Santa Monica officials have postponed implementing new parking rates at eight downtown structures until at least Jan. 27, responding to concerns from local businesses and residents about how the changes would affect access to the city's commercial core.
The delay comes after fitness studios, gyms and other wellness businesses warned that the original plan — which would have cut free parking from 90 minutes to 30 minutes — could force them to reconsider operating in downtown Santa Monica. The businesses, which rely on frequent short visits from members, said the changes would materially impact their membership-based models.
"This is proof that advocating for your business and your community matters," Councilmember Lana Negrete wrote in a message to constituents. "Voices raised thoughtfully do lead to action."
The City Council had unanimously approved the parking overhaul in August 2025 as part of a budget realignment plan. The changes were set to take effect Jan. 12, replacing a nine-tier pricing system with a simplified three-tier structure. Officials said the streamlined approach would make parking more straightforward while encouraging visitors to stay longer downtown.
But after pushback from downtown businesses and residents, city staff developed an alternative Downtown Parking Access Program. The proposed framework would charge $1 for the first 90 minutes on weekdays and weekends, then $3 to $4 for parking between 90 minutes and three hours, depending on the day. Rates would increase to $10 to $12 for three to five hours and $20 to $22 for stays longer than five hours.
City staff is also evaluating an 18-month pilot program for gyms, yoga studios and similar businesses that would offer tiered annual parking validation programs. Schools operating downtown would be able to provide 30-minute drop-off and pickup validations at no cost.
The full proposal will come before the City Council on Jan. 27. A future phase may explore spend-based validation for restaurants and retail businesses in coordination with Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.
In the meantime, the old rates — including 90 minutes of free parking — remain in effect at downtown structures.
While downtown structure rates remain on hold, parking prices have risen elsewhere across the city as of early 2026. Drivers now pay about 25 cents more per hour on average at street parking meters and hourly beach lots.
Many meter rates that were around $1.75 per hour are now $2, and mid-city public lots that charged $1 per hour now charge $1.25. Beach parking has also increased, with flat all-day rates rising by roughly $2 to $5 depending on location and season.
The city has introduced seasonal pricing at the beach, with higher fees during the busy spring and summer season from April through October and lower rates in winter. Despite the increases, city staff say Santa Monica's beachfront parking remains among the least expensive on the Southern California coast.
Parking permit costs have also risen significantly. The annual fee for a first residential permit increased from $23 to $40 in mid-2025, while visitor permit fees jumped from $35 to $70 per year. City officials said the increases were intended to better manage crowded curb parking and support sustainability goals, though some residents criticized the steep hikes.
The city also converted about 28 formerly free neighborhood lots near parks, libraries and neighborhood commercial streets into paid facilities that now charge 25 cents per 30 minutes, capped at $5 per day.
Several additional policy changes have taken effect. As of Jan. 12, paying for parking with a credit or debit card includes a 2.95% convenience fee, with a flat 25-cent fee per transaction at meters. The city says the surcharge offsets bank processing costs that previously cost the city hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.
Santa Monica also ended its free parking incentive for electric vehicles on Sept. 30, 2025, after about two decades. All drivers, including EV owners, must now pay posted meter rates.