Under the new policy, events held at city-owned sites and produced by or benefiting nonprofit organizations can qualify for automatic fee waivers and streamlined permitting
The Santa Monica City Council approved a new “Signature Event” designation aimed at bolstering local community gatherings by waiving city fees and prioritizing support for qualifying events.
The move seeks to reduce administrative hurdles for organizers while reinforcing the city’s cultural and economic fabric.
Under the new policy, events held at city-owned sites and produced by or benefiting nonprofit organizations can qualify for automatic fee waivers and streamlined permitting. Eligibility requires events to be free and open to the public, have occurred annually in Santa Monica for at least three years, and offer cultural, social, recreational or economic benefits while promoting local business involvement. Events with primarily political, religious or commercial focuses are excluded.
Fourteen events have been designated as Signature Events, including Pier 360 and Locals Night by the Santa Monica Pier Corporation, Easter on the Promenade, Pride on the Promenade, and Dia de Los Muertos on the Promenade by Downtown Santa Monica, as well as the July 4th Parade by the Ocean Park Association and the Westside Unity Classic Car Show by the Pico Youth & Family Center. The Recreation and Parks Commission will review the list annually, with an appeal process available through the Community Services Director.
The decision follows broader city efforts to enhance its events ecosystem, including revising site guidelines, introducing new venues like the Beach Play Zone, and expanding capacity at high-demand locations like the Pier.
