Santa Monica
Permit Expediting
Santa Monica's independent Building & Safety Division and Coastal Zone overlay create a permitting environment that demands 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. Many parcels also fall within California's Coastal Zone, adding a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) requirement that runs parallel to — or sometimes in conflict with — the standard building permit timeline.
Ocean Permits & Development maps your project's regulatory requirements before submittal, identifies Coastal Zone applicability, and manages concurrent tracks with Santa Monica Planning and the California Coastal Commission when needed.
Our Santa Monica Expertise
- Santa Monica Building & Safety plan check coordination
- Coastal Development Permit (CDP) applications
- California Coastal Commission submissions
- Santa Monica City Planning entitlements
- Tenant improvement permits for Main St, Third Street Promenade, and Wilshire Blvd corridors
- ADU and garage conversion permits in Santa Monica
- Commercial new construction and residential additions
- Fire & Life Safety clearances with Santa Monica Fire Department
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. Projects in Santa Monica are submitted through the city's own eTRAKit portal and reviewed by local plan checkers.
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. The CDP process adds a review layer and timeline. We identify Coastal Zone status early and coordinate both tracks simultaneously.
How long do permits take in Santa Monica?
Simple tenant improvements can be approved in 3–6 weeks over the counter. More complex residential additions or Coastal Zone projects can take 2–4 months. Pre-submittal coordination is the most effective way to reduce this timeline.
Project in Santa Monica?
We know the Santa Monica municipal code and Coastal Zone requirements. Let's discuss your project.
Schedule a ConsultationOr call +1 (213) 277-8777