How to Get a Building Permit

Building permit applications that have obtained all required approvals and are in a "Ready to Issue" status can proceed with the next step of building permit issuance, which can be done either 1) in-person at the Permit Services Center, or 2) online virtually via a Microsoft Teams meeting. Instructions for each option are provided using the 'In-Person' and 'Online' tabs below. 

A building permit can only be issued to a licensed contractor, authorized agent, or residential property owner (under certain circumstances). Refer to our Who Can Pull a Building Permit handout for more information. Residential property owners seeking to obtain a building permit as Owner-Builder should be aware of the potential risks and liabilities detailed at the Contractors State License Board website. 

Continue the Process:

Building permit issuance services are available in-person at the Permit Services Center for projects that have completed the plan review process, received all required approvals from City reviewers, and are in a "Ready to Issue" status. An appointment is not required for this service; however, if you choose, an appointment may be scheduled at https://checkin.smgov.net. 

  1. Gather and prepare documents

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    Collect the following documents and be prepared to provide:

    • Payment of permit fees (if not completed prior to meeting)
    • Valid proof of identification
    • Proof of property ownership (Grant Deed or Escrow Closing Statement if recently sold)
    • Authorization letter to act on behalf of contractor or property owner (if customer is not contractor or property owner)
    • Evidence of valid City of Santa Monica business license (for contractor)
    • Proof of current California Contractors License and Contractors Classification (for contractor)
    • Proof of valid Worker's Compensation Insurance (for contractor)
    • Completed and signed Owner-Builder Acknowledgment and Verification Form (if owner is pulling building permit as Owner-Builder). Please consider the risks of performing a construction job as an Owner-Builder. 


    Demolition permits require the additional documentation completed at time of building permit issuance. Instructions and the forms are provided in the Demolition Permit application packet. 

    • Asbestos Report and Signed Certification Form
    • Rodent and Vermin Certification Form
    • AQMD Rule 1403 Form Notification of Demolition or Asbestos Removal
    • Demolition Utility Declaration

  2. Schedule an Appointment (if applicable)

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    If you choose to schedule an appointment for faster service when you in-person visit with a Permit Specialist, you may do so by visiting the appointment booking website.  

  3. Visit Permit Services Center

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    Come to the Permit Services Center and pull a ticket to see a Permit Specialist. 

  4. Permit Specialist Counter Visit

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    Meet with a Permit Specialist to review documents, verify licensing, pay fees, and other required information. 

  5. Building Permit Issuance

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    The building permit will be issued upon completion of verifying and collecting the required information, documents, and payment of outstanding fees. 

Virtual Permit Issuance is available to all building permit applicants of projects that have completed the plan review process, received all required approvals from City reviewers, and are in "Ready to Issue" status. This service is by appointment only, which can be scheduled per following the steps below. 

  1. Go to appointment scheduling website

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    Visit the Virtual Permit Issuance website to schedule an appointment with a Permit Specialist. Upon completing the scheduling of the appointment, the customer will receive a confirmation email with a link to join the virtual meeting at the scheduled date and time. 

  2. Attend virtual meeting

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    On the date and time of the appointment the customer will follow the instructions and link provided in the meeting confirmation email to join the Virtual Permit Issuance meeting. At the meeting, the customer should be prepared to provide:

    • Payment of permit fees (if not completed prior to meeting)
    • Complete the Declaration of Liability online by choosing responses that best represent to how construction activity will be performed. For Owner-Builder, enter 'HOMEOWNER' for License Class and '00000' for License Number in the LICENSED CONTRACTOR'S DECLARATION section.
    • Valid proof of identification
    • Proof of property ownership (Grant Deed or Escrow Closing Statement if recently sold)
    • Authorization letter to act on behalf of contractor or property owner (if customer is not contractor or property owner)
    • Evidence of valid City of Santa Monica business license (for contractor)
    • Proof of current California Contractors License and Contractors Classification (for contractor)
    • Proof of valid Worker's Compensation Insurance (for contractor)
    • Completed and signed Owner-Builder Acknowledgment and Verification Form (if owner is pulling building permit as Owner-Builder). Please consider the risks of performing a construction job as an Owner-Builder. 

    Demolition permits require the additional documentation completed at time of building permit issuance. Instructions and the forms are provided in the Demolition Permit application packet. 

    • Asbestos Report and Signed Certification Form
    • Rodent and Vermin Certification Form
    • AQMD Rule 1403 Form Notification of Demolition or Asbestos Removal
    • Demolition Utility Declaration


  3. Permit Issuance

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    The building permit will be issued upon completion of verifying and collecting the required information, documents, and payment of outstanding fees.