Frequently Asked Questions

3.  When is approval from the Architectural Review Board required?  

A.    Overview

B.    What is the Architectural Review Board and what does it do?

C.    When does a project or sign require architectural review?

D.    What is the process for architectural review?

E.    What types of projects can be staff approved?

F.     What is the architectural review process for signs?

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A.  Overview

This section contains frequently asked questions about architectural review of construction projects and signs, who is responsible, when it is required, the process, and how long it takes.

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B.  What is the Architectural Review Board and what does it do?

The Architectural Review Board is a 7-member board made up of licensed architects, designers, and qualified individuals that meets twice every month to review building  designs, landscaping, and signage.  The ARB may approve, approve with conditions, continue for redesign, or not approve project designs. In making decisions, the ARB considers the architectural compatibility and quality of the project with respect to the surrounding environment.  The review process is similar to that of the Planning Commission or the City Council in that staff performs an initial review of the project design and presents a staff report to the ARB.

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C.  When does a project or sign require architectural review?

Architectural review is required for all projects that require building permits and projects that are modifying ARB approved design, colours, or materials except for the following:

·        Projects in the R1 district

·        All single-family homes throughout the city

·        Landmarks

·        Contributing structures in Historic Districts

While all buildings and structures in the R-1 district do not require architectural review, there are certain exceptions along with those included as part of Interim Ordinance 2172, which modifies R1 standards in the North of Wilshire area and Sunset Park.

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D.  What is the process for architectural review?

There are two possible levels of architectural review:  Staff approval or ARB approval.

Staff approvals for minor projects can generally be done over the counter or within a few days of application submittal.  While the City will make every effort to approve minor projects and signs over the counter, the ability to do so depends on the complexities of the project and the detail provided in the submitted information.  Please also note that although your project may qualify for a staff approval, if staff cannot make the appropriate findings, the project will be referred to the ARB.

If your project requires ARB approval, the hearing date will be determined by the project planner assigned to your project.  The ARB usually meets on the 1^st and 3^rd Monday of each month.

Architectural review applications may be downloaded from the City Planning website.  Please be sure to read the application requirements carefully and provide all requested information.  Failure to provide sufficient information will result in delays in the processing of your project.

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E.  What types of projects can be staff approved?

All projects must be reviewed by the ARB with the exception of the types of projects in the table below.

Staff Approvable Projects

Building Design, Colors and Materials Matching existing colors and materials and not visible from public right-of-way Additions designed to match existing design and proportions and less than 500 sq.ft. Rooftop screening in keeping with existing structure Mechanical equipment requiring a building permit but screened from public view Replacement of existing materials with those of comparable quality, texture and craftsmanship for structures not subject to Landmarks review Change of surface materials consistent with design not more than 25% of the facade New window frames of high quality and consistent with existing design New door frames of high quality and consistent with existing design New windows of high quality and consistent with existing design new doors of high quality and consistent with existing design New awnings without signage of high quality and consistent with existing design and any existing awnings, and are opaque canvas and not backlit Freestanding walls consistent with existing architecture and do not obscure significant features from view Addition to freestanding walls consistent with existing architecture and do not obscure significant features from view Landscaping Less than 150 sq.ft. landscaping area that conforms to xeriscape standards Single family homes not in R1 conforming to xeriscape standards              Xeriscape Standards

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F.  What is the architectural review process for signs?

All sign programs for multi tenant buildings and signs for single tenant buildings must by reviewed by the ARB, with some exceptions that may be reviewed by staff.

Signs that are exempt from permit requirements and architectural review include small, functional signs such as real estate signs, building identification signs, and temporary business banners.

If you own a business, before you create or install a sign for your business, please make sure that your sign complies with the Santa Monica Sign Code.

All sign programs and signs for Multi-Tenant and Single Tenant buildings are subject to architectural review and must be reviewed by the ARB except for the following types of signs that are eligible for staff approval:

Staff Approvable Signs

Sign plans conforming to a sign program approved by ARB or PC Sign plans to change sign face only and not sign frame, location or illumination Channel letter signage with no visible raceway, a cap height not over 18”, centered over the entrance symmetrically, consistent with building design and other signage on the building Painted signs less than 25 sq.ft. with letters no more than 18” in height, consistent with building design and other signage on the building Minor modifications of colors, fonts, lighting, and size to existing sign programs Window signage not exceeding 20% of window total, less than 12" letters, does not obstruct pedestrian-level views and consistent with design and other signage Awning signage not backlit, less than 25 sq.ft. with cap letters not over 10”

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