monica Municipal Section 4.12.110 (Restrictions on demolition, excavation, grading, spray painting, construction, maintenance or repair of buildings)
The Club France Event is expected to include construction of temporary structures. Timeline/schedule for load in, load out, and assembly activities will require working outside of normal construction hours established in SMMC Section 4.12.110. Confining this work to occur only within standard 13 of 22
construction hours would significantly extend the overall schedule for load in, load out and assembly. Furthermore, working within standard construction hours could conflict with traffic on the PCH.
iv. Provisions in Santa Monica Municipal Chapter 4.12, Noise, including, but not limited to, Sections 4.12.025, 4.12.030, 4.12.040,
4.12.050, 4.12.060, 4.12.080, 4.12.100, 4.12.105, 4.12.110 The Club France Event will include live music, other live events, and video broadcasts of Olympic and Olympic-related events to outdoor fans, along with operations and events in the License Area 24-hours per day due to the international interest in the Summer Olympics and the various times zones throughout the world and the 9 hour time difference between Santa Monca and Paris, France, and it would simply not be feasible to successfully host the Club France Event without a temporary waiver of the City’s existing noise provisions.
CNOSF will be required to implement audio practices to limit the impacts of noise outside the License Area, including: directing speakers inward towards Club France Event attendees.
v. Provisions in Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapters 4.55, Park and Beach Code, including but not limited to Sections 4.55.030.
4.55.060, 4.55.065, 4.55.110, 4.55.210, 4.55.230, 4.55.240, 4.55.250,
4.55.400 and Park Rules, including XII General Beach, adopted pursuant to Section 4.55.400
The Club France Event may include fitness and athletic instruction, classes and events in the License Area, including on the beach, and it would simply not be feasible to successfully host the Club France Event without a temporary waiver of the City’s standard provisions regulating activities in parks and beaches.
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vi. Provisions in Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapters 6.32, Solicitation and Peddling, 6.36, Vending, and 6.112 Street Performers The Club France Event is expected to include ticket sales for various events and admittance into the License Area as well as sales of merchandise in the License Area, including on the beach, and thus a temporary waiver of the City’s provisions restricting merchandise sales, solicitation and peddling, and ticket sales in beach areas and parks is needed.
vii. Provisions in Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapters 4.68, Community Event, and Chapter 9.61, Signs, including but not limited to Sections 4.68.130, 9.61.140, and 9.61.230
In order to generate and ensure key sponsor support, CNOSF will need to install temporary branding, advertising and other signage at the Event venue and possibly elsewhere, including wayfinding, in excess of signage otherwise allowed under the City Sign Code.
viii. Provisions in Santa Monca Municipal Code Chapter 9.48, Enforcement Procedures, including but not limited to Section 9.48.010.B The Anneberg Beach House is subject to a Development Review Permit (06DR-002, Reduced Parking Permit 06RPP-001 and Fence Height Modification 06-001 upheld on appeal by the City Council pursuant to Appeals 06APP-030 and 06APP-032 (collectively “City Approvals”), which contain numerous conditions regarding operations that may conflict with the Club France Event. Therefore, waiver of the Enforcement Procedures in SMMC Ch. 9.48 of various conditions of approval in the City Approvals during the term of the License Agreement is necessary for the Club France Event to successfully proceed.
(B) The premises at which the Event will be held will be restored to the original conditions in place prior to the requested exemption.
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Pursuant to the License Agreement between CNOSF and the City, CNOSF shall restore the premises and return them to the City in the same condition in which they were prior to CNOSF’s use of the premises, including full clean-up, removal of all litter, equipment and personal property, etc. (C) The requested exemptions are limited to the event period and are otherwise temporary in nature.
The Club France Event is a short-term event scheduled to take place between June 30, 2028, to August 4, 2028 (or subject to modified dates centered around the 2028 Summer Olympics) as a Club France Hospitality House. (D) The proposed event is of extraordinary scope and will provide a significant benefit to the community.
The Club France Event will attract local and regional residents, national visitors and international visitors alike, will generate significant direct and indirect economic and community benefits, and will promote the City of Santa Monica on a national and global stage.
Proposed Impact Metrics
The City of Santa Monica will experience the following types of economic benefits from the Club France Event:
1. General Economic Benefits
• CNOSF will pay the City a license fee of $1,550,000.
• Direct jobs, labor income, and economic output within the City associated with event setup and takedown, including various jobs and labor income that may accrue to Santa Monica residents. • Indirect economic impacts resulting from Event setup and takedown that may involve supply chain purchases of goods and services from Santa Monica businesses.
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• Induced economic impacts associated with household spending by directly and indirectly impacted Santa Monica workers associated with the event.
• Similar direct, indirect, and induced economic impacts associated with event operations and economic activity generated by out-of-town visitor spending at the event and elsewhere in the City, some of which may accrue to Santa Monica residents and businesses. This includes promotion of Santa Monica as a tourism destination via the event sponsor’s advertising.
2. Tax Revenue Benefits
• Business License Tax revenue from all business activity occurring within the License Area related to setup, takedown, and operation of the event.
• Additional sales of food, beverages, and merchandise within the License Area resulting in additional sales tax revenue. • Incidental spending by employees associated with event setup, takedown, and operations resulting in additional sales tax revenue and Business License Tax revenue for businesses where spending occurs. • Incidental spending by out-of-town visitors within the Downtown area and elsewhere in the City for food, beverage, and retail shopping resulting in additional sales tax revenue and Business License Tax revenue for businesses where spending occurs. Using the City’s typical visitor shares of daytrip and overnight visitors, as well as average spending of $47 per person per day, indicates millions of dollars in total sales in the City across the one-month time period the Club France Event will occur.
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• Incremental Transient Occupancy Tax revenue generated from overnight stays by CNOSF officials, representatives and employees involved in the Event, as well as its setup and takedown. • Incremental Transient Occupancy Tax revenue associated with outof-town overnight guests attending the event. Since 2023, the average hotel room rate in the month of June in Santa Monica has been $363. • Parking Tax revenues associated with net additional paid parking within the City.
• Incremental traffic fine revenue associated with event personnel and out-of-town event visitors.
(E) CNOSF will work with the City to implement best practices and adequate procedures to minimize noise levels and other impacts from the Club France Event.
Pursuant to the License Agreement CNOSF has agreed to work and cooperate with the City to develop a parking and traffic management plan, security plan, and zero waste sustainability plan for the Club France Event and cooperate in good faith with the City to ensure minimal impacts of the Event as to neighbors and shall be responsible for mitigating impacts at no cost to the City.
Environmental Review
The above referenced actions are categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities), Section 15303 (Class 3 – New Construction), Section 15311 (Class 11 – Accessory Structures), Section 15332 (Normal Operations of Existing Facilities for Public Gathering), and Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines (common sense exemption). The amendments to allow temporary waivers to the Santa Monica Municipal Code through license agreements are administrative in nature and would facilitate special event operations at the City’s existing public facilities and open space, involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the 18 of 22
lead agency's determination. Therefore, the amendments are exempt pursuant to Section 15301. Additionally, amendments to allow for signage flexibility for temporary signs are exempt pursuant to Section 15311 of CEQA which exempts accessory structures including signage. These amendments for special events at City facilities are also categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15323 of CEQA Guidelines, which exempts normal operations of existing facilities for public gatherings for which the facilities were designed, where there is a past history of the facility being used for the same or similar kind of purpose.
None of the exceptions specified in Section 15300.2 of CEQA Guidelines would apply that would preclude the use of these CEQA exemptions. These amendments, including the provision to waive noise standards during the events, would not have a significant effect on the environment due to unusual circumstances. While it is anticipated that large events could potentially generate noise above existing standards, noise associated with special events are common and not considered unusual in a popular coastal city frequented by tourists such as Santa Monica. Noise effects from special events were considered and included in the environmental analysis of the City’s certified General Plan Land Use and Circulation Element (LUCE) EIR (certified July 2010). Specifically, noise impacts were addressed on pages 4.9-46 and 4.9-51. Additionally, with regard to lighting effects, festival lighting such as stage lighting, performance lighting, art installations, tent and temporary structure lighting, and illuminated signage would generally be directed to interior to the event site. Most lighting would conclude at the end of musical performances and would only be for duration of the event. Furthermore, for special events occurring on the Pier or at the beach, special event lighting would be consistent with other nearby notable light sources such as the Ferris Wheel lighting, Pier Sign, and Pacific Park.
Lastly, special event lighting would adhere to all applicable regulations and operating standards and would not result in a permanent substantial increase in light/glare levels in the area.
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The ESPN Super Bowl event is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities), Section 15303 (Class 3 - New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures), Section 15311 (Class 11 - Accessory Structures), and Section 15323 (Normal Operations of Existing Facilities for Public Gathering) of the CEQA Guidelines. The Goldenvoice event is categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities), Section 15303 (Class 3 - New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures), Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land), Section 15311 (Class 11 - Accessory Structures), and Section 15323 (Normal Operations of Existing Facilities for Public Gathering) of the CEQA Guidelines.
Section 15301 of CEQA Guidelines exempts the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the lead agency's determination. The ESPN event is a 36-day special event that would take place on the existing Santa Monica Pier and would not expand the existing Pier structure.
Any use of the Santa Monica beach and beach parking lots that would be utilized for these temporary events would be restored to their original conditions.
Therefore, the events are exempt under Section 15301. The FDFA event in the Camera Obscura building utilizes an existing building.
Section 15303 of CEQA Guidelines exempts the construction and location of limited numbers of new small facilities or structures; installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures; and the conversion of existing small structures from one use to another where only minor modifications are made in the exterior of the structure. Projects that fall into this class of exemption include accessory (appurtenant) structures including garages, carports, patios, swimming pools, and fences. The ESPN event would include the installation of temporary equipment and facilities that would be accessory structures to the existing Santa Monica Pier, beach, and adjacent parking lots. These accessory structures would be temporary in nature. The FDFA event may entail use of tents 20 of 22
or temporary structures in the area of Palisades Park adjacent to the Camera Obscura building, which would be restored upon completion of the event, Therefore, the events are exempt under Section 15303.
Section 15304 of CEQA Guidelines exempts minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry and agricultural purposes. This includes minor temporary use of land having negligible or no permanent effects on the environment. The ESPN, FDFA and CNOSF events are all temporary in nature and would not have substantial permanent effects on the environment.
These areas would be restored to original condition after the events conclude.
Therefore, these events are exempt under Section 15304.
Section 15311 of CEQA Guidelines exempts the construction, or placement of minor structures accessory to (appurtenant to) existing commercial, industrial, or institutional facilities. Projects that fall into this class of exemption include construction, or placement of minor structures accessory to (appurtenant to) existing commercial, industrial, or institutional facilities, including but not limited to: (c) Placement of seasonal or temporary use items such as lifeguard towers, mobile food units, portable restrooms, or similar items in generally the same locations from time to time in publicly owned parks, stadiums, or other facilities designed for public use. The ESPN, FDFA, and CNOSF events would include the installation of temporary equipment and facilities that would be accessory structures to the existing Santa Monica Pier, beach, Annenberg Beach House, Camera Obscura building, and adjacent beach parking lots. Therefore, the events are exempt under Section 15311.
Section 15323 of CEQA Guidelines exempts normal operations of existing facilities for public gatherings for which the facilities were designed, where there is a past history of the facility being used for the same or similar kind of purpose. "Past history" shall mean that the same or similar kind of activity has been occurring for at least three years and that there is a reasonable expectation that the future occurrence of the activity would not represent a change in the 21 of 22
operation of the facility. The existing Santa Monica Pier has been regularly utilized for special events and activities for more than thirty-five years, including the Twilight Concert Series, the Off the Hook Seafood Festival, Pier 360, and the LA Opera at the Beach. The Camera Obscura building and Annenberg Beach House have also hosted special events. Therefore, these events are considered normal operations and uses under Section 15323.
Financial Impacts and Budget Actions
The recommended actions are structured to provide full cost recovery and are not expected to require City subsidy. Each proposed license agreement includes license fees, deposits, and other event-related payments to cover the City’s costs, including planning, permitting, public safety coordination, inspections, coastal coordination, operational oversight, and site restoration.
Deposits will be collected, as appropriate, to fund upfront and ongoing City costs, including consultant support for regulatory review such as California Coastal Commission coordination. Deposits will be held in a deposit account, and as expenses are incurred, the deposit balance will be reduced and revenue recognized in account 01200016.415490.
The proposed events may also generate indirect economic benefits through increased hotel occupancy, visitor spending, and local business activity, although those effects are not reflected as direct budgeted City revenue in this report.
No immediate appropriation or budget action is required. Any future budget adjustments related to the timing of revenues, expenditures, or departmental work programs will be brought forward through future budget actions, as needed. 22 of 22
Prepared By: Aaron Orozco, Community Recreation Administrator Approved Forwarded to Council
Attachments:
A. Exemption Resolution Switzerland
B. Exemption Resolution Club France