Parking Operations Division
Administrative Hearing
Click Here to Request an Administrative Hearing Online
If you are not satisfied with
the results of the Initial Review, you may request
an Administrative Hearing by mail (written declaration), by phone or in person.
You must request an Administrative Hearing within 21 calendar days of the date
of the Initial Review decision. Once those 21 days have passed, you are no longer
entitled to an Administrative Hearing.
IMPORTANT: All fines for the contested citation must be paid in full prior to
scheduling a hearing. Determination of an inability to pay is governed by California
Vehicle Code Section 40215(b) and may allow a waiver of the deposit of the amount due,
provided the issuing agency is in possession of sufficient proof and has granted a
variance. If you fail to contact the city within the specified time, you will forfeit
the right to a hearing.
What Happens at An Administrative Hearing?
The Hearing Officer will be provided with a case folder which contains all
information relevant to your citation, including:
- A copy of the citation
- Any correspondence received by the City of Santa Monica concerning the citation
- The results of any investigations conducted during the Initial Review process
- A complete computer record of all calls received and notices sent
If the Hearing Officer determines you are not liable for the citation, you will be issued a refund.
Requesting an Administrative Hearing
You can download a Hearing Request Form from the website and schedule an Administrative Hearing by mail or by phone. An administrative hearing will only be scheduled after an initial review request has been completed.
You will be sent written notification of your Hearing time, date, and location.
Request by Mail
You also have the option of requesting a Hearing By Mail. If you select the Hearing By Mail option, you must submit any information you would like considered, as well as a Written Declaration explaining why you believe that the citation should be dismissed. With this option, you will not be present for the Hearing. If you select a Written Declaration, please complete the form on the reverse side of the Initial Review Results letter you received and return it immediately to:
City of Santa Monica
P.O. Box 515214
Los Angeles, CA 90051-6514
If you need a Written Declaration form mailed to you, please contact our Customer Service Hotline at: 1 (800) 214 - 1526
Schedule by Telephone
To schedule an in-person Administrative Hearing by phone you can call the number below.
1 (800) 214 – 1526
In-Person Request
You may request an Administrative Hearing in person at:
City of Santa Monica
1444 4th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Monday through Thursday
8:30 AM to 11:30am and 1pm to 4pm, except holidays.
You will receive a letter in the mail with the date, time, and location of your hearing.
Hearings by ZOOM or Phone
- Due to COVID-19, all in-person hearings for the City of Santa Monica are currently being held via phone or ZOOM teleconference.
- You may bring any witnesses, records, or documents with you that are applicable to your case.
- Any interpreters needed, including sign language, must be provided by the contestant.
- Any additional documents, relating to the appeal of your citation must be submitted at the time of your hearing. No extensions will be granted to submit further documentation. Documentation will not be returned.
- Results of the hearing will be mailed to you at the address provided.