Environmental Rules in Santa Monica, CA

If you live in Santa Monica or are thinking about moving there, environmental rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Santa Monica has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of environmental rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Erosion Control

Santa Monica's floodplain regulations restrict or prohibit filling, grading, and other development that could increase flood damage or alter drainage patterns, and require all new development to provide adequate drainage.

Key details: Grading restriction: Filling, grading, and dredging that increases flood damage is controlled or prohibited. Floodway fill prohibition: Encroachments including fill prohibited in regulatory floodways unless certified by engineer to not increase flood levels. Drainage requirement: All new development must provide adequate drainage to reduce flood hazard exposure. Floodway engineering: Registered civil engineer must certify no flood level increase for any floodway encroachment.

Violations of the floodplain regulations constitute a misdemeanor under Santa Monica Municipal Code § 7.68.070. The City may take any lawful action necessary to prevent or remedy violations.

Stormwater Management

Santa Monica prohibits non-stormwater discharges to the city's storm sewer system (MS4) and requires all property owners and businesses to follow good housekeeping practices including keeping trash receptacles covered and closed. Development projects must submit a Runoff Mitigation Plan before receiving a building permit.

Key details: Prohibited: Non-stormwater discharges to MS4 without Director written approval. Advance notice: 72 hours before any allowed conditional non-stormwater discharge. Trash receptacles: Must have solid covers, closed at all times except during disposal. Pressure washing limit: 0.006 gallons per sq ft maximum. Development requirement: Runoff Mitigation Plan required before building permit issuance.

Criminal penalty: up to $500 fine or up to 6 months in county jail, or both. Administrative fines also available under Chapters 1.09 and 1.10. Civil action by any person including the City is available.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Santa Monica actively enforces its stormwater management requirements.

Flood Zones

Any development or construction within Santa Monica's designated special flood hazard areas requires a floodplain development permit before work begins. Violations constitute a misdemeanor.

Key details: Permit required: Floodplain development permit before any construction in a special flood hazard area. Flood zone basis: FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Los Angeles County. Residential floor requirement: Lowest floor must be at or above base flood elevation (BFE). Penalty: Misdemeanor for violations. Floodplain administrator: City Engineer or designee.

Violations of the floodplain regulations, including building without a permit or failing to meet construction standards, constitute a misdemeanor under § 7.68.070. Variances from the base flood elevation requirement will result in significantly higher flood insurance premiums: up to $25 per $100 of coverage.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Santa Monica actively enforces its flood zones requirements.

The Bottom Line

Santa Monica is tougher than many cities when it comes to environmental rules. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Santa Monica, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Santa Monica can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.