City Manager Oliver Chi has announced a new set of parking rates for city-owned lots that will take effect early next year. In his weekly letter to city staff and stakeholders, Chi outlined updates that include both permanent adjustments and seasonal pricing changes beginning January 12, 2026.
A PDF of the full rate schedule, shared with Chi’s message, is available for download.
The announcement follows a year of significant parking-policy changes in Santa Monica. Throughout 2025, the city reduced the free parking period in downtown structures to 30 minutes, raised meter rates in key commercial districts, introduced seasonal pricing at beach lots, and implemented the new parking facility tax approved by voters as Measure K. Several formerly free neighborhood lots also transitioned to paid parking, and the long-standing free parking exemption for electric vehicles ended on September 30.
Below is a summary of the major parking changes already in effect as well as those scheduled for early 2026:
Key Parking Changes (2025–2026)
Downtown Structures:
The free period in city parking structures has been cut to 30 minutes. Daily maximums have increased, with weekday caps now approaching $14 under the updated rate schedule.
Street Meters:
Meter rates in the downtown area rose from $2.50 to $3 per hour, reflecting the city’s broader pricing strategy.
Beach Parking:
Beach lots now use a seasonal pricing model, with higher flat rates and hourly fees from April through October and lower winter rates from November through March, according to the city’s parking division.
Parking Facility Tax (Measure K):
Approved by voters in November 2024, the tax on private parking facilities increased to 18% beginning January 1, 2025. City-owned lots are exempt from the tax.
New Paid Neighborhood Lots:
Roughly 28 previously free city lots converted to paid parking in 2025. Rates are 25 cents per 30 minutes, with a $5 daily maximum.
Electric Vehicles:
Free EV parking—once a popular incentive—ended on September 30, 2025. All drivers must now pay posted rates.
New 2026 Rate Structure:
A comprehensive restructuring of municipal parking rates, approved in late 2025, will take effect January 12, 2026. The plan streamlines rate categories and reduces some monthly pass prices for city structures.
The city says the combined changes are intended to simplify the parking system, manage demand more efficiently, and realign parking revenue with rising operational costs.
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