How to get a Sewer Permit

In the City of Santa Monica property owners are responsible for a sewer connection (lateral) from their property to the City's sewer main in the City street or alley. Developers and property owners typically hire a qualified contractor to build a new sewer lateral or repair an existing sewer lateral that connects to the City's sewer main. 

A permit is required to construct, alter, or repair any house connection sewer, bonded house connection sewer, special house connection sewer, industrial waste sewer connection, or industrial waste storm drain connection. 


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How to Apply

Sewer Permit applications 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 Documents at Time of Application


The following documents must be submitted at the time of application:

  • Location Address
  • Contractor proof of insurance. Click Here for the City's insurance requirements. Click Here for a sample certificate of insurance.
  • Contractor information to be included in email (valid CSLB license number, Contractor Business Name, Name of Contractor, Contact Information)
  • A valid City business license

Additional Required Documents

Projects in certain locations need additional documentation.

  • Temporary Traffic Control Plans will need to be reviewed/stamped by the City's Department of Transportation at Traffic.Engineering@santamonica.gov if the project will encroach into a travel lane (bike/vehicle) on a road classified by the City as a "Street of Significance." Link to Streets of Significance
  • Traffic Control Plan Supplement will need to be approved by the Department of Transportation at Transportation.Planning@santamonica.gov if the project will encroach into a travel lane (bike/vehicle) on a road not classified by the City as a "Street of Significance."
  • Roadway Closure Permit will need to be approved by the Department of Transportation if the project is in an alley and will be unable to maintain 11-feet of clearance in the alley at all times.

How to Apply

Sewer 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 Documents at Time of Application


The following documents must be submitted at the time of application:

  • Location Address
  • Contractor proof of insurance. Click Here for the City's insurance requirements. Click Here for a sample certificate of insurance.
  • Contractor information to be included in email (valid CSLB license number, Contractor Business Name, Name of Contractor, Contact Information)
  • A valid City business license

Additional Required Documents


Projects in certain locations need additional documentation. .

  • Temporary Traffic Control Plans reviewed/stamped by the City's Department of Transportation at Traffic.Engineering@santamonica.gov. If the project will encroach into a travel lane (bike/vehicle) on a road classified by the City as a "Street of Significance." Link to Streets of Significance: https://www.smgov.net/Departments/PublicWorks/ContentCivEng.aspx?id=53687103639 
  • Traffic Control Plan Supplement approved by the Transportation Planning Division Required -  If the project will encroach into a travel lane (bike/vehicle) on a road not classified by the City as a "Street of Significance."
  • Roadway Closure Permit approved by the Transportation Planning Division Required - If the project is in an alley and will be unable to maintain 11-ft of clearance in the alley at all times

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