How to get a Public Property Permit

A Use of Public Property Permit is required when any person or a company would like to temporarily use any public street, parkway, sidewalk, alley, park, or other public land.  Other agencies may call this process an "encroachment permit".  Temporary uses may include:

  1. Moving container,
  2. Temporary fencing,
  3. Protective canopy,
  4. Building material,
  5. Debris and debris receptacle (dumpster), or
  6. Equipment (such as a crane) in connection with any building or other work upon adjacent private property.

Temporary No Parking signs would be issued as necessary to facilitate the permitted use of public property. You can find the templates and Posting Guidelines below,

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How To Apply

Use of Public Property Permit requests are accepted via email at pw.permits@santamonica.gov. This inbox is monitored Monday through Thursday 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. 

Please do not send multiple emails regarding your inquiry; staff process all emails in the order received and will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible. 

Required Information


Provide the following when sending a request to the PW permits inbox:

  • Applicant information: name, address, phone number, email, and company name (if applicable)
  • Site address
  • Description of requested use of the public right-of-way and associated dimensions. Click here for Template. For example
    • Construction vehicles (each vehicle is assumed to be 20' x 8'). If requesting a parking meter, provide the parking meter number (printed on the street-facing side of the meter).
    • Dumpster (assumed to be 20' x 8' unless told otherwise by the applicant).
    • Moving container (assumed to be 20' x 8' unless told otherwise by the applicant).
    • For situations not listed above, have the dimensions of the requested use of public property. A site plan may be helpful.
  • Desired start and end date for permit
  • Proof of insurance is required for the activities listed below. Click here for the City's insurance requirements. Click here for a sample certificate of insurance.
    • Cranes
    • Tree Trimming
    • Pedestrian Canopies
    • Scaffolding
    • Barricades

How to Apply

Use of Public Property Permit requests, in addition to online, are also accepted at the Public Works counter, located at the new City Hall East (CHE), accessible from Olympic Drive. The counter is monitored Monday through Thursday 8 A.M. to noon and 12:30pm to 3 P.M.

To schedule an appointment, visit https://checkin.smgov.net/qmaticwebbooking/#/

Required Information


Please prepare the following information before coming to the counter. 

  • Applicant information: name, address, phone number, email, and company name (if applicable)
  • Site address
  • Description of requested use of the public right-of-way and associated dimensions. Click here for Template. For example
    • Construction vehicles (each vehicle is assumed to be 20' x 8'). If requesting a parking meter, provide the parking meter number (printed on the street-facing side of the meter).
    • Dumpster (assumed to be 20' x 8' unless told otherwise by the applicant).
    • Moving container (assumed to be 20' x 8' unless told otherwise by the applicant).
    • For situations not listed above, have the dimensions of the requested use of public property. A site plan may be helpful.
  • Desired start and end date for permit
  • Proof of insurance is required for the activities listed below. Click here for the City's insurance requirements. Click here for a sample certificate of insurance.
    • Cranes
    • Tree Trimming
    • Pedestrian Canopies
    • Scaffolding
    • Barricades

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