License agreement with the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (“FDFA”) and Waiver

The City of Santa Monica has entered into a license agreement with the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs to facilitate the use of the Camera Obscura building, located at 1450 Ocean Avenue, during the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. This agreement includes a temporary waiver of specific Santa Monica Municipal Code provisions to allow for the installation of temporary equipment and facilities, such as tents, signage, and canopies. The project is designed to operate within the existing building without expanding the use of the facility or the surrounding Palisades Park. The project is categorized as exempt under several CEQA Guidelines, including Section 15304 for minor alterations to land, as it involves normal operations for public gatherings without permanent changes. A key requirement of the agreement is that all land and facilities must be restored to their original conditions following the conclusion of the event. The agreement was formalized with a notice of exemption signed by Environmental Planner Rachel Kwok on June 3, 2026.