Parking Rules in Santa Monica, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Santa Monica or are thinking about moving there, parking rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Santa Monica has 7 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of parking rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Overnight Parking

Santa Monica has overnight parking restrictions in many areas, particularly near the beach and commercial zones. Permit parking districts exist for residents. Street parking subject to 72-hour limit per CA Vehicle Code §22651.

Key details: 72-Hour Rule: CA Vehicle Code §22651. Permit Districts: Residential areas. Beach Areas: Overnight restrictions. Enforcement: SMPD and Parking Enforcement.

Parking tickets typically $25 to $75. Vehicles may be towed at owner expense ($150 to $300+ plus daily storage).

EV Charging

Santa Monica is a leader in EV infrastructure. CA AB 2097 eliminates parking minimums near major transit. CALGreen requires EV-ready wiring in new construction. The city offers streamlined permits for residential charger installation.

Key details: AB 2097: No parking mins near transit. CALGreen: EV-ready wiring required. Permit: Streamlined for residential. City Leadership: Strong EV infrastructure support.

Unpermitted electrical work: fines and required removal. HOA violations of EV access laws: legal remedies available to homeowners.

Santa Monica is more permissive than most cities when it comes to ev charging. That said, there are still limits.

RV & Boat Parking

RV and boat storage in Santa Monica is restricted in residential zones. Oversized vehicles may not be stored on streets for extended periods. On-property storage may require screening. The 72-hour street parking rule applies.

Key details: Street Storage: 72-hour limit applies. Residential: Restrictions on oversized vehicles. Screening: May be required on property. Enforcement: Parking Enforcement.

Parking an oversized vehicle without a valid permit displayed between 9 PM and 6 AM results in a parking citation. The permit does not exempt from other parking restrictions (preferential parking, street sweeping, meters, etc.).

Driveway Rules

Driveways in Santa Monica must comply with zoning code requirements. Vehicles must park on approved surfaces. Driveway widths and curb cuts are regulated by Public Works. Parking on unpaved front yards is not permitted.

Key details: Approved Surface: Required for parking. Front Yard: No parking on unpaved areas. Curb Cuts: Public Works approval. Code: SMMC Article 9.

Vehicles blocking driveways may be cited and towed. Parking without consent on private property is enforceable through SMPD. Standard parking citation fines apply.

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions

Commercial-registered vehicles cannot obtain Overnight Oversize Parking permits in Santa Monica. Commercial vehicles must re-register as non-commercial through DMV for street parking eligibility.

Key details: Code Section: SMMC §3.12.900. Commercial Overnight: Not eligible for permits. Workaround: Re-register as non-commercial. Beach Lot RV Rate: 4x daily rate. Off-Street Standards: SMMC Chapter 9.28.

Commercial vehicles parked on residential streets overnight without proper permits face parking citations. Vehicles may be towed if in violation.

Abandoned Vehicles

Under California Vehicle Code Section 22651(k) and Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 3.12, vehicles parked on public streets for 72 or more consecutive hours are considered abandoned and subject to citation and towing. Temporary No Parking signs require 24–72 hours advance posting.

Key details: Time Limit: 72 consecutive hours. Inoperable: Immediate tow eligible. TNP Signs: 24–72 hr advance posting. Code: CVC §22651(k), SMMC Ch. 3.12.

72-hour violations result in parking citations and towing at the owner's expense. Impound release and daily storage fees apply. Inoperable vehicles may be towed immediately. Repeated violations on the same vehicle may result in lien sale proceedings.

Street Parking Limits

Santa Monica has extensive preferential parking zones under SMMC Chapter 3.08 requiring resident permits. Metered parking and time-limited zones are enforced throughout the city.

Key details: Code Section: SMMC Chapter 3.08. Permit Zones: Citywide preferential parking. STR Guest Limit: 2 visitor permits. Metered Areas: Commercial/beach zones. Oversized Permit: SMMC §3.12.900.

Parking violations are enforced by Parking Enforcement. Fines vary by violation type. Vehicles may be towed from no-parking zones or after accumulating unpaid citations.

The Bottom Line

Santa Monica's parking rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Santa Monica is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Santa Monica's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.