Prior code history: Ord. No. 1945CCS § 2, adopted 6/8/99; Ord. No. 2043CCS §§ 3, 5 and 6, adopted 5/14/02.
(a) 
Purpose. The purpose of this Chapter is to establish the minimum requirements necessary to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through the administration and enforcement of the California Building Standards Code as adopted by this jurisdiction and codified in Article 8 of the Municipal Code.
(b) 
Scope. The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to the construction, alteration, moving, demolition, repair, site preparation, use, maintenance and occupancy of buildings, structures and building service equipment, and shall serve as the administrative, organizational and enforcement rules and regulations for the applicable codes and standards.
(c) 
Conflicting Provisions. When conflicting provisions or requirements occur between this Chapter and other codes, standards, or laws, the most restrictive provisions shall govern. When there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall be applicable. When conflicts occur between specific provisions of this Chapter and administrative provisions of applicable State codes and other standards, the specific provisions of this Chapter shall prevail.
(Added by Ord. No. 2054CCS § 2, adopted 10/8/02; amended by Ord. No. 2328CCS § 1, adopted 11/9/10; Ord. No. 2527CCS § 2, adopted 11/22/16; Ord. No. 2623CCS § 3, adopted 10/22/19; Ord. No. 2727CCS § 3, adopted 10/25/22; Ord. No. 2831CCS, 10/14/2025)
For the purpose of this Chapter, certain terms, phrases, words and their derivatives shall be construed as specified in this Section. Where a term, phrase or word does not appear in this Chapter but appears in the California Building Standards Code, the definition in the California Building Standards Code shall be applicable. Where terms are not defined, they shall have their ordinarily accepted meanings within the context with which they are used.
"Alter" or "alteration"
is a change or modification in construction or building service equipment.
"Approved,"
as to materials, types of construction, equipment and systems, refers to approval by the Official as the result of investigation and tests conducted by the Official, or by reason of accepted principles or tests by recognized authorities, technical or scientific organizations.
"Building Code"
is the Building Code of the City of Santa Monica.
"Building, existing"
is a building for which a legal building permit has been issued.
"Building Official"
is the Building Official of the City of Santa Monica appointed pursuant to Article VII of the City Charter, or his or her regularly authorized deputy.
"Building service equipment"
is the plumbing, mechanical, electrical, elevator equipment or other services that are essential to the occupancy of a building or structure for its designated use.
"Code" and "this Code"
are the Santa Monica Municipal Code, unless otherwise noted.
"Electrical Code"
is the Electrical Code of the City of Santa Monica.
"Energy Code"
is the Energy Code of the City of Santa Monica.
"Existing Building Code"
is the Existing Building Code of the City of Santa Monica.
"Green Building Code"
is the Green Building Standards Code of the City of Santa Monica.
"Jurisdiction,"
as used in this Code, is the City of Santa Monica.
"Listed and listing"
are terms referring to equipment and materials included in a list published by an approved testing laboratory, inspection agency, or other organization concerned with product evaluation that maintains periodic inspection of current productions of listed equipment or materials. The published list shall state that the material or equipment complies with approved nationally recognized codes, standards or tests and has been tested or evaluated and found suitable for use in a specified manner.
"Mechanical Code"
is the Mechanical Code of the City of Santa Monica.
"Occupancy"
is the purpose for which a building, or part thereof, is used or intended to be used.
"Owner"
is any person, agent, firm or corporation having a legal or equitable interest in the property.
"Plumbing Code"
is the Plumbing Code of the City of Santa Monica. "Residential Code" is the Residential Code of the City of Santa Monica.
"Structure"
is that which is built or constructed, an edifice or building of any kind, or any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts joined together in some definite manner.
"Valuation"
is the estimated fair market value of the cost of all construction work for which the permit is issued as determined by the Building Official. To determine the valuation, the Building Official may use the most current building valuation table published by the International Code Council, the mean of three responsible bids from properly licensed contractors or any other commonly accepted method to estimate construction costs.
(Added by Ord. No. 2054CCS § 2, adopted 10/8/02; amended by Ord. No. 2328CCS § 2, adopted 11/9/10; Ord. No. 2445CCS § 2, adopted 11/12/13; Ord. No. 2527CCS § 2, adopted 11/22/16; Ord. No. 2623CCS § 3, adopted 10/22/19; Ord. No. 2727CCS § 3, adopted 10/25/22; Ord. No. 2831CCS, 10/14/2025)
(a) 
General. The Building Official is hereby authorized and directed to enforce all the provisions of Article 8 of this Code, the California Building Standards Code and applicable codes and standards, except Chapters 8.39, 8.40, and 8.44 related to fire safety, which shall be enforced in accordance with the provisions of those Chapters by the Fire Chief or the Fire Chief's designee. For such purposes, the Building Official and authorized deputies shall have the powers of a law enforcement officer. The Building Official shall have charge of the supervision and inspection of all buildings within the City and shall have power and be required to:
(1) 
Examine building plans in order to determine conformity with State laws and ordinances and issue building permits in connection therewith; and
(2) 
Enforce the laws and ordinances regulating the construction and maintenance of buildings and other structures.
(b) 
Mobile Home Parks. The Building Official is hereby authorized and directed to enforce the provisions of the Mobilehome Parks Act and Title 25 of the California Code of Regulations and shall have authority to promulgate and/or adopt administrative regulations governing the appeal of orders, decisions and determinations of the Building Official for matters related to such enforcement.
(c) 
Deputies. The Building Official may appoint such number of technical officers and inspectors and other employees as shall be authorized from time to time. The Building Official may deputize such inspectors or employees as may be necessary to carry out the functions of this Chapter. In post disaster events, the Building Official may deputize private citizens who are qualified to provide damage assessment of buildings and structures on behalf of the City.
(d) 
Rules and Interpretations. The Building Official shall have the power to render interpretations, and to adopt and enforce supplemental rules and regulations as may be deemed necessary to clarify the application of the provisions of this Chapter, the California Building Standards Code and applicable codes and standards. Such interpretations, rules and regulations shall be in conformity with the intent and purpose of this Chapter.
(e) 
Right of Entry. When necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of the provisions of this Chapter and applicable codes and standards, or when the Building Official has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any building or upon a premises any condition which is contrary to or in violation of this Code, which makes the building or premises unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, the Building Official, or designee, may enter the building or premises at all reasonable times to inspect or to perform the duties imposed by this Code. The Building Official shall have recourse to all remedies provided by law to secure entry.
If the Building Official has reasonable cause to believe that the building, structure or any condition on a property is so unsafe, dangerous or hazardous as to require immediate inspection to safely protect public health and safety, the Building Official, or designee, shall have the right to immediately enter and inspect such property, and may use any reasonable means required to effect such entry and make such inspection, whether such property be occupied or unoccupied and whether or not permission to inspect has been obtained. If the property is occupied, then the Building Official, or designee, shall first present credentials to the occupant and demand entry, explaining the reasons therefor and the purpose of the inspection.
(f) 
Orders to Stop Construction Work. When work is being done contrary to any permit, to the provisions of this Chapter, the California Building Standards Code, any development agreements or any other pertinent Federal, State or local ordinances and regulations, the Building Official, or any subordinate authorized to act on behalf of the Building Official, may order the work stopped, by giving notice in writing to persons engaged in the doing or causing such work to be done. No person shall fail to comply with the stop work order.
(g) 
Suspension or Revocation of Permits or Certificate of Occupancy. The Building Official may, in writing, suspend or revoke a permit or Certificate of Occupancy issued under the provisions of this Chapter whenever the permit or Certificate of Occupancy has been issued in error, on the basis of incorrect information supplied, without the payment of the required fees, or in violation of any Federal, State or local ordinances or regulations. Local ordinances and regulations include, but shall not be limited to:
(1) 
Any provision of the approved plans, applicable codes and standards or any other provision of the City's Municipal Code, which is applicable to the work, including, but not limited to, exterior noise standards and permitted hours of operation pursuant to Section 4.12.130 and Section 4.12.140 of the Municipal Code;
(2) 
Any condition of City permit approval, including, but not limited to, planning and zoning requirements, required construction mitigation measures for occupied buildings and adjacent properties and tenant protection during construction;
(3) 
Safety standards for onsite use or occupancy, adjacent properties or the public way, as determined by the Building Official;
(4) 
Any administrative citations and compliance orders including the payment of any fines or penalties;
(5) 
Any air or water quality standards, including, but not limited to, asbestos contamination;
(6) 
Any required license, security or insurance related to the work;
(7) 
Any requirement set forth in a development agreement ordinance.
(h) 
Discontinue Use of Building Occupancy and Service Equipment. When a building or structure or building service equipment therein regulated by this Code and applicable codes and standards is being used, maintained or occupied contrary to the provisions of such codes, or is dangerous to human life, the Building Official may order such use or occupancy discontinued, entry to any such structure or building be limited, and require such structure, building or requirement be made safe and brought into compliance with this Code. No person shall fail to comply with such an order. The Building Official may further post signs limiting access to any building, structure or service equipment subject to a correction order issued pursuant to this Section. No person shall fail to comply with any such signage. No person shall deface, cover or remove such signage.
(i) 
Authority to Disconnect Utilities. The Building Official or the Building Official authorized representative shall have the authority to disconnect a utility service or energy supplied to the building, structure or building service equipment therein regulated by this Code or applicable codes and standards in case of emergency where necessary to eliminate an immediate hazard to life or property.
The Building Official shall whenever possible notify the serving utility, the owner and occupant of the building, structure or building service equipment of the decision to disconnect prior to taking such action, and shall notify such serving utility, owner and occupant of the building, structure or building service equipment, in writing, of such disconnection immediately thereafter.
(j) 
Approval of Alternate Materials, Methods of Design and Methods of Construction. The Building Official may approve an alternate material, method of design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by the applicable codes and standards, provided the Building Official finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the provisions of applicable codes and standards and that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in applicable codes and standards in suitability, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, safety and sanitation. The Building Official shall require that sufficient evidence or proof be submitted to substantiate claims that may be made regarding its use.
(k) 
Requiring of Tests. Whenever there is insufficient evidence of compliance with the provisions of applicable codes and standards or evidence that materials or construction do not conform to the requirements of applicable codes and standards, the Building Official may require tests as evidence of compliance to be made at no expense to the jurisdiction.
Test methods shall be as specified by applicable codes and standards or by other recognized test standards. In the absence of recognized and accepted test methods, the Building Official shall determine test procedures. Tests shall be made by an approved agency. The Building Official shall retain reports of such tests for the period required for the retention of public records.
(l) 
Maintaining Records. The Building Official shall maintain sufficient records to show the approved use, occupancy and type of construction for all structures requiring permits and the applicable code standards applicable to any existing building. Such records shall include any special administrative approvals including alternate materials, methods of design and construction, modifications and tests.
The Building Official shall also maintain an official copy of the plans of every building issued a building permit during the life of the building except for any building containing a bank, other financial institution, or public utility.
(m) 
Cooperation of Other Officials, Officers, and Managers. The Building Official may request, and shall receive, the assistance and cooperation of other officials, officers, and managers of this jurisdiction so far as is required in the discharge of the duties required by this Code or other pertinent laws or ordinances.
(n) 
Liability. The Building Official charged with the enforcement of this Code, the California Building Standards Code and applicable codes and standards, acting in good faith and without malice in the discharge of duties, shall not thereby be rendered personally liable for damage that may accrue to persons or property as a result of an act or omission in the discharge of the assigned duties. A suit brought against the Building Official or employee because of such act or omission performed by the Building Official or employee in the enforcement of the provisions of such codes or other pertinent laws or ordinances implemented through the enforcement of this Code or enforced by the code enforcement agency shall be defended by this jurisdiction until final termination of such proceedings, and any judgment resulting therefrom, shall be assumed by this jurisdiction.
This Section shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibility of any person owning, operating or controlling a building, structure or building service equipment therein for damages to persons or property caused by defects, nor shall the code enforcement agency or its parent jurisdiction be held as assuming such liability by reason of the inspections authorized by this Code or permits or certificates issued under this Code.
(Added by Ord. No. 2054CCS § 2, adopted 10/8/02; amended by Ord. No. 2328CCS § 3, adopted 11/9/10; Ord. No. 2445CCS § 3, adopted 11/12/13; Ord. No. 2527CCS § 2, adopted 11/22/16; Ord. No. 2623CCS § 3, adopted 10/22/19; Ord. No. 2727CCS § 3, adopted 10/25/22; Ord. No. 2831CCS, 10/14/2025)
(a) 
General. Pursuant to this Chapter, Section 1002 of the Santa Monica City Charter, the California Building Standards Code, the Building and Fire Life Safety Commission is hereby created as the Board of Appeal.
Members of the Commission shall be appointed by the City Council to serve a term of four years unless removed for cause. No Commission member shall hold any paid office with the City.
The Commission shall adopt reasonable rules and regulations for conducting investigations and business and shall render all decisions and findings in writing to the responsible official and appellants. Said Commission may also recommend to the appointing authority such new legislation as is consistent therewith.
The Building Official and Fire Marshal or designees shall be an ex-officio member of the Commission and shall act as secretary.
(b) 
Membership. The Building and Fire Life Safety Commission shall be composed of seven members. To the extent practicable as determined by the City Council, the Commission's membership shall be composed as follows: at least one State of California licensed or registered architect, civil engineer or structural engineer; one State of California licensed building contractor; one State of California Certified Access Specialist; and one State of California Registered Fire Protection Engineer.
(c) 
Jurisdiction. The jurisdiction of this Commission shall be limited to hearing appeals of determinations, decisions and orders, including stop work, suspension or revocation orders, issued by the Building Official or the Fire Marshal relative to the application and interpretations of the California Building Standards Code and related codes and standards.
Unless otherwise specified above, the Commission shall have no jurisdiction over any matter reserved for any other board or commission established by City Charter or this Code, any citations or orders issued pursuant to Chapter 1.09 or Chapter 1.10 of this Code, or any abatement proceedings initiated under Chapter 8.92 or Chapter 8.96 of Article 8 of this Code or their successors.
(d) 
Timing of Appeals of Stop Work, Suspension or Revocation Orders. Any appeal of a stop work, suspension or revocation order issued by the Building Official or the Fire Marshal shall be filed with the Building Official within three business days after the issuance of the order. Enforcement of the suspension or revocation order is stayed pending resolution of the administrative appeal unless immediate enforcement of the order is mandated because:
(1) 
Continuation of the work presents an actual or potential danger to construction workers, occupants of adjacent structures, adjacent public infrastructure, or members of the public;
(2) 
Continuation of the work would be in violation of Santa Monica Building Code Section 108;
(3) 
Continuation of the work would constitute a nuisance; or
(4) 
No permit has been issued for the work.
When any of these factors are present, any person ordered to stop work shall comply with such order forthwith. If the suspension or revocation order is stayed pending appeal, any materials installed or constructed after issuance of the order may be required to be removed should the Building Official or Building and Fire Life Safety Commission affirm the order.
(e) 
Timing of Other Appeals. Unless otherwise specified by this Code, any appeal to the Building and Fire Life Safety Commission shall be filed within ten business days after the issuance of the underlying decision by the Building Official or the Fire Marshal.
(f) 
Persons Eligible to Appeal. Appeals may be filed by any permit applicant, the property owner of any permit at issue, or the recipient of any order. Whenever there are multiple parties with the right to appeal, the property owner's decision to appeal or not appeal shall control.
(g) 
Judicial Review. Any person aggrieved by any decision of the Building and Fire Life Safety Commission may seek judicial review of the decision.
(Added by Ord. No. 2054CCS § 2, adopted 10/8/02; amended by Ord. No. 2380CCS § 2, adopted 11/22/11; Ord. No. 2445CCS § 4, adopted 11/12/13; Ord. No. 2527CCS § 2, adopted 11/22/16; Ord. No. 2550CCS § 3, adopted 8/8/17; Ord. No. 2623CCS § 3, adopted 10/22/19; Ord. No. 2722CCS § 2, adopted 10/11/22; Ord. No. 2727CCS § 3, adopted 10/25/22; Ord. No. 2831CCS, 10/14/2025)
(a) 
General. No person shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, maintain or demolish any building, structure or building service equipment regulated by this Chapter, the California Building Standards Code and related codes and standards without first obtaining an appropriate permit for each building, structure or building service equipment from the Building Official except as specified in this Section.
No person shall do any exterior sandblasting within the City without first obtaining an appropriate permit for each separate work location or contractor.
No person shall perform any excavation or grading work without first obtaining an appropriate permit from the Building Official except as specified in this Section.
No person shall erect any temporary structures within the City without first obtaining an appropriate permit from the Building Official except as specified in this Section. Exemption from the permit requirements of this Chapter shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in violation of the provisions of applicable codes and standards or any other laws or ordinances.
(b) 
Temporary Structures. Temporary structures such as reviewing stands, platforms, displays and other miscellaneous structures, sheds, canopies or fences used for the protection of the public around and in conjunction with construction work may be erected by special permit from the Building Official for a limited period of time. Buildings or structures erected under a special permit need not comply with the type of construction or fire-resistive time periods required by the Building Code. Temporary structures shall be completely removed upon the expiration of the time limit stated in the permit.
(c) 
Work Exempt from Building Permit. A building permit shall not be required for the following:
(1) 
One-story detached accessory buildings not more than fourteen feet in height when used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed one hundred twenty square feet, when the surface of adjacent grade does not exceed one unit vertical in ten units horizontal (i.e., ten percent slope); the building does not contain electrical, mechanical or plumbing work and the building conforms to the applicable zoning regulations of Chapter 9.04 of the Municipal Code.
(2) 
Exterior freestanding masonry or concrete walls not over four feet high, and other fences not over seven feet high.
(3) 
Oil derricks.
(4) 
Movable cases, counters and partitions not over five feet nine inches high.
(5) 
Retaining walls that are not over four feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding flammable liquids.
(6) 
Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed five thousand gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1.
(7) 
Platforms, walks and driveways not more than thirty inches above grade and not over or surcharging any basement or story below.
(8) 
Painting, papering and similar finish work, including color or texture coating of exterior plaster.
(9) 
Flooring when installed on a concrete floor slab or when weighing not more than four pounds per square foot or replacing the same weight per square foot.
(10) 
Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
(11) 
Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to one- and two-family dwellings in which the pool walls are entirely above the adjacent grade and the capacity does not exceed five thousand gallons and there are no electrical, gas or plumbing equipment or components associated with the prefabricated swimming pool.
(d) 
Work Exempt from a Grading Permit. A grading permit is not required for the following:
(1) 
An excavation for construction of a structure permitted a valid building permit.
(2) 
Cemetery graves.
(3) 
Refuse disposal sites controlled by other regulations.
(4) 
Excavations for wells or tunnels or utilities.
(5) 
Mining, quarrying, excavating, processing or stockpiling of rock, sand, gravel, aggregate or clay where established and provided for by law, provided such operations do not affect the lateral support or increase the stresses in or pressure upon any adjacent or contiguous property.
(6) 
Exploratory excavations under the direction of geotechnical engineers or engineering geologists.
(7) 
An excavation that is less than two feet in depth or does not create a cut slope greater than five feet in height and steeper than one unit vertical in one and one-half units horizontal (sixty-six and seven-tenths percent slope).
(8) 
A fill less than one foot in depth and placed on natural terrain with a slope flatter than one unit vertical in five units horizontal (twenty percent slope), or less than three feet in depth, not intended to support structures, that does not exceed fifty cubic yards on any one lot and does not obstruct a drainage course.
(e) 
Work Exempt from Plumbing Permit. A plumbing permit shall not be required for the following:
(1) 
Any plumbing work authorized by a valid combination-building permit.
(2) 
The stopping of leaks in drains, soil, waste or vent pipe; provided, however, that should any concealed trap, drain pipe, soil, waste or vent pipe become defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, the same shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be procured and inspection made as provided in this Code.
(3) 
The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, nor for the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.
(f) 
Work Exempt from Electrical Permit. An electrical permit shall not be required for the following:
(1) 
Any electrical work authorized by a valid combination-building permit.
(2) 
Portable motors or other portable appliances energized by means of a cord or cable having an attachment plug end to be connected to an approved receptacle when the Electrical Code permits that cord or cable.
(3) 
Repair of fixed motors, transformers or fixed approved appliances of the same type and rating in the same location.
(4) 
Temporary decorative lighting.
(5) 
Repair or replacement of current-carrying parts of any switch, contactor or control device.
(6) 
Reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles, but not the outlets therefor.
(7) 
Replacement of an over-current device where the device is installed in the same location and is of the same manufacturer, same voltage, same ampere rating, same characteristics, and has an interrupting capacity meeting conditions at the time of replacement.
(8) 
Repair or replacement of electrodes or transformers of the same size and capacity for signs or gas tube systems.
(9) 
Taping joints.
(10) 
Removal of electrical wiring.
(11) 
Temporary wiring for experimental purposes in suitable experimental laboratories.
(12) 
The wiring for temporary theater, motion picture or television stage sets.
(13) 
Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus or equipment operating at less than twenty-five volts and not capable of supplying more than fifty watts of energy.
(14) 
Low-energy power, control and signal circuits of Class II and Class III as defined in the Electrical Code.
(15) 
Installation, alteration or repair of electrical wiring, apparatus or equipment or the generation, transmission, distribution or metering of electrical energy or in the operation of signals or the transmission of intelligence by a public or private utility in the exercise of its function as a serving utility.
(g) 
Work Exempt from Mechanical Permit. A mechanical permit shall not be required for the following:
(1) 
Any mechanical work authorized by a valid combination-building permit.
(2) 
Portable heating appliance, ventilating equipment, cooling unit or evaporative cooler.
(3) 
Closed system of steam, hot or chilled water piping within heating or cooling equipment regulated by the California Mechanical Code.
(4) 
Replacement of any component part of assembly of an appliance that does not alter its original approval and complies with other applicable requirements of applicable codes and standards.
(5) 
Refrigerating equipment that is part of the equipment for which a permit has been issued pursuant to the requirements of applicable codes and standards.
(6) 
A unit refrigerating system as defined in the Mechanical Code.
(Added by Ord. No. 2054CCS § 2, adopted 10/8/02; amended by Ord. No. 2328CCS § 4, adopted 11/9/10; Ord. No. 2445CCS § 5, adopted 11/12/13; Ord. No. 2527CCS § 2, adopted 11/22/16; Ord. No. 2623CCS § 3, adopted 10/22/19; Ord. No. 2635CCS § 2, adopted 5/12/20; Ord. No. 2727CCS § 3, adopted 10/25/22; Ord. No. 2762CCS, 10/24/2023; Ord. No. 2831CCS, 10/14/2025)
(a) 
Application. To obtain a permit, the applicant shall first file an application in writing on a form furnished by the Building Official for that purpose. Every such application shall identify and describe the work to be covered by the permit for which each application is made, the responsible party for the work and such other information that the Building Official may require to show conformance to applicable laws and regulations. When an architect or engineer prepares or is required to prepare submittal documents, the application shall designate the architect and/or engineer of record.
(b) 
Submittal Documents. When required by the Building Official, plans, specifications, engineering calculations, diagrams, soil investigation reports, sound tests, material tests, Construction Management Plans as required by Chapter 8.98 of this Code, special inspection and structural observation programs and other data shall be submitted with each application for a permit. When an architect or engineer does not prepare such plans, the Building Official may require the applicant submitting such plans or other data to demonstrate that State law does not require that a licensed architect or engineer prepare the plans before accepting submittal documents or permit application.
Deferral of any submittal items shall require prior approval of the Building Official. If the Building Official approves the deferral of submittals to a time after permit issuance, the approved plans shall list the deferred submittals. The deferred submittal items shall not be installed until the Building Official has approved their design and submittal documents.
(c) 
Investigation. Whenever work for which a permit is required by this Chapter has been commenced without first obtaining a permit, a special investigation shall be made before a permit may be issued for such work when so ordered by the Building Official.
(d) 
Information on Plans and Specifications. Plans and specifications shall be drawn to scale and shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of all relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.
(e) 
Special Inspection and Structural Observation Program. When the Building Code requires special inspection and/or structural observation, the architect or engineer of record shall prepare an inspection program which shall be submitted to the Building Official for approval prior to issuance of the building permit. The inspection program shall designate the portions of the work to have special inspection, the name or names of the individuals or firms who are to perform the special inspections and indicate the duties of the special inspectors, including any required nondestructive testing.
The Building Official, or when approved by the Building Official, the owner, the engineer or architect of record, or an agent of the owner, but not the contractor or any other person responsible for the work, shall employ the special inspector. When structural observation is required, the inspection program shall name the individuals or firms who are to perform structural observation and describe the stages of construction at which structural observation is to occur. The inspection program shall include samples of inspection reports and provide time limits for submission of reports.
(f) 
Preconstruction Meetings. The Building Official may require the permit holder to participate in a preconstruction conference prior to the completion of plan review and permit issuance to review the plans and specifications for adequacy and sufficiency of details and conformance to building standards and interpretations.
(g) 
Change of Architect or Engineer of Record. If the circumstances require, the owner may designate a substitute architect or engineer of record who shall perform all the duties required of the original architect or engineer of record. In such cases, the owner shall notify the Building Official in writing if the architect or engineer of record is changed or is unable to continue to perform the duties. The architect or engineer of record shall be responsible for reviewing and coordinating all submittal documents prepared by others, including deferred submittal items, for compatibility with the design of the building.
(h) 
Expiration of Application for Permit.
(1) 
A permit application shall expire if no permit is issued within eighteen months after the date the permit application is filed, except as provided below.
(A) 
An application for a demolition permit for the demolition of residential buildings and structures, which are subject to the replacement project requirements of the City's Zoning Ordinance, shall expire if no permit is issued within two years following the date the application is filed.
(B) 
An application for a permit for a project subject to the construction rate program of the City's Zoning Ordinance shall not expire while that project remains on the waiting list for a building permit.
(C) 
An application for a demolition permit for a building or structure in which the original permit was issued more than forty years before the date of filing of the demolition permit application shall expire if no permit is issued within three years following the date the application is filed.
(D) 
An application for a project that requires a coastal development permit shall expire if no building permit is issued within three years of the building permit application filing date; however, if the project includes an approved vesting tentative map, the permit application expiration date shall be extended to be concurrent with the term of the vesting tentative map for the project.
(E) 
An application for a one hundred percent affordable housing project shall expire if no building permit is issued within three years of the building permit application filing date. For the purposes of this Section, one hundred percent affordable housing projects are any housing projects where all of the dwelling units are deed restricted as affordable to fifty percent AMI households, eighty percent AMI households, or moderate-income households.
(F) 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, all complete applications filed prior to January 6, 2025, shall be extended for an additional period of one year, provided that the applicant attests that the project will comply with all current code requirements applicable to the project.
(2) 
No action may be taken on an application after expiration. Plans and other data submitted for review may thereafter be returned to the applicant or purged by the Building Official. To obtain a permit, applicants shall submit a new application, new submittal documents and pay a new plan review fee. All applicable standards in effect at the time of the new application shall then apply to the project.
(i) 
Extensions. The Building Official may grant three six-month extensions of the eighteen-month plan check time period set forth in subsection (h)(1) above. The Building Official may grant one twelve-month extension of the plan check time period set forth in subsections (h)(1)(D) and (E), above. In all cases, the applicant must demonstrate that:
(1) 
No changes have been made or will be made to the original plans and specifications except as required by the original plan review; and
(2) 
No pertinent laws or ordinances have been amended subsequent to the date the original application was filed which would cause the development project at issue to be inconsistent with such amended provisions; and
(3) 
Any approvals granted under Article 9 of the Municipal Code are still valid and have not expired; and
(4) 
Circumstances beyond the control of the applicant have prevented the permit from being issued in the authorized time period.
(Added by Ord. No. 2054CCS § 2, adopted 10/8/02; amended by Ord. No. 2165CCS § 6, adopted 8/9/05; Ord. No. 2314CCS § 1, adopted 6/22/10; Ord. No. 2445CCS § 6, adopted 11/12/13; Ord. No. 2527CCS § 2, adopted 11/22/16; Ord. No. 2553CCS § 1, adopted 8/8/17; Ord. No. 2623CCS § 3, adopted 10/22/19; Ord. No. 2727CCS § 3, adopted 10/25/22; Ord. No. 2730CCS § 1, adopted 12/13/22; Ord. No. 2786CCS, 8/27/2024; Ord. No. 2815CCS, 5/27/2025; Ord. No. 2831CCS, 10/14/2025)
(a) 
Issuance. If the Building Official finds that the work described in an application for a permit and submittal documents conforms to the requirements of this Article, the California Building Standards Code and other pertinent laws and ordinances, and that the applicant has paid all required fees, the Building Official shall issue a permit for the work to the applicant. When a permit is issued for which plans are required, the construction documents shall be approved in writing or by stamp.
No building permit or demolition permit shall be issued by the City for any development that requires a coastal development permit under the California Coastal Act of 1976, Public Resources Code Section 30000 et seq., until such time as a coastal development permit has been issued for such development.
(b) 
Partial Permit. The Building Official may issue a permit for the construction of part of a building, structure or building service equipment before the entire plans and specifications for the whole building, structure or building service equipment have been submitted or approved, provided adequate information and detailed statements have been filed complying with all pertinent requirements. The holder of a partial permit shall proceed without assurance that the permit for the entire building, structure or building service will be granted.
(c) 
Expiration. Every permit issued under the provisions of this Code expires by limitation and becomes null and void when any of the following circumstances is applicable:
(1) 
Failure to Start Construction. If the building or work authorized by such permit is not started within one year from the date of permit issuance;
(2) 
Cessation of Work. If the building or work authorized is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work has started, for a period of one hundred eighty days or more;
(3) 
Time to Complete. In addition to subsections (c)(1) and (2) above, every permit issued under the provisions of this Chapter expires by limitation and becomes null and void when the time allowed to complete all work authorized by the permit exceeds three years from the date of permit issuance, except as provided in subsection (d)(1)(A). The time allowed to complete all work authorized by a permit: (A) issued and active as of March 13, 2020; (B) issued between March 13, 2020 and December 31, 2022; or (C) issued pursuant to a complete application submitted between March 13, 2020 and December 31, 2022, shall be five years.
(4) 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the time allowed to start and complete all work authorized by a permit issued prior to January 6, 2025 shall be extended for an additional period of one year, provided that the applicant attests that the project will comply with all current code requirements applicable to the project.
(d) 
Extensions.
(1) 
Extensions of time from the stated periods in subsection (c) above may be permitted for good reason, provided such requests are submitted to the Building Official in writing prior to permit expiration. The written request must demonstrate that:
(A) 
Due to circumstances beyond the owner's or permittee's control, construction could not be commenced, continued or completed in the authorized time period;
(B) 
If construction has started, substantial progress has been made;
(C) 
The condition of the property presents no health or safety hazard; and
(D) 
The continued delay will not create any unreasonable aesthetic impact to the neighborhood or substantial economic detriment to neighboring property owners.
(2) 
The time periods set forth to start construction within one-year or resume construction after cessation of work for one hundred eighty days may each be extended no more than once, and the time period set forth to complete construction may be extended no more than three times; however, if the project includes the preservation of a designated City of Santa Monica landmark, the period to complete construction may be extended no more than four times. Each extension of time shall not exceed one hundred eighty days.
(e) 
Extension Request Appeals. The decision of the Building Official may be appealed to the Director of Planning and Community Development, who shall conduct a de novo review. Any such appeal shall be filed in writing within seven days of the decision of the Building Official. The decision of the Director of Planning and Community Development shall be final.
(f) 
Renewal. Before any work authorized under an expired permit can be recommenced, the permit holder shall file an application for renewal. Such application shall include all original submittal documents and shall identify any changes that have been made or will be made in the original plans and specifications for such work. If the Building Official finds that the work remaining to be completed under the permit conforms to the requirements of applicable codes and standards and other pertinent laws and ordinances, and that the applicant has paid all required fees, the Building Official shall renew the permit for the work to the applicant. No work shall recommence until the renewal application and submittal documents are approved.
(Added by Ord. No. 2054CCS § 2, adopted 10/8/02; amended by Ord. No. 2314CCS § 2, adopted 6/22/10; Ord. No. 2380CCS § 3, adopted 11/22/11; Ord. No. 2426CCS § 1, adopted 3/25/13; Ord. No. 2527CCS § 2, adopted 11/22/16; Ord. No. 2623CCS § 3, adopted 10/22/19; Ord. No. 2689CCS § 1, adopted 1/25/22; Ord. No. 2727CCS § 3, adopted 10/25/22; Ord. No. 2762CCS, 10/24/2023; Ord. No. 2786CCS, 8/27/2024; Ord. No. 2815CCS, 5/27/2025; Ord. No. 2831CCS, 10/14/2025)
(a) 
Fees. The fee for each service provided in the administration and enforcement of this Chapter shall be as set forth by Resolution of the City Council based on the estimated reasonable cost of providing the service, except for penalties.
(b) 
Valuation. When valuation is a basis for fees, the Building Official shall determine the valuation in accordance with the provisions of this Code.
(c) 
Special Services. When plans, tests, inspections and associated reports require special review and analysis by an outside entity, said fees shall be in an amount reasonably necessary to defray costs to the City directly attributable to employing or contracting with such private entity. Direct costs shall include administrative and overhead costs of the City for procuring and monitoring the work attributable to the outside entity.
(d) 
Reinspection Fees. A reinspection fee may be assessed for each inspection or reinspection when such portion of work for which inspection is called is not complete or when corrections called for are not made.
Reinspection fees may also be assessed when the inspection record card is not posted or otherwise available on the work site, the approved plans are not readily available to the inspector, for failure to provide access on the date for which inspection is requested, or for deviating from plans requiring the approval of the Building Official.
(e) 
Refunds. The Building Official shall authorize refunding of a fee paid under the provisions of this Chapter that was erroneously paid or collected or when paid for services not provided. When partial services are performed, the Building Official shall determine the proportion of the fee to be refunded based on the estimated reasonable cost of the service not performed. Applications for refund must be made in writing within one year of fee payment.
(Added by Ord. No. 2054CCS, § 2, adopted 10/8/02; amended by Ord. No. 2527CCS § 2, adopted 11/22/16; Ord. No. 2623CCS § 3, adopted 10/22/19; Ord. No. 2727CCS § 3, adopted 10/25/22; Ord. No. 2831CCS, 10/14/2025)
(a) 
General. Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the Building Official and the construction or work shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved by the Building Official. It shall be the duty of the permit holder to cause the work to remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes. Neither the Building Official nor this jurisdiction shall be liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required to allow inspection.
(b) 
Survey. The Building Official may require a survey of the lot to verify that the structure is located in accordance with the approved plans.
(c) 
Inspection Record Card. Work requiring a permit shall not be commenced until the permit holder or the agent of the permit holder shall have posted or otherwise made available an inspection record card such as to allow the Building Official conveniently to make the required entries thereon regarding inspection of the work. The permit holder shall maintain this card available until the Building Official has granted final approval.
(d) 
Maintenance of Approved Plans. Approved plans and specifications shall not be changed, modified or altered without authorizations from the Building Official, and all work regulated by this Code shall be done in accordance with the approved plans, which shall be kept on the site of the building or work at all times during which the work authorized thereby is in progress.
(e) 
Inspection Requests. It shall be the duty of the person doing the work authorized by a permit to notify the Building Official that such work is ready for inspection. The Building Official may require that every request for inspection be filed at least one working day before such inspection is desired. Such request may be in writing or by telephone at the option of the Building Official. It shall be the duty of the person requesting any inspections required either by this Code or applicable codes and standards to provide access to and means for inspection of the work.
(f) 
Approval Required. Work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the Building Official. The Building Official, upon notification, shall make the requested inspections and shall either indicate that that portion of the construction is satisfactory as completed or shall notify the permit holder or an agent of the permit holder wherein the same fails to comply with this Code. Any portions that do not comply shall be corrected and such portion shall not be covered or concealed until authorized by the Building Official.
There shall be a final inspection and approval of all buildings and structures when completed and ready for occupancy and use prior to such occupancy or use.
(g) 
Required Building Inspections. No work shall be covered or concealed without first obtaining the approval of the Building Official. The Building Official may make or require other inspections of construction work to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this Code or applicable codes and standards and other laws applicable to the work.
(Added by Ord. No. 2054CCS § 2, adopted 10/8/02; amended by Ord. No. 2445CCS § 8, adopted 11/12/13; Ord. No. 2527CCS § 2, adopted 11/22/16; Ord. No. 2623CCS § 3, adopted 10/22/19; Ord. No. 2727CCS § 3, adopted 10/25/22; Ord. No. 2831CCS, 10/14/2025)
(a) 
General. The Building Official may approve portions of the work authorized under any permit to be constructed off-site at the premises of an approved fabricator.
(b) 
Application for Approved Fabricator License. Prior to any work being constructed off site, the fabricator shall submit an application for approved fabricator status on the form supplied for such purpose by the Building Official.
The application shall include a detailed fabrication procedural manual reflecting key quality control procedures that provides a basis for inspection control of workmanship and the fabricator plant and the name of the approved inspection or quality control agency that will monitor the effectiveness of the quality control program.
(c) 
Special Inspection Requirements. The Building Official shall determine if the work is of such a nature to require periodic or continuous special inspection in addition to the quality control measures of the fabricator and periodic monitoring by the approved inspection or quality control agency.
(d) 
Certificate of Compliance. For any work constructed off site, the approved fabricator shall submit a certificate of compliance to the Building Official and to the engineer or architect of record stating that the work was performed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications.
(e) 
Monitoring Reports. The approved inspection or quality control agency shall notify the Building Official in writing of any change to the procedural manual, the fabricator's quality control capabilities, plant and personnel as outlined in the fabrication procedural manual and the results of periodic plant inspections.
(f) 
Revocation of Approved Fabricator Status. The Building Official may revoke the license of any approved fabricator if it is found that work done pursuant to the approval is in violation of applicable codes and standards or this Chapter. The decision of the Building Official in these matters shall be final.
(Added by Ord. No. 2054CCS § 2, adopted 10/8/02; amended by Ord. No. 2527CCS § 2, adopted 11/22/16; Ord. No. 2623CCS § 3, adopted 10/22/19; Ord. No. 2727CCS § 3, adopted 10/25/22; Ord. No. 2831CCS, 10/14/2025)
(a) 
Use or Occupancy. Buildings or structures shall not be used or occupied, nor shall a change in the existing occupancy classification of a building or structure or portion thereof be made until the Building Official has issued a Certificate of Occupancy therefor as provided herein.
(b) 
Certificate Issued. After the Building Official inspects the building or structure and finds no violations of the provisions of this Code, approved plans and specifications, or any other pertinent laws, the Building Official shall issue a Certificate of Occupancy that shall contain the following:
(1) 
Building permit number.
(2) 
Address of the building.
(3) 
Name and address of the owner.
(4) 
Description of that portion of the building for which the certificate is issued.
(5) 
A statement that the described portion of the building has been inspected for compliance with the requirements of this Code for the group and division of occupancy and the use for which the proposed occupancy is classified.
(6) 
Name of the Building Official.
(c) 
Temporary Certificate. The Building Official may issue a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy for the use of a portion or portions of a building or structure prior to the completion of the entire building or structure if the Building Official finds that substantial hazard will not result from occupancy of a building or portion thereof before the same is completed, and the required accessibility features are in place. The Building Official may require sufficient security to guarantee the completion of any outstanding construction and the payment of all outstanding obligations.
(d) 
Posting. The Certificate of Occupancy shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises and shall not be removed except by the Building Official.
(Added by Ord. No. 2054CCS § 2, adopted 10/8/02; amended by Ord. No. 2527CCS § 2, adopted 11/22/16; Ord. No. 2623CCS § 3, adopted 10/22/19; Ord. No. 2727CCS § 3, adopted 10/25/22; Ord. No. 2831CCS, 10/14/2025)
(a) 
Issuance of Permits. The issuance of a permit or approval of plans or submittal documents shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of this Chapter, the California Building Standards Code, and other applicable codes and standards, or of any other ordinance of this jurisdiction, State or Federal law. Permits presuming to give authority to violate any pertinent law or ordinance shall not be valid.
(b) 
Validity of Inspections. Approval as a result of an inspection shall not be construed to be an approval of a violation of the provisions of this Code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction. Inspections presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this Code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid.
(c) 
Validity of Certificate of Occupancy. Issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy shall not be construed as an approval of a violation of the provisions of this Code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction. Certificates presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this Code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid.
(d) 
Conformance to Code. The issuance of a permit based on plans, specifications and other data or the approval as a result of an inspection shall not prevent the Building Official from thereafter requiring the correction of errors in said plans, specifications and other data or constructed work prior to use or occupancy or thereafter.
(Added by Ord. No. 2054CCS § 2, adopted 10/8/02; amended by Ord. No. 2527CCS § 2, adopted 11/22/16; Ord. No. 2623CCS § 3, adopted 10/22/19; Ord. No. 2727CCS § 3, adopted 10/25/22; Ord. No. 2831CCS, 10/14/2025)
(a) 
Plans Available for Viewing. Approved plans maintained by the Building Official shall be open for inspection as a public record at the City facility designated by the Building Official.
(b) 
Copy of Approved Plans. Before duplicating in whole or part the approved plans, the Building Official shall request the written permission of the certified, licensed or registered professional or his or her successor, if any, who signed the original documents and the written permission of the original or current owner of the building, or, if the building is part of a common interest development, with the written permission of the board of directors or governing body of the association established to manage the common interest development to duplicate the plans.
(c) 
Written Request to Owner and Professionals. The written request to a licensed, registered, or certified professional may be made by sending a registered letter to the licensed, registered, or certified professional requesting his or her permission to duplicate the official copy of the plans and sending with the registered letter, a copy of the affidavit furnished by the Building Official, which has been completed and signed by the person requesting to duplicate the official copy of the plans. The Building Official shall send registered letters to the most recent address of the licensed, registered, or certified professional available from the California State Board that licensed, registered or certified the professional.
(d) 
Cost to Provide Copies. The City Council may establish a fee to be paid by any person who requests the Building Official to duplicate the official copy of any plans pursuant to this Section, in an amount which it determines is reasonably necessary to cover the costs pursuant to this Section.
(e) 
Approval or Authorization Unreasonably Withheld. The certified, licensed, or registered professional's refusal to permit the duplication of the plans is unreasonable if, upon request from the Building Official, the professional does either of the following:
(1) 
Fails to respond within thirty days of receipt by the professional of the request. However, if the Building Official determines that the professional is unavailable to respond within thirty days of receipt of the request due to serious illness, travel, or other extenuating circumstances, the Building Official shall extend the time period to allow the professional adequate time to respond, as determined to be appropriate to the individual circumstance, but not to exceed sixty days.
(2) 
Refuses to give his or her permission for the duplication of the plans after receiving the signed affidavit and registered letter specified in subsections (b) and (c).
(f) 
Requestor's Affidavit. The Building Official shall furnish the form of an affidavit to be completed and signed by any person requesting to duplicate the approved plans, which contains provisions stating all of the following:
(1) 
That the copy of the plans shall only be used for the maintenance, operation, and use of the building.
(2) 
That drawings are instruments of professional service and are incomplete without the interpretation of the certified, licensed, or registered professional of record.
(3) 
That subdivision (a) of Section 5536.25 of the Business and Professions Code states that a licensed architect who signs plans, specifications, reports, or documents shall not be responsible for damage caused by subsequent changes to, or use of, those plans, specifications, reports, or documents where the subsequent changes or uses, including changes or uses made by State or local governmental agencies, are not authorized or approved in writing by the licensed architect who originally signed the plans, specifications, reports, or documents, provided that the written authorization or approval was not unreasonably withheld by the architect and the architectural service rendered by the architect who signed the plans, specifications, reports, or documents was not also a proximate cause of the damage.
(Added by Ord. No. 2054CCS § 2, adopted 10/8/02; amended by Ord. No. 2527CCS § 2, adopted 11/22/16; Ord. No. 2623CCS § 3, adopted 10/22/19; Ord. No. 2727CCS § 3, adopted 10/25/22; Ord. No. 2831CCS, 10/14/2025)
(a) 
Utility and Energy Connections. Persons shall not make connections from a utility or other source of electrical power; natural gas; potable, reclaimed or gray water; or solar energy, to building service equipment, which is regulated by applicable codes and standards and for which a permit is required by this Code, until approved by the Official.
(b) 
Temporary Connections. The Building Official may authorize the temporary connection of the building service equipment to a source of: electrical power; natural gas; potable, reclaimed or gray water; or solar energy for the purpose of testing building service equipment, or for use under a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy.
(c) 
Connection after Order to Disconnect. Persons shall not make connections from a source of: electrical power; natural gas; potable, reclaimed or gray water; or solar energy, nor supply energy or fuel to building service equipment which has been disconnected or ordered to be disconnected by the Building Official or the use of which has been ordered to be discontinued by the Building Official until the Building Official authorizes the reconnection and use of such equipment.
(Added by Ord. No. 2054CCS § 2, adopted 10/8/02; amended by Ord. No. 2445CCS § 10, adopted 11/12/13; Ord. No. 2527CCS § 2, adopted 11/22/16; Ord. No. 2623CCS § 3, adopted 10/22/19; Ord. No. 2727CCS § 3, adopted 10/25/22; Ord. No. 2831CCS, 10/14/2025)
(a) 
Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to establish minimum standards for abrasive blasting; to safeguard property and public welfare; and to reduce human exposure to noxious materials such as lead and asbestos.
(b) 
Definitions. The following words or phrases, as used in this Section shall have the following meanings:
"Abrasive blasting"
is the cleaning or preparing of a surface by forcibly propelling a stream of abrasive material against the surface.
"Abrasive material"
is any material used in an abrasive blasting operation including, but not limited to, sand slag, steel shot, garnet or walnut shells.
"Certified lead inspector/assessor"
means an individual who is currently certified in accordance with the California Code of Regulations Title 17, Section 35005.
"Certified lead project designer"
means an individual who is currently certified in accordance with the California Code of Regulations Title 17, Section 35006.
"Certified lead project monitor"
means an individual who is currently certified in accordance with the California Code of Regulations Title 17, Section 35007.
"Certified lead supervisor"
means an individual who is currently certified in accordance with the California Code of Regulations Title 17, Section 35008.
"Certified lead worker"
means an individual who is currently certified in accordance with the California Code of Regulations Title 17, Section 35009.
"Lead-contaminated dust"
means lead-contaminated dust as defined pursuant to the California Code of Regulations Title 17, Section 35035.
"Lead-contaminated soil"
means lead-contaminated soil as defined pursuant to the California Code of Regulations Title 17, Section 35036.
"Lead hazard"
means lead hazard as defined pursuant to the California Code of Regulations Title 17, Section 35037.
"Lead-related construction work"
means lead-related construction work as defined pursuant to the California Code of Regulations Title 17, Section 35040.
(c) 
Permit Required. No person shall do any exterior abrasive blasting sandblasting within the City without first obtaining a permit. A permit shall be required for each separate work location or contractor. A permit issued pursuant to this Section shall require compliance with all local, State, and Federal regulations, including, but not limited to, waste disposal, urban runoff control, and asbestos emission control per the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1403.
(d) 
Application. To obtain a permit, the applicant shall file an application with the Building Official. Each application shall state the location, name and address of the responsible party, estimated times abrasive blasting will take place, amount of insurance for property damage and public liability that the applicant carries, the name of the insurance company issuing the policy and the contractor qualifications.
(e) 
Required Test Submittal Documents. Each application for abrasive sandblasting shall also include a determination of the lead content of each surface(s) to be abraded and shall be made by a certified lead inspector/assessor. This determination shall be based on a representative sample of paints chips. Samples shall be collected in accordance with a sampling plan developed for each separate work location. Samples shall be analyzed by a laboratory currently accredited by the State of California Department of Health Services, California Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP). Analysis of surface coatings and materials shall be performed in a manner that meets the requirements of subsection (d)(9) and subsection (n)(4) of Title 8 California Code of Regulations Section 1532.1.
(f) 
Qualifications. Where the lead content of a surface(s) is below six hundred parts per million (ppm), the contractor shall be required to have a California State Licensing Board license with a specialty contractor classification C61 (D38 Sand and Water Blasting) per the California Code of Regulations Title 16, Division 8, Article 3. Where the lead content of surface(s) is six hundred ppm or greater the contractor shall be required to have a California State Licensing Board license with a specialty contractor classification C61 (D38 Sand and Water Blasting) per the California Code of Regulations Title 16, Division 8, Article 3. In addition, individuals who perform all work including the preparation of the work plan, abatement, and clearance shall be properly qualified in accordance with the California Code of Regulations Title 17, Division 1, Chapter 8, Article 1, Section 35001 et seq. Lead abatement plans shall be prepared by a certified lead project designer or lead project monitor; lead abatement work shall be performed by a certified lead supervisor(s) and certified lead worker(s). All clearance work shall be performed by a certified lead inspector(s)/assessor(s) or a certified lead project monitor(s).
(g) 
Lead Hazard. No person shall perform lead-related construction work on any surface in a manner that creates a lead hazard pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 105255(a). Where lead concentrations in paint are six hundred ppm or greater and abrasive blasting has been performed, a clearance inspection shall be performed by a certified lead inspector/assessor. In no case following abrasive blasting shall residual soil concentrations of lead exceed four hundred ppm, unless a prior determination established a background lead concentration in soil above four hundred ppm, in which case no residual soil concentration of lead shall exceed the background levels.
(h) 
Noise Restrictions. Abrasive blasting shall comply with the noise standards of Municipal Code Section 4.12.110.
(i) 
Dry Sandblasting Limits. No dry abrasive blasting shall be permitted except upon special permission of the Building Official. Permission shall be granted only in those situations where wet abrasive blasting cannot be done due to unique circumstances. Any application for dry abrasive blasting shall state thereon the reasons why wet abrasive blasting cannot be used and the additional precautions that will be taken to protect the public.
(j) 
Notice Prior to Abrasive Blasting. A minimum of three days' notice shall be given to owners, tenants and occupants of all structures within one hundred fifty feet of the site on which abrasive blasting is to be done.
(k) 
Additional Requirements. At the Building Official's discretion, restrictions in addition to the standards set forth in this chapter may be imposed on a case-by-case basis, when such additional restrictions are necessary to protect the public health and safety.
(Added by Ord. No. 2054CCS § 2, adopted 10/8/02; amended by Ord. No. 2165CCS § 2, adopted 8/9/05; Ord. No. 2527CCS § 2, adopted 11/22/16; Ord. No. 2623CCS § 3, adopted 10/22/19; Ord. No. 2727CCS § 3, adopted 10/25/22; Ord. No. 2831CCS, 10/14/2025
(a) 
Local Authority. City Council hereby reaffirms Resolution Number 2536 (CCS) adopted November 11, 1961, whereby the City assumes responsibility for enforcement of State of California regulations and requirements for mobile home parks.
(dded by Ord. No. 2054CCS § 2, adopted 10/8/02; amended by Ord. No. 2527CCS § 2, adopted 11/22/16; Ord. No. 2623CCS § 3, adopted 10/22/19; Ord. No. 2727CCS § 3, adopted 10/25/22; Ord. No. 2831CCS, 10/14/2025
(a) 
House-Type Trailers. Whenever the expression "house-type trailers" is used in this Section, it shall mean house trailers, trailer coaches, mobile homes, and similar vehicles as are defined in Section 18000 et seq., of the California Health and Safety Code.
(b) 
Regulations. The following regulations shall apply to house-type trailers other than mobile homes located in mobile home parks for use other than as living accommodations. No person, firm or corporation shall use, store, or place a house-type trailer for any purpose or in any manner except as in these regulations provided:
(1) 
No person, firm or corporation shall use a house-type trailer for any purpose or in any manner without first obtaining a written permit from the Building Official authorizing such use, storage, or placement.
(2) 
No person, firm or corporation shall use, store or place a house-type trailer for any purpose or in any manner in violation of or in nonconformance with any of the terms provided in a permit issued by the Building Official for use, storage, or placement of said house-type trailer.
(c) 
Permit Standards. The Building Official shall be guided by the following standards in the issuance of permits for the use, storage, and placement of house-type trailers:
(1) 
No house-type trailer shall be used in any residential zone for any purpose other than storage thereof, except when used in connection with the erection of new structures.
(2) 
No house-type trailer or house-type trailers singly, in connection groups, or otherwise shall be used for any purpose on any lot or parcel, as defined in Article 9 of this Code, for a cumulative period of more than six months in any twelve consecutive months, except as hereinafter provided for any purpose other than storage thereof.
(3) 
Except in connection with the erection of new structures, no house-type trailer shall be used for any purpose not directly connected and associated with a business or activity conducted within an enclosed building on the lot or parcel upon which it is used or upon a lot or parcel immediately adjacent or contiguous thereto which is under the ownership, operation, or direct control of the person, firm or corporation to whom the permit is issued.
(4) 
No permit shall be issued for the use of a house-type trailer unless there are legally provided toilet facilities located within a reasonable distance not to exceed two hundred feet from the closest point of said house-type trailer, which toilet facilities are owned, operated, or under the direct control of the permittee.
(5) 
The total space occupied by a house-type trailer or trailers used under such permit shall not exceed one percent of the total square footage of the enclosed portion of the building described above for the activity, provided that the space occupied by the house-type trailer may be limited to one house-type trailer used in connection with any business or businesses which are related to each other and are, directly or indirectly, under a common ownership or management, if the space which would be occupied by any house-type trailers in excess of one is normally used for parking of automobiles or has been so used within three months of the time of the application for the permit, and only if the automobiles so displaced may be accommodated on other off-street parking facilities owned or controlled by permittee.
(d) 
Permit Time and Frequency Limits. The permit issued hereunder may be extended for a period not to exceed one year, provided that in the event of such an extension, no further permit shall be issued for use on the same or adjacent premises or on premises owned, operated, or controlled by the permittee or his or her successor or successors in interest for a period of two years succeeding expiration of the extended permit.
(Added by Ord. No. 2054CCS § 2, adopted 10/8/02; amended by Ord. No. 2527CCS § 2, adopted 11/22/16; Ord. No. 2623CCS § 3, adopted 10/22/19; Ord. No. 2727CCS § 3, adopted 10/25/22; Ord. No. 2831CCS, 10/14/2025
Prior to any building sale, or as part of any building permit or inspection carried out by the Building and Safety Division, all water heaters shall be braced in conformance with the minimum standards established by the Division of the State Architect or California Building Code.
(Added by Ord. No. 2054CCS § 2, adopted 10/8/02; amended by Ord. No. 2527CCS § 2, adopted 11/22/16; Ord. No. 2623CCS § 3, adopted 10/22/19; Ord. No. 2727CCS § 3, adopted 10/25/22; Ord. No. 2831CCS, 10/14/2025
(a) 
Assigning of Address Ranges to Land. The City Engineer shall assign address numbers to all parcels of land in the City of Santa Monica and shall indicate the same upon an official City map.
One hundred numbers shall be assigned to each and every block between streets and avenues and wherever such streets and avenues do not extend through any platted or unplatted lands, the number shall be assigned to the spaces between such streets if extended through such lands.
(b) 
Assigning of Addresses to Buildings or Use of Land. The Building Official shall assign address numbers to buildings and when land is used for approved purposes.
To facilitate emergency services and record keeping, the Building Official shall assign only one numerical address for any new building. Portions of a building divided for separate tenants shall use unit numbers or letters subordinate to the main numerical address. Addresses shall not be assigned to accessory structures. The Building Official may grant exceptions to these requirements when requested by the Fire Chief or Chief of Police to improve emergency response efforts or to facilitate City record keeping.
(c) 
Posting of Building Addresses. All buildings shall display the assigned address number so as to be visible from the street upon which the address is based.
(Added by Ord. No. 2054CCS § 2, adopted 10/8/02; amended by Ord. No. 2527CCS § 2, adopted 11/22/16; Ord. No. 2623CCS § 3, adopted 10/22/19; Ord. No. 2727CCS § 3, adopted 10/25/22; Ord. No. 2831CCS, 10/14/2025
Solar energy systems which qualify for expedited permit processing, pursuant to Government Code Section 65850.5, shall be subject to the administrative permitting procedures set forth in the City's Solar Energy System Permit Expediting Ordinance.
(Added by Ord. No. 2492CCS § 2, adopted 8/25/15; amended by Ord. No. 2527CCS § 2, adopted 11/22/16; Ord. No. 2623CCS § 3, adopted 10/22/19; Ord. No. 2727CCS § 3, adopted 10/25/22; Ord. No. 2831CCS, 10/14/2025
Electric vehicle charging stations which qualify for expedited permit processing, pursuant to Government Code Section 65850.7, shall be subject to the administrative permitting procedures set forth in the City's Electric Vehicle Charging Station Permit Expediting Ordinance.
(Added by Ord. No. 2555CCS § 2, adopted 9/26/17; amended by Ord. No. 2623CCS § 3, adopted 10/22/19; Ord. No. 2727CCS § 3, adopted 10/25/22; Ord. No. 2831CCS, 10/14/2025