Santa Monica
Permit Expediting

Santa Monica's independent Building & Safety Division and Coastal Zone overlay create a permitting environment that demands specific local expertise. We provide both.

Unlike properties within the City of Los Angeles, Santa Monica projects are governed by the city's own municipal code and processed through a separate department. The Santa Monica Building & Safety Division operates on its own plan-check schedule, uses its own portal (eTRAKit), and applies local amendments to the California Building Code that differ from LADBS standards.

Many parcels in Santa Monica also fall within California's Coastal Zone, adding a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) requirement that runs parallel to — and sometimes in conflict with — the standard building permit timeline. Santa Monica's certified Local Coastal Program means most CDPs are issued locally, but Coastal Commission review still applies to certain project types and locations.

Ocean Permits & Development maps your project's regulatory requirements before submittal, identifies Coastal Zone applicability, prepares Architectural Review Board submittals, and manages concurrent tracks with Santa Monica Planning and the California Coastal Commission when needed.

The Santa Monica Permitting Environment

Santa Monica Building & Safety Division

Independent from LADBS. Applies Santa Monica Municipal Code with local CBC amendments. Projects submitted through eTRAKit. Plan check timelines and standards differ significantly from Los Angeles City.

California Coastal Zone

A significant portion of Santa Monica — generally within approximately 1 mile of the shoreline — falls within the Coastal Zone. Projects in this area require a Coastal Development Permit in addition to a building permit. Even small residential additions can trigger CDP requirements.

Architectural Review Board (ARB)

Commercial projects, new construction, and significant exterior alterations in many Santa Monica areas require ARB design approval. The ARB evaluates massing, materials, architectural compatibility, and landscaping. Submittals require specific drawing formats and design narratives.

Santa Monica City Planning

Discretionary approvals — variances, Conditional Use Permits, development agreements — go through the Planning Commission or Zoning Administrator. Projects near the ocean or in specific plan areas may face additional design standards.

Our Santa Monica Expertise

Santa Monica Building & Safety Division plan check coordination
Coastal Development Permit (CDP) applications — City and Coastal Commission tracks
California Coastal Commission submissions for non-certified parcels
Architectural Review Board (ARB) submittals for design compliance
Santa Monica City Planning entitlements and variance applications
Tenant improvement permits for Main Street, Third Street Promenade, and Wilshire Blvd corridors
ADU and garage conversion permits under Santa Monica's local rules
Commercial new construction and residential additions
Fire & Life Safety clearances with Santa Monica Fire Department
Sign permits under Santa Monica's sign ordinance

Common Questions

Does Santa Monica have its own building department?

Yes. Santa Monica operates an independent Building & Safety Division — separate from the City of Los Angeles and LADBS. Projects in Santa Monica are submitted through the city's own eTRAKit portal and reviewed by local plan checkers who apply the Santa Monica Municipal Code, which adopts the California Building Code with local amendments.

Do I need California Coastal Commission approval in Santa Monica?

Many properties in Santa Monica fall within the Coastal Zone, requiring a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) in addition to the standard building permit. Santa Monica has a certified Local Coastal Program (LCP), so CDPs for most projects are issued by the City rather than going directly to the state Coastal Commission. However, certain projects or parcels may still require Commission review. We identify Coastal Zone status at project outset and manage both tracks simultaneously.

What is the Architectural Review Board (ARB) in Santa Monica?

The Santa Monica Architectural Review Board (ARB) reviews design plans for new construction, additions, and significant exterior alterations — particularly in commercial areas and designated districts. ARB approval is required before a building permit can be issued for affected projects. We prepare ARB submittals that meet the city's design standards, coordinate pre-application meetings when helpful, and manage the hearing schedule.

How long do permits take in Santa Monica?

Simple tenant improvements can be approved in 3–6 weeks over the counter. Residential additions or commercial projects without coastal or ARB review typically take 6–10 weeks. Projects requiring Coastal Development Permit review add 4–8 weeks. ARB projects require scheduling a hearing date and may add 6–10 weeks. Pre-submittal coordination is the most effective way to compress the total timeline.

Are ADUs permitted in Santa Monica?

Yes. Santa Monica allows ADUs and JADUs under California state law. The city has adopted local ADU standards that comply with state requirements. Garage conversions to ADUs are common and generally don't require replacement parking. We prepare ADU permit packages for Santa Monica and manage the plan check process through the Building & Safety Division.

What areas in Santa Monica are most common for commercial TI permits?

The most active commercial TI corridors are Third Street Promenade, Main Street, Santa Monica Place, Wilshire Boulevard, and the Montana Avenue retail district. Each has specific design and signage standards that affect TI submittals. Projects on the Promenade and near the Pier may also have additional Coastal Zone considerations.