Ordinance amendments for community events

The City of Santa Monica is implementing a series of ordinance amendments to the Santa Monica Municipal Code to better facilitate community and special events citywide. These amendments affect multiple chapters, including those governing disorderly conduct and nuisances, noise, park and beach codes, community events, street performers, and signage. The primary objective is to streamline the operation of special events at existing public facilities and open spaces by introducing flexible regulations. Key changes include the authorization of drone shows, updated operational regulations for street performers, the ability to waive community permit requirements through licenses or agreements, increased flexibility for temporary signage, and the provision to waive noise standards during event periods. This action is classified as a municipal legislative action and is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301, 15311, 15323, and 15061(b)(3). The city has determined that these administrative adjustments involve the normal operations of existing facilities and will have negligible environmental impacts. Specifically, noise and lighting effects are considered consistent with the city's certified General Plan EIR, provided that special event lighting adheres to all applicable regulations and does not create a permanent substantial increase in light or glare levels. Rachel Kwok, Environmental Planner, serves as the primary point of contact for this initiative.