Santa Monica, CA Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Threshold requiring permit
- 150 or more persons on City-owned property
- Permit-exempt small events
- 500 or fewer participants on sidewalk, groups under 50, traffic-compliant
- Spontaneous events
- Exempt if held on City Hall lawn with 4-hour notice when feasible
- Zero-waste plan
- Required in all permit applications
- Penalty for violation
- Misdemeanor conviction
Summary
Any organized event on City-owned property involving 150 or more persons, or requiring a temporary structure needing a Fire or Building permit, requires a community event permit from the City's Community Events Committee.
§ 4.68.040. Permit required. "Community event" means any of the following:
(1) Any organized formation, procession, or assembly of persons, animals, vehicles, or any combination thereof, that assembles or travels in unison for any purpose, on any sidewalk, street, pedestrian path, alley, or other public right-of-way that either: (i) is likely to impede, obstruct, impair or interfere with free use of a public street, highway, alley, sidewalk, or pedestrian path; or (ii) does not comply with normal or usual traffic regulations or controls.
(2) Any event on City-owned, -controlled, or -maintained property, involving 150 or more persons.
(3) An event on City-owned, -controlled, or -maintained property, which requires the placement of a tent, canopy, or other temporary structure if that placement requires a permit from the City's Fire Department or Building and Safety Division. ...
(b) Permit Required. Except as otherwise provided by this Chapter or any other applicable law, rule or regulation, a community event permit shall be obtained from the Community Event Committee for all community events.
Full Breakdown
A community event is broadly defined to include parades, concerts, festivals, rallies, and any event on City-controlled property with 150+ attendees. Small sidewalk events with under 500 participants that move in groups under 50 and comply with traffic rules do not need a permit. Spontaneous events organized with less than 48 hours' notice due to breaking news may be held on City Hall lawn without a permit. The permit application must include a zero-waste plan, event description, and site plan.
Violations & Fines
Intentionally conducting a community event without a required permit is a misdemeanor. Participants who knowingly join an unpermitted event also violate the law. Administrative citations and fines may be imposed under Chapter 1.09.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a small neighborhood festival in a park need a permit?
What is needed in the permit application?
Can the City deny a permit based on the event's message or viewpoint?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica to another location·View the California special events & permits overview
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Park Event Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle park event permits.