New construction · Santa Monica
What permits are needed for new construction in Santa Monica?
New construction in Santa Monica requires building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits through City of Santa Monica Building & Safety, plus any entitlements (zoning / planning review) triggered by the project. City plan check is rigorous on Title 24 and structural; permit center supports online intake.
What changes the answer in Santa Monica.
Coastal Zone parcels (generally west of Lincoln Blvd) require CDP review (in-city for appealable areas, Coastal Commission for others). Architectural Review Board reviews multifamily and some commercial. City inspectors; coordinate Coastal Commission inspections separately if a CDP applies.
- Santa Monica has its own zoning ordinance and density bonus program; R1 has detailed FAR, lot-coverage, and second-story stepback rules.
- R1 lots in Santa Monica are tightly regulated: stepbacks, daylight planes, and lot-coverage limits define envelope more than raw FAR.
- Southern California Edison and SoCalGas service the city. Sewer capacity charges apply to new SFRs.
- City sewer throughout.
Source-backed note
Official source: City of Santa Monica Building & Safety. We link every cited form, fee schedule, and inspection page from the city's permit directory entry.
Reference: CSLB — License a Contractor — California Contractors State License Board
Local authority: City of Santa Monica Building & Safety
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