Santa Monica Suspends Parking Regulations Amid Coronavirus

SANTA MONICA, CA — The City of Santa Monica put a fourth supplemental emergency order into effect, suspending street sweeping and preferential parking regulations will make it easier for the Santa Monica community to stay at home during the novel coronavirus pandemic, it was announced Tuesday.

"We are looking across our operations to take the actions required to alleviate some of the hardships this outbreak is putting on our residents and communities across the globe," City Manager Rick Cole said. "Stay informed, stay calm, and stay healthy."

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Actions like this are meant to slow the spread of COVID-19, the City news release said. In addition to the parking modifications, the order lays out the following zoning change to better equip healthcare providers and social services to meet the needs of the day, in effect through March 31:

The following uses shall be permitted in all zoning districts:

• A public safety facility, as defined by Section 9.51.030(A)(10) of the Santa Monica Municipal Code, shall be a permitted use in all zoning districts.
• A hospital or clinic, as defined by Section 9.51.030(A)(8) of the Santa Monica Municipal Code, shall be a permitted use in all zoning districts.
• An emergency shelter, as defined by Section 9.51.020(A)(4) of the Santa Monica Municipal Code, shall be a permitted use in all zoning districts.

Under the emergency order, no conditional use permit or temporary use permit is required for any of the above-listed uses and all development standards, design review, parking, and access requirements and sign standards related to these uses may be waived.

2. Drive-through facilities related to the provision of public safety, medical, or food or pharmacy goods or services are hereby permitted.

3. Street sweeping shall not be conducted unless essential for public health and safety. Accordingly, parking citations associated with street sweeping are hereby suspended.

4. Preferential parking rules are hereby suspended.

5. Section 3.12.680 related to the regulation of operation of vehicles over a certain size is hereby suspended. Drivers of oversize vehicles are required to follow the truck route network specified in Section 3.12.680 unless and until they need to deviate to reach their destination.

6. All user fees related to Breeze bike share are hereby suspended. 7. All timelines for planning applications are hereby suspended.

7. All timelines for planning applications are hereby suspended.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC's recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

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