Starting January 12, 2026, Santa Monica will implement new parking rates in public structures, encouraging longer visits downtown.
The updated system, announced by City Manager Oliver Chi, reduces the free parking period from 90 minutes to 30 minutes. However, the longer one parks beyond three hours, the less they will pay overall.
The changes aim to boost local business by encouraging visitors to spend more time in the area. According to Santa Monica Next, the new rates are part of broader parking policy adjustments made throughout 2025. These included raising meter rates in commercial districts and introducing seasonal pricing at beach lots.
The adjustments also follow the end of free parking for electric vehicles and the introduction of a parking facility tax approved by voters as Measure K. The city hopes these measures will simplify the parking system and better manage demand while aligning revenue with operational costs.
As Santa Monica prepares for these changes, city officials expect the new rate structure to enhance the downtown experience for both residents and visitors.
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