Council Directs City Attorney to Propose Modifications to Street Performance Permit Requirements

October 21, 2009

On October 13, the City Council conducted a study session on whether the City should retain its street performer permitting system in the wake of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals’ June 2009 decision in Berger v. City of Seattle. That decision struck down Seattle’s requirement that performers obtain permits before performing in an 80-park known as the Seattle Center.

Based on public testimony from street performers and others and on information from safety personnel and other staff, the Council decided to consider narrowing but keeping Santa Monica’s permit requirement.  Council directed the City Attorney to return with a proposed ordinance carrying out that direction.

The proposed ordinance is scheduled for public hearing and consideration on November 24.