Its own building department
Santa Monica is an independent city, so permits, plan check and inspections run through the City of Santa Monica rather than LADBS, with its own zoning and review standards.
← Service areasSanta Monica, CA · 90401 to 90405
Custom homes and remodeling in Santa Monica
Kitchens, bathrooms, whole-home renovations and custom homes in Santa Monica. Our office on Venice Boulevard is a short drive away, and we know the city’s permit process and the realities of building close to the coast.
Permits in Santa Monica
Building permits here are issued by the City of Santa Monica, Building and Safety.
Jurisdiction, zoning and overlays are confirmed for each property. Rules change; we check the current requirements with the agency for your project.
Planning
What to plan for in Santa Monica.
The property and its location shape the design, permits, schedule and budget. These are the questions we look at first.
Coastal parcels
Properties near the ocean can fall within the Coastal Zone, which may add coastal review to the permit path.
Older homes
Many Santa Monica homes predate modern codes. Remodels often uncover outdated wiring, plumbing or framing that should be planned for in the budget and schedule.
Salt air and moisture
Homes close to the beach benefit from corrosion-resistant hardware, careful flashing at windows and decks, and coastal-grade exterior finishes.
Specialties
Detail work in Santa Monica.
Questions
Building in Santa Monica.
Who issues building permits in Santa Monica?
The City of Santa Monica issues building permits for properties within city limits through its own Building and Safety division. Homes with a Los Angeles address outside Santa Monica, such as in Brentwood or Venice, are permitted by LADBS instead.
Do you remodel kitchens and bathrooms in Santa Monica?
Yes. Kitchen, bathroom and whole-home remodels are a large part of our work in Santa Monica and across the Westside, along with custom homes and ADUs.
Is my Santa Monica home in the Coastal Zone?
Some Santa Monica properties near the ocean are. The City and the California Coastal Commission maps show the boundary; we confirm it for your parcel during project review because it can affect the permit path.
Nearby
Across the Westside.
Ludi Construction · West Los Angeles
Planning a project in Santa Monica?
Share the property location, what you have in mind and your timing. Our team will reply with a clear next step.