Downtown Santa Monica is open for business. Are you looking to open a new business, but not sure where to start? Start here.
STATE OF DOWNTOWN: FAST FACTS
SIMPLIFIED ZONING & PERMITTING RULES
By-Right and Permitted Uses for Downtown Santa Monica
By-Right and Permitted Uses for Third Street Promenade
Downtown Alcohol and By-Right Approval Process
Expanded Signage for Third Street Promenade
PARKING
The Basics:
Public Parking Structures 1 & 2 and 4-8 are available for employee parking 24 hours daily. The first 90 minutes are free, with incremental increases every 30 minutes after that. $20 daily maximum on weekdays, and $25 on weekends.
Employer Validations for Employees & Customers:
Businesses can purchase an unlimited number of employee validations at the regular (non-discounted) rate by completing a separate "Downtown Employee Validation" form (located here) for each employee and submitting them via email to Mary Bowleg: mbowleg@metropolis.io.
To obtain validation tickets for customers, businesses should complete the appropriate form here and email it to SM Parking at smparking@spplus.com.
Employee Daily Validations:
If you work in Downtown Santa Monica, you can purchase up to 20 discounted Daily Employee Parking Validations per month for use in Structures 2 and 4–8. Validations can be picked up at: GoSaMo Center (Street level of Parking Structure 5).
To purchase, provide:
A valid government-issued ID (e.g., driver's license or passport)
Proof of employment: recent pay stub, business card, or letter from employer on company letterhead (only required for first-time purchase)
Completed validation form (submit at purchase or email in advance to mbowleg@spplus.com)
Download validation forms:
For more information, click here.
Employee Monthly Parking Keycards:
If you work in Downtown Santa Monica, the City of Santa Monica offers Monthly Employee Downtown Parking keycards. Keycards are not guaranteed and are issued based on availability. You will need to provide the documents below and email them to Gaby Vazquez at gvazquez@metropolis.io.
Valid government-issued ID (driver's license/ID, passport, etc.)
Proof of employment (paycheck stub, business card, letter on company letterhead signed by employer)
For more information, click here.
OUTDOOR PROMENADE DINING CASP GUIDELINES
ADA RESOURCES & FORUM
We hosted a forum with attorney Ara Sahelian, Esq., in partnership with the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, to provide businesses with simple steps to make their business accessible and ADA compliant. The presentation covered issues like accessible parking, access aisles, signage, restroom requirements, as well as issues unique to retail stores and restaurants. Watch the forum here.