Santa Monica - Open For Business
April 18, 2023 10:39 AM
by Jennifer Taylor
Dec. 14, 2023: For updated information, please see this blog post: santamonica.gov/blog/cultivating-economic-recovery-city-extends-simplifed-zoning-and-permitting-rules-for-new-and-existing-businesses.
The City of Santa Monica has simplified zoning and permitting rules for new and existing businesses. More types of businesses can open or expand operations now with staff-level approvals (in place of the time and expense of public hearings) — enabling businesses to open faster and focus on making their businesses successful in Santa Monica. Here are some of the latest changes:
SPACE and SIZE
- A non-conforming retail or eating and drinking use vacant for more than a year can be reoccupied without new zoning approvals required
- Parking space credit of up to 10-parking spaces provided to support changes in land use
- Expedited eligibility for waiver or reduction in number/dimensions loading space(s)
- Reduced restrictions on the overall size and width of tenant spaces
- Parklet, Sidewalk Dining and Private Outdoor Permit programs created to support outdoor business operations — including restaurant, fitness, salons/spas, and retail
SIGNS
- Code compliant signs and sign programs are now approved at staff level
- Staff approval for more signs and lettering up to 18 inches
FOOD and DRINK
- Full service, limited service, and takeout restaurants up to 5,000 square feet allowed by–right, including the ability to provide off-site alcohol per ABC allowances
- Alcohol Exemptions: No public hearing required nor appeal process for restaurants providing on-site alcoholic beverage service within established operational conditions, subject to ABC licensing approvals being secured and proper licensing from ABC reducing time and expenses
- Food Halls now a conditionally allowed use
- Elimination of restrictions on the number of restaurants per block on Main Street
- Expanded opportunities for outdoor dining citywide (Sidewalk Dining, Parklet Dining, and Private Property)
USES
- New ‘Pop-Up’ approval process resources
- Health clubs, physical training, and yoga studios up to 5,000 square feet allowed in more areas by-right
DOWNTOWN and THIRD STREET PROMENADE (area bounded by 2nd Street, Wilshire Boulevard, 4th Street, and Broadway)
- More signs allowed: including upper-level signage, business-adjacent portable "A" frame signs and limited signage on outdoor dining barriers
- No minimum parking required
- Active commercial use depth requirement reduced from 50’ to first 25’ of property
- Entrances/doorways to upper floors allowed directly onto sidewalks and Promenade
- Change of use from a restaurant to another use no longer requires a public hearing
- Non-conforming retail, eating and drinking, or bar/nightclub/lounges can be reoccupied by new tenant with the same type of use without new zoning approvals
- Increased flexibility of unenclosed rooftop areas for commercial/restaurant activity, including rooftop shades up to 10' in height permitted above the roofline
- Streamlined permitting of existing land uses, less zoning restrictions, and elimination of need for Conditional Use Permits (CUPs), Minor Use Permits (MUPs), and other discretionary approvals for the following uses:
- Child Care and Early Education Facilities
- Cinemas and Theaters, more than 99 seats
- Convention and Conference Centers
- General Retail Sales, Medium-Scale Facility
- Grooming & Pet Stores
- Bed and Breakfast
- Hotels and Motels
- Medical and Dental Offices
- General Personal Services
- Tattoo or Body Modification Parlor
- Food Hall
- Automobile and Vehicle Showrooms
- Change of ownership and interior remodels of existing legal non-conforming alcohol outlets without a CUP or Alcohol Exemption no longer require zoning conformance review if the business has been in continuous use and hasn't substantially changed how it operates
DOING BUSINESS WITH THE CITY
- Online appointment system for in-person permit center services
- Online services, including planning application submittals and virtual permit issuance for building permits
- New 311 customer service online portal to help answer questions and provide guidance on opening a business, confirming zoning, reporting issues, etc.
- New online Virtual Counter Review service for minor projects that can typically be approved at the public counter
- Upgraded online plan review system (ProjectDox)
- Ongoing technology upgrades
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Santa Monica's 311: (866) 311-7266 or 311@santamonica.gov or santamonica.gov/categories/business with resources to help businesses open, grow, and thrive in Santa Monica.
Authored By
Jennifer Taylor
Economic Development Manager