License Agreement with Goldenvoice

2026040843

City of Santa Monica

NOE - Notice of Exemption

4/17/2026

4/17/2026

Rachel Kwok

City of Santa Monica

Environmental Planner

Lead/Public Agency

1685 Main Street
City of Santa Monica, CA 90401

(310) 458-2201 ext. 2039

rachel.kwok@santamonica.gov

90401

Categorical Exemption

Sections 15301, 15303, 15304, 15311, 15323

The Goldenvoice event is categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities), Section 15303 (Class 3 - New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures), Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land), Section 15311 (Class 11 - Accessory Structures), and Section 15323 (Normal Operations of Existing Facilities for Public Gathering) of the CEQA Guidelines. Section 15301 of CEQA Guidelines exempts the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the lead agency's determination. The Goldenvoice event would not expand existing structures, facilities, or topographical features. The existing Santa Monica beach, Pier deck, and parking lot would be utilized for this temporary event would be restored to their original conditions. Therefore, the event is exempt under Section 15301. Section 15303 of CEQA Guidelines exempts the construction and location of limited numbers of new small facilities or structures; installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures; and the conversion of existing small structures from one use to another where only minor modifications are made in the exterior of the structure. Projects that fall into this class of exemption include accessory (appurtenant) structures including garages, carports, patios, swimming pools, and fences. The Goldenvoice event would include the installation of temporary equipment and facilities that would be accessory structures. These accessory structures would be temporary in nature. Therefore, the event is exempt under Section 15303. Section 15304 of CEQA Guidelines exempts minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry and agricultural purposes. This includes minor temporary use of land having negligible or no permanent effects on the environment. The Goldenvoice event is two-day special event on the existing beach, Pier deck, and portions of the beach parking lot. The land would be restored to original condition after the event concludes. Therefore, the Goldenvoice event is exempt under Section 15304. Section 15311 of CEQA Guidelines exempts the construction, or placement of minor structures accessory to (appurtenant to) existing commercial, industrial, or institutional facilities. Projects that fall into this class of exemption include construction, or placement of minor structures accessory to (appurtenant to) existing commercial, industrial, or institutional facilities, including but not limited to: (c) Placement of seasonal or temporary use items such as lifeguard towers, mobile food units, portable restrooms, or similar items in generally the same locations from time to time in publicly owned parks, stadiums, or other facilities designed for public use. The Goldenvoice event would include the installation of temporary equipment and facilities that would be accessory structures. Therefore, the event is exempt under Section 15311. Section 15323 of CEQA Guidelines exempts normal operations of existing facilities for public gatherings for which the facilities were designed, where there is a past history of the facility being used for the same or similar kind of purpose. "Past history" shall mean that the same or similar kind of activity has been occurring for at least three years and that there is a reasonable expectation that the future occurrence of the activity would not represent a change in the operation of the facility. The existing Santa Monica Beach, Pier, and parking lot has been regularly utilized for special events and activities for more than thirty-five years, including the Twilight Concert Series and the LA Opera at the Beach. Therefore, the Goldenvoice music festival is considered normal operations and uses of the existing Pier and surrounding beach area, under Section 15323.