City Hall and Facilities Closures Extended and Relief for City Lease and License Holders
March 27, 2020 10:30 AM
SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Today, the City of Santa Monica issued its ninth supplement to its declaration of local emergency, officially extending all public space and City facility closures through April 30, in line with the City Council’s vote on March 11, 2020. The order also allows for extension of the time for the City to respond to public records requests and suspends rent payments for the month of April for:
- Businesses that hold outdoor dining licenses with the City
- Businesses that are City tenants on the Santa Monica Pier
- At the discretion of the Director of Housing and Economic Development, other City tenants whose business activities have been suspended due to public health orders
“We need everyone to use common sense to help flatten the curve. The situation is changing by the day, sometimes by the hour. City government is working to enforce State and County orders fairly and consistently,” said City Manager Rick Cole. “We are acutely aware of the adverse impact on our residents, businesses and workers and ask for patience, good will and neighborliness so we get through this together.”
This order reflects the direction of county and state public health authorities to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and to promote the health, safety, and resilience of all Santa Monicans. City Manager and Executive Director of Emergency Services Rick Cole has ordered the following:
- Extension of City Facility Closures: City facilities will remain closed to private events, activities, programs, and gatherings until April 30, 2020. All previously scheduled events for this time period will be cancelled, with notice and information about eligibility for refunds to be provided to the reservation holders.
- Extension of City Hall and City Public Counter Closures: City Hall and all non-essential City public counters will also remain closed to the public until April 30, 2020. City staff continue to serve the public remotely. Community members should call or check the website before coming to any City facility in person to conduct business.
- City Leases and Licenses: Late payment fees for City leases and licenses are waived through April 30, 2020. The City will suspend rent payments for the month of April for businesses that hold outdoor dining licenses with the City, City tenants on the Santa Monica Pier, and, at the discretion of the Director of Housing and Economic Development, other City tenants whose business activities have been suspended due to public health orders.
- Public Records Requests: The City may delay responses to public records requests during the local emergency where such requests require searches that are hindered by emergency operations and closures.
- Santa Monica Fire Department Annual Permits of Operation – Santa Monica Fire Department annual permits of operation that are currently set to expire on May 1, 2020, have been extended by one month and shall now expire on June 1, 2020.
This order is effective beginning today, March 27, 2020 through April 30, 2020.
For information on COVID-19 in Santa Monica, visit www.santamonica.gov/coronavirus or call the Santa Monica coronavirus hotline: (310) 458-8400. Get Santa Monica emergency alerts by texting SMCOVID to 888-777. Sign up for daily COVID-19 updates at www.santamonica.gov/newsletter.
Ninth Supplemental Emergency Order >
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Media Contact
Constance Farrell
Communications & Public Information Manager
Constance.Farrell@santamonica.gov