How to Submit a Subdivision Map

Tentative and Final subdivision maps are required whenever a property owner/developer desires to subdivide a parcel within the City of Santa Monica. The most common reason for a subdivision is to create separate condominium parcels or tracts. The Engineering and Street Services Division reviews tentative and final subdivision maps for compliance with Chapter 9.54 Land Divisions of the Santa Monica Municipal Code and the California State Subdivision Map Act. 

An SB 9 Lot Split Tentative and Final Parcel Map will also be required as specified in Chapter 9.31.125 and Chapter 9.54 of the Code. 

A developer would typically engage services of a California licensed land surveyor to prepare and submit the tentative and final maps to the City and County. The City's municipal code requires a tentative map for all land subdivisions in Santa Monica, regardless of the number of units, parcels, or lots being created. All subdivision map submissions are processed electronically. When your map is approved, you will be instructed to bring in bond (paper) and/or mylar copies of the maps for necessary stamps and signatures by the City. Until this point, though, all reviews will be handled electronically. Resources below also provide information about land development topics such as Vacations, Lot Line Adjustments and Easement Dedications. 

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Steps to obtain a Tentative Parcel/Tract Map OR SB 9 Lot Split Tentative Parcel Map and Final Map with the City. 

  1. Tentative Map - Obtain Map Number

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    Applicant obtains a Tentative Parcel/Tract Map OR SB 9 Lot Split Tentative Parcel Map number from the Los Angeles County Public Works, Land Development Division.

  2. Tentative Map - Submit Documents

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    Applicant submits the Tentative Parcel/Tract Map OR SB 9 Lot Split Tentative Parcel Map and required documentation via the Subdivision Map submittal page.

    1. Tentative Parcel/Tract Map OR SB 9 Lot Split Tentative Parcel Map
    2. Preliminary title report issued within the past 3 months
    3. Underlying document for the basis of bearing as recorded with LA County

    Note: All documents must be submitted in PDF format. 

    Plan Check Requirements (guides with information which City's staff uses when reviewing maps). 

  3. Tentative Map - Engineer is Assigned

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    An engineer is assigned to review the Tentative Parcel/Tract Map OR SB 9 Lot Split Tentative Parcel Map. Fees are invoiced; payment instructions are emailed to the applicant.

  4. Tentative Map - Engineer Review

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    The assigned engineer reviews the map. If more documentation and/or corrections are needed, the applicant is alerted via email. Once all requirements have been met, the engineer electronically approves the map and emails a copy of the approved map to the applicant. Typical review times average 3-4 months, which accounts for two correction cycles between the City and applicants.

  5. Tentative Map - Contact Community Development Department

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    Applicant continues the Tentative Parcel/Tract Map OR SB 9 Lot Split Tentative Parcel Map approval process with the  Community Development Department.

    Note: The Planning Division may require a physical copy of the map for processing; consult Planning Division requirements for details.

  6. Final Map - Submit to Los Angeles County

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    Applicant submits the final map to Los Angeles County Public Works, Land Development Division for review.

    Note: The City of Santa Monica is a contract City with Los Angeles County for subdivision map reviews. LA County must review and approve the final map prior to submitting it to the City for review. Obtain a letter of approval from the County of Los Angeles ("City Letter"). 

  7. Final Map - Submit Documents

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    Applicant submits the final map and required documentation via the Submit a Subdivision Map page.

    1. Final Map
    2. Approved Tentative Map
    3. Preliminary Subdivision Report issued within the past 3 months
    4. Lot/Traverse Closure Calculations
    5. Set Monuments and Centerline Tie Sheets
    6. Planning Commission Statement of Official Action
    7. Letter of Approval from County of Los Angeles ("City Letter")
    8. If subdivision is for condominiums: City of Santa Monica Condominium Tax Receipt or Recorded Tax Lien Agreement. The City imposes a condominium tax of $1,000/unit. This tax is due at time of building permit issuance and is assessed by the City Planner assigned to the building plan review. This fee is not imposed during the City's subdivision map review process.
    9. If improvements were required they would be typically reviewed, approved and constructed along with the building permit process and prior to obtaining final certificate of occupancy.

      Note: All documents must be submitted in PDF format. 

      Plan Check Requirements (this is a guide of what City's staff considers for when reviewing the maps). 

    10. Final Map - Engineer is Assigned

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      An engineer is assigned to review the final map. Fees are invoiced; payment instructions are emailed to the applicant.

    11. Final Map - Engineer Review

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      The assigned engineer reviews the map. If more documentation and/or corrections are needed, the applicant is alerted via email. When all requirements of the assigned engineer have been satisfied, the map is forwarded to the Land Development Supervising Civil Engineer and City Engineer for review. If additional corrections are required, the applicant is alerted via email. 

    12. Final Map - Paper and Mylar Copy (In-Person)

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      Once all requirements have been met, the applicant is required to bring in one Mylar copy for signature. FYI; it is highly recommended that the applicant prepare two (2) signed mylar copies prior to submitting one (1) signed mylar copy to the City for signatures. The other signed copy shall be kept in applicant's possession as back-up.

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

    13. Final Map - Send out for Signatures

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      Map is sent to the City Treasurer and City Engineer for signature. If corrections are required, the applicant is notified via email. 

    14. Final Map - Signed Copy Returned

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      Once signed by the City Engineer and City Treasurer, the applicant is notified via email. An electric copy is emailed to the applicant to continue the final map approval process with the Community Development Department and City Council. The assigned engineer retains the Mylar copy until the City Council approves the final map.

    15. Final Map - Notify Engineer

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      The applicant must notify the engineer via email when City Council approves the final map. The applicant must also furnish proof of tax clearance from the County.

    16. Final Map - Record Final Map

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      The mylar copy of the final map is routed to the City Clerk for signature. The City Clerk sends the map to the County for recordation.

      Note: The City Clerk must record the final map. Applicants may not record the final map themselves.

    Final Map 

    Step 10 - From online Process 

    Once all requirements have been met, the applicant is to bring in one Mylar copy for signature. 

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

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