Building Permits in Santa Monica

Santa Monica's Building & Safety Division administers building permits and code compliance for regulated construction.

Current codes

Santa Monica states that building-permit applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026 must comply with the 2025 California Building Standards Code, as amended by the City. Complete applications received by December 31, 2025 could use the prior 2022 cycle under the City's transition notice.

The current code family includes California building, residential, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, energy, fire, existing-building and green-building standards. Local amendments are published in the Santa Monica Municipal Code.

Fees and permit scope

Building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and plan-check fees depend on the project and current City fee schedule. This page does not reproduce a generic percentage. The City has separate refund rules for development fees, which should not be confused with the amount initially charged.

Inspections and completion

Required inspections are determined by permit scope and approved plans. Final approval and a certificate of occupancy apply where required. Applicants should use the City's current Building & Safety instructions rather than a generic inspection sequence.

Review time and professional design

No unsupported citywide review estimate is stated here. California architect/engineer requirements and statutory exemptions vary by building and project type, so sealed drawings are not described as universally required.

Official sources

Use Santa Monica Building & Safety's current code notice, local amendments and project instructions before filing.