Building Permits and Plan Review

A building permit is authorization from the City to allow a permittee to commence the proposed construction, alteration, demolition, or repair of a building or structure. The plan review process must be completed, and all applicable City approvals must be secured, prior to issuance of a building permit to ensure the proposed activity complies with applicable codes and regulations, including building, zoning, and fire codes. The level of plan review required for a project depends on the scope of work. All construction activity authorized by a building permit requires inspection clearances at various stages of the project prior to completing the project and receiving final inspection approval.

Plan Review

Plan review for construction projects will fall into one of the following plan review types bulleted below, depending upon the scope of work proposed. Instructions on how to submit for each plan review type are linked below.

Same-Day Review - for certain minor projects such as reroofs, mechanical installations, facade remodels/repairs that can be reviewed and approved at the public counter.
Plan Review - all other projects that do not qualify for Same-Day Review, or project that exceed the mechanical/electrical/plumbing plan review thresholds.

Plan Review Resources

Plan Review Supporting Documents

Structural Calculations
Soils Report (for new construction, additions greater than 750 square feet, and certain projects in geohazard zones)
Title 24 report (including Santa Monica Green Building Provisions for New Buildings, Additions, and Alterations)
Sound Attenuation Report (for new multi-family residential projects in noise critical zones)
Construction and Demolition Waste Management Plan, per Public Works Resource Recovery and Recycling requirements
Green Building

Office of Sustainability and the Environment

Building and Safety 'How Tos'

Information Bulletins

Contact Us:

311@santamonica.gov

FAQ

What review and permit process applies to my project?

The extent of the review and permitting process for your project depends upon the scope of work and project valuation. You can get a general understanding of the process for your project, the required permit application, submittal requirements, anticipated plan review timelines, and a list of special requirements on the What Permit Process Applies to Your Project webpage.

When does a building permit application expire?

Building permit applications for most projects are valid for one year from the date the City receives a complete application submittal and payment of fees from the applicant. Demolition permit applications are subject to varying expiration dates based on the characteristics of the building proposed to be demolished (see Demolition Permit application for more information).

One six-month extension may be granted, upon review and consideration of sufficient evidence provided by the applicant demonstrating that no changes are being made to the project, no pertinent laws or ordinance have been amended subsequent to the date the original permit application was filed which would cause the project to be inconsistent, all approvals granted pursuant to the Zoning Ordinance remain valid, and circumstances beyond the control of the applicant have prevented the permit from being issued in the authorized time period.

How do I check the status of my plan review?

Details on how to view a project's plan review status and contact information for assigned City reviewers can be found here.

How do I change or revise approved plans for a project currently under construction with a valid building permit?

Instructions on how to submit a Permit Revision application can be found here.

My project has received all required approvals. How do I get a building permit?

Once all required approvals have been secured in the plan review process, a licensed contractor or property owner (under certain circumstances) may pull the building permit either in-person or using the City's Virtual Permit Issuance service. For more information and instructions on how to pull a building permit, as well as details of the documentation required at time of building permit issuance, please visit the How to Get a Building Permit page.

How do I schedule a building permit inspection?

Inspections for issued building permits can be scheduled at https://einspections.smgov.net. More information about inspections and FAQs can be found here.

Do plans to remodel or add to an existing single-family dwelling need to be prepared by a licensed professional (e.g., architect, engineer)?

No, provided the single-family residential project addition/remodel is no more than one story and complies with the conventional framing requirements for wood frame construction, as prescribed in the California Residential Code.

When is a licensed professional (e.g., architect, engineer) required to prepare construction documents?

A licensed professional is required to prepare construction documents for:

All newly constructed building structures;
Single-family residential addition/remodel projects more than one story and where the structure deviates from substantial compliance with the conventional framing requirements for wood frame constructions, as prescribed in the California Residential Code;
Multi-family and commercial tenant improvement projects that include alterations to the occupancy/use, structural safety, or fire life safety; or
Where deemed necessary by the City of Santa Monica Building Officer

Can a licensed mechanical or electrical engineer prepare and stamp construction documents and calculations for the construction of a new building?

No, only a registered civil or structural professional engineer or licensed architect may prepare and stamp construction documents and calculations for the construction of a new building.

Where can I find City fee schedule?

The City fee schedule can be located through the City's Finance Department here.