Santa Monica Pauses Downtown Parking Rate Changes After Business Backlash

Santa Monica Pauses Downtown Parking Rate Changes After Business Backlash

City officials have postponed the implementation of new parking rates in eight downtown structures until at least January 27, 2026, following intense opposition from local businesses.

The planned changes, originally set to take effect on January 12, would have reduced the free parking period from 90 minutes to 30 minutes in facilities such as Structures 1 through 8 and the Ken Edwards Center.

This adjustment was part of a broader restructuring approved by the City Council on October 28, 2025, aimed at simplifying the pricing model, generating additional revenue-projected at up to $9 million annually-and encouraging longer visits to support downtown revitalization amid rising operational costs since the last rate update in 2018.

The delay came in direct response to strong pushback from membership-based businesses, including gyms, fitness studios, and wellness centers, which argued that shortening the free period would make it harder for customers to attend classes or appointments without incurring immediate fees. Representatives from businesses like Hot Eight Yoga had previously voiced concerns during council discussions, noting that the longstanding 90-minute grace period had been a key factor in supporting regular local patronage for over 15 years. City leaders acknowledged the feedback, with the official parking update stating that a revised proposal for these downtown structures will be presented to the City Council at its January 27 meeting. In the interim, the current rates-including the 90 minutes of free parking-remain in effect, while other citywide changes, such as credit card convenience fees and adjustments to beach lots and on-street meters, have proceeded as scheduled.

The pause highlights ongoing tensions between the city's fiscal goals and the need to support small businesses in the downtown core, particularly as Santa Monica continues to recover economically and revitalize areas like the Third Street Promenade. City officials have emphasized that the overall restructuring simplifies the previous nine-tier system into a three-tier model, with many longer-stay rates reduced or held flat, and discounted 90-minute validations available for purchase by interested businesses. A future phase could include spend-based validation programs in coordination with Downtown Santa Monica, Inc., to further assist restaurants and retail. The full proposal, which also requires eventual approval from the California Coastal Commission due to the structures' location in the coastal zone, remains under review as the city balances revenue needs with community access.