City of Santa Monica

Building in the City of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, California, is a vibrant and iconic coastal city located on the westside of Los Angeles County, nestled along the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Known for its stunning beaches, historic landmarks, and thriving cultural scene, the city has roots dating back to the late 19th century and has grown into one of Southern California’s most recognizable and sought-after communities. Since its incorporation in 1886, Santa Monica has evolved into a dynamic city that blends its historic charm with modern urban living.

Today, Santa Monica is home to a diverse population and is celebrated for its walkable neighborhoods, distinctive architecture, and scenic coastline. The city offers an abundance of parks, recreational facilities, and outdoor activities, including the Santa Monica Pier, Palisades Park, and numerous beachfront pathways that attract residents and visitors year-round. The community enjoys a rich selection of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, as well as convenient access to nearby areas such as Venice, Brentwood, and downtown Los Angeles.

Santa Monica is recognized for its strong commitment to sustainability, high-quality public services, and robust community programs that contribute to its reputation as a safe, inclusive, and engaged city. The community takes pride in its arts and cultural offerings—ranging from local theaters and galleries to public art initiatives—as well as its many youth and family-oriented programs that foster civic pride and community connection.

City planning in Santa Monica emphasizes responsible growth, environmental stewardship, and the preservation of the city’s unique coastal character. Major transportation routes—including the I-10 freeway and the Metro E Line—provide convenient regional mobility, while extensive bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure support sustainable transportation within the city. Continued investment in infrastructure, public spaces, and cultural resources reflects Santa Monica’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all who live, work, and visit.

With its blend of historic appeal, natural beauty, and forward-thinking community values, Santa Monica remains a flourishing and distinctive coastal city—an exceptional place for families, businesses, and visitors seeking a vibrant lifestyle enriched by culture, recreation, and the oceanfront environment.

Construction Procedure in the City of Santa Monica
1. Initial Project Planning
‍In Santa Monica, thoughtful early planning sets the foundation for any successful development and ensures that new projects support the City’s General Plan (the Land Use & Circulation Element), zoning code, and its long-term commitment to sustainability, neighborhood livability, and coastal protection. Developers and property owners begin by confirming the site’s zoning designation, permitted uses, and whether the property is located within a specialized area such as the Downtown Community Plan (DCP) district, the Bergamot Area Plan, a historic district, or the Coastal Zone, where California Coastal Commission oversight may apply. Early assessment of site conditions—including traffic access, pedestrian and bicycle circulation, utilities, stormwater management, solar orientation, and proximity to transit—helps shape a project that fits the community context. Santa Monica places strong emphasis on climate action, so projects should incorporate water conservation, renewable energy readiness, and low-impact development practices from the outset.

‍2. Pre-Application Consultation and Staff Review
‍Before filing an official application, applicants are encouraged to meet with the City’s Planning & Community Development staff for a pre-application consultation. During this review, staff help identify required entitlements—such as Development Review Permits, Administrative Approvals, Conditional Use Permits, Variances, or Architectural Review Board (ARB) review. Projects located in the Coastal Zone or historic districts may require added layers of approval or environmental review. Staff also evaluate whether the project triggers CEQA review and what level of environmental documentation is necessary. This early dialogue provides guidance on zoning compliance, mobility and parking impacts, building massing and design compatibility, sustainability requirements, stormwater management, and utility capacity, helping applicants refine their proposals and avoid costly revisions later.

‍3. Application Submittal
‍After incorporating preliminary feedback, applicants prepare and submit a complete development application to the Planning Division. Submittals typically include architectural site plans, floor plans, elevations, 3D massing studies, landscape plans, preliminary grading and drainage plans, and required technical studies—such as transportation analyses, noise studies, historic resource evaluations, and stormwater management documentation. For larger or more complex projects, CEQA documentation may also be required. A well-prepared and complete application supports a smoother, more coordinated review by Planning, Building & Safety, Mobility, Public Works, and the Fire Department.

‍4. Plan Check, Design Review, and Code Compliance Evaluation
‍Once submitted, the project enters a multi-department review process. Planning staff evaluate zoning compliance, building form, and design quality, with most projects subject to the Architectural Review Board for review of materials, massing, and aesthetics. Building & Safety staff assess compliance with the California Building Code, focusing on seismic safety, structural integrity, accessibility, and sustainable building standards such as CALGreen. The Mobility Division reviews circulation, parking design, pedestrian and bicycle access, and transit integration—all high priorities in a city that promotes multimodal transportation. Public Works evaluates stormwater systems, grading, utilities, and public improvements, while the Fire Department ensures compliance with fire-safety and emergency access standards. Revisions may be requested to ensure the project aligns with Santa Monica’s zoning, design expectations, sustainability goals, and CEQA compliance.

‍5. Permit Issuance and Infrastructure Coordination
‍After departmental approvals and any required entitlements are granted—whether administratively or through the Planning Commission, ARB, or City Council—the City issues the corresponding building permits. At this stage, developers coordinate with utility providers and Public Works regarding necessary off-site improvements, such as sidewalk enhancements, curb ramps, bike infrastructure upgrades, or storm drain improvements. The City may require bonds or other securities to ensure these public improvements are completed. This coordination helps ensure that new development integrates seamlessly with Santa Monica’s urban fabric and infrastructure systems.

‍6. Construction and Inspections
‍Construction may begin once all permits are secured and must follow approved plans and conditions of approval. Building & Safety conducts inspections at major project milestones—foundation, structural framing, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, energy systems, and final completion—to verify compliance with local and state codes. The Fire Department inspects fire-protection systems, emergency access, and life-safety components. Public Works staff monitor stormwater facilities, public improvements, and utility installations. If changes arise during construction, they must be reviewed and approved by the City to ensure continued compliance with municipal regulations and approved project plans.

‍7. Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy
‍When construction is complete, the Building & Safety Division performs a final inspection to confirm that the project meets all applicable codes, approved plans, and conditions. Once the project passes its inspections—and required public improvements and sustainability measures are verified—the City issues a Certificate of Occupancy for new structures or Final Approval for tenant improvements and remodels. For larger mixed-use or multi-building developments, Certificates of Occupancy may be issued in phases, allowing completed portions of the project to open once they are determined to be safe and compliant.

‍8. Project Close-Out
‍As the project nears completion, the developer finalizes outstanding items such as landscaping, lighting, signage, and public improvements. As-built plans documenting final constructed conditions are submitted for City records. Public Works conducts final inspections of infrastructure and stormwater systems to ensure compliance with City standards and sustainability requirements. Once all obligations are fulfilled, the City releases any performance or maintenance bonds, marking the official close-out of the project.

‍9. Ongoing Compliance and Future Modifications
‍Even after occupancy, property owners must maintain compliance with Santa Monica’s Municipal Code, zoning regulations, and approved conditions. Any future modifications—such as building additions, façade updates, signage changes, new mechanical equipment, or changes in land use—require review by the Planning Division and may require further review by Building & Safety, Public Works, Mobility, or the Fire Department. Maintaining ongoing compliance ensures that development continues to reflect Santa Monica’s values: sustainability, high-quality design, coastal sensitivity, and vibrant, accessible neighborhoods.