Santa Monica, CA Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)
Key Facts
- Permits Required
- Zoning Conformance Review + Sidewalk Dining Permit
- License Agreement Required
- Yes, from the City for use of public right-of-way
- Eligible Uses
- Legally established eating and drinking establishments only
- Parking Required
- No
- Hours
- Limited to hours of operation of the associated restaurant
- Code Section
- SMMC § 9.31.200
Summary
Restaurants in Santa Monica may set up outdoor dining on public sidewalks only as an accessory use to a legally established eating or drinking establishment, after obtaining Zoning Conformance Review, a Sidewalk Dining Permit, and a City license agreement.
§ 9.31.200. Outdoor Dining and Seating on Sidewalks. Outdoor dining and seating on sidewalks shall be designed, located, and operated consistent with the following standards:
A. Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to permit outdoor dining and seating that enhances the pedestrian ambiance of the City while not adversely impacting adjacent properties or surrounding neighborhoods consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies of the General Plan.
B. Applicability. The provisions of this Section shall apply to all new outdoor dining and seating areas on public rights-of-way, such as sidewalks, and to all existing outdoor dining and seating areas that are expanded.
C. Procedure. The establishment of an outdoor dining and seating area requires Zoning Conformance Review, pursuant to the procedures of Chapter 9.38, Zoning Conformance Review, to ensure consistency with all of the standards of this Section unless such review has been conducted in conjunction with discretionary review of the associated commercial use and issuance of a Sidewalk Dining Permit.
D. Accessory Use. Permanent outdoor dining and seating shall be conducted as an accessory use to a legally established eating and drinking establishment located on the public right-of-way immediately adjacent to the tenant space.
Full Breakdown
The outdoor dining area must be immediately adjacent to the tenant space and is treated as accessory to the business. A City license agreement for use of the public right-of-way is required. Operators must comply with adopted design guidelines, including the Citywide Sidewalk Dining Guidelines and specific standards for the Third Street Promenade and Ocean Avenue. Parking is not required for sidewalk dining areas. Hours are limited to the hours of operation of the associated restaurant.
Violations & Fines
Operating outdoor dining on sidewalks without Zoning Conformance approval, a Sidewalk Dining Permit, or a license agreement violates SMMC § 9.31.200 and is subject to code enforcement action, including removal of unauthorized furniture and structures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any business put tables on the sidewalk?
Do I need a permit for sidewalk dining?
Does adding sidewalk seating require additional parking?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
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