Simple Table + Chairs

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Introduced as part of the city's Realignment Plan, Santa Monica's Simple Table + Chairs Program offers the most streamlined path to outdoor dining on the public right-of-way. Launching July 1, 2026, this fee-free* program is designed for legally established restaurants and eating/drinking establishments that want to place moveable tables and chairs on the sidewalk — no barriers, no fixtures, no hassle!

While the full Sidewalk Dining Program remains the right fit for businesses seeking barriers or permanent fixtures, Simple Table + Chairs removes the complexity for those who just want to pull up a seat and serve their guests outside. Eligible businesses can get started quickly while still meeting the City's standards for insurance and accessibility.

*Santa Monica application and monthly fees are waived. Businesses are still responsible for the Los Angeles portion of Wastewater Fees (see below).

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FAQ

I have an existing Santa Monica Outdoor Dining License Agreement for sidewalk dining. Do I need to do anything more to continue operating?

To participate in the Simple Tables and Chairs Program, you will be required to submit an application, as linked in the "How to Apply for Simple Table and Chairs Permit" Process Explainer. Your current sidewalk dining license will be terminated once you are approved for the new program.

If you wish to continue to operate with barriers, no additional action is needed.

If you currently operate a sidewalk dining area with barriers and wish to transition to this free program, you will need to notify the Economic Development Division prior to removal of existing barriers; barrier removal must be coordinated with City staff as the area will need to be inspected before and after removal. Please do not remove any barriers until we confirm next steps with you.

What is the Wastewater Fee?

Wastewater Fees are collected for conveyance and treatment capacity improvements due to the increase in wastewater generated as a result of the net new seats. Wastewater fees apply only to net new seats are added to a restaurant. There is no additional fee for businesses that move indoor seats to outdoors with no change to total seat count. Each additional seat is subject to a one-time Wastewater Fee.

Currently, the City of Santa Monica portion of these fees is being waived as part of the City's Realignment Plan. Businesses are still subject to the City of Los Angeles portion of the fee. See fee table for current rates, subject to change as set by the City of Los Angeles.

Businesses with credits for seats previously paid for may submit a site plan with the number of previously approved/permitted seats along with an updated site plan to show the new distribution of seats for both indoor and outdoor dining areas.

How can I ensure my Simple Tables and Chairs permit application is approved quickly?

Please review the Tables and Chairs Sidewalk Dining Guidelines before you submit your permit application to ensure that you submit the required site plan and information. You MUST submit a detailed site plan with your application to include dimensions of the outdoor dining area, number of tables and chairs and site conditions. Otherwise, your application will be deemed incomplete.

How long will I be able to operate my tables and chairs sidewalk dining area?

Once your permit has been approved by Public Works, you will be granted a one-year term to operate your tables and chairs sidewalk dining area. The permit may then be renewed annually thereafter, subject to Public Works inspections and neighbor approval (where applicable). If there are updates to your sidewalk dining layout, you will be required to apply for a permit or pay new permit fees to continue to operate your outdoor operations so that the City can review and approve.

Will I be able to serve alcohol under the Simple Tables and Chairs Program?

Yes, barriers are no longer a requirement to serve alcohol under the Simple Tables and Chairs Program!

However, businesses must be permitted to serve alcohol.

For more information, see "How to Submit an Alcohol Application."

LA Wastewater Capital Facility Fee (Full Service Restaurant):	$323.21
-OR- LA Wastewater Capital Facility Fee (Fast Food):	$269.34

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One-Time Wastewater Fees (per net new seat). As of July 1, 2026. Subject to change as set by the City of Los Angeles.