City of Santa Monica Takes Another Step in Promoting Sustainable Design. All Projects Receiving a LEED Rating Will Now Get Expedited:

Homeowner's Guide to Building Permits was developed by City Staff to assist homeowner's by providing answers to frequently asked questions that arise as homeowner's proceed through the permit process.

Interior Demolition Permits These permits will facilitate removing non-structural and non-life safety tenant improvements in commercial spaces after the applicant has submitted plans for the new tenant improvement.

Minimum Plan Check Submittal Checklist  This checklist clearly delineates the key elements of complete submittal for plan review.

New Guidelines for Partial Plan Submittal

ePermits is the City of Santa Monica's online permitting system

    General Information about what permits you can complete online

    Register to use ePermits

            Instructions on the Registration Process to use EPermit

    Login to enter a permit into ePermits

             Instructions for Contractors on How to enter and pay for a Permit

             Instructions for Homeowners on How to enter and pay for a Permit

Plan Check Submittal Requirements

Special Inspector List

Standard Building and Safety Correction Lists are as follows:

    2001 California Codes

    2007 California Codes

Obtaining a Permit

To obtain your construction permit, you must have first completed any necessary plan review process for your project. Once complete, the property owner or a licensed contractor may obtain the permit.

Contractors must provide the following: Proof of State Contractor's License Pocket Card , City Business License, Proof of valid and current Worker's Compensation Insurance and a Letter of Authorization if the applicant is not the license holder.

Owner/Builders must provide the following: Owner/Builder verification form with original signature from the owner of the building, Proof of ownership if recent transfer or if owner is a company/corporation or trust and a Letter of Authorization from the owner if applicant is a tenant or authorized agent

Types of Permits

Property owners are responsible to obtained the appropriate permit when any of the following work is performed on their property:


Combination Building Permit: construct, alter or remove a structure and its electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems

The following types of Permits are called a "Single Trade Permit"

Demolition Permit: complete removal of a structure or building
Electrical Permit: construct, later or remove an electrical system.
Mechanical Permit: construct, alter or remove heating, ventilation, refrigeration, air conditioning and related systems.
Plumbing Permit: construct, alter, or remove a plumbing system.
Roofing Permit
Sandblasting Permit: exterior sandblasting
Sign Permit: construct, alter or remove an existing sign

Residential Building Records report is required prior to the sale of any residential building by the City of Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 9.08 per State of California Government Code 38780 . 

County and State Requirements

The permit applicant must obtain the following separate approvals prior to permit issuance when required.

• Air Quality Control Management District (AQMD)

Any equipment that emits or controls air contaminants (such as nitrogen oxides or reactive organic gases) requires a permit from AQMD prior to construction, installation, or operation unless it is specifically exempted from the permit requirement by AQMD Rule 219. For more information, go to http://www.aqmd.gov/.

• CAL-OSHA- Division of Occupational Safety and Health
  
  Under Section 17922.5 of the Health and Safety Code, a permit from the Division of Occupational Safety and Health is required for construction activities prior to the issuance of a building permit when trenches or excavations are five (5) feet or deeper and into which a person is required to descend, constructing or demolishing a building, structure, false work or scaffolding more than three stories high or the equivalent height., or using diesel engines in underground work in mines and tunnels.
  
   
• Coastal Commission
  
  No building permit or demolition permit shall be issued by the City for any development that requires a coastal development permit under the California Coastal Act of 1976, Public Resources Code Sections 30000 et seq., until such time as a coastal development permit has been issued for such development.
   
• Los Angeles County Health Department
  
  Under Section 27550 of the Uniform Retail Food Facilities law (CURFFL) a permit from the Health Department is required prior to the issuance of a building permit for all food facilities projects such as restaurants, retail markets, bakeries, or bars.