Historic Preservation in Santa Monica, CA

If you live in Santa Monica or are thinking about moving there, historic preservation 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 historic preservation, and some of them might surprise you.

Historic-Cultural Monuments

Santa Monica designates Landmarks through the Landmarks Commission when a structure meets at least one of six criteria related to historical, architectural, cultural, or aesthetic significance. Once an application is filed, all demolition and alteration of the structure is immediately prohibited.

Key details: Designation body: Landmarks Commission (7 members). Public hearing deadline: Within 100 days of complete application. Work moratorium: All demolition/alteration prohibited once application filed. Resubmittal waiting period: 5 years after denial (unless significant new information). Criteria required: At least one of six listed criteria.

Any alteration, construction, removal, relocation, or demolition of a Landmark without a Certificate of Appropriateness is prohibited. No permit may be issued by any City department, board, or commission without the required certificate. Appeals of Commission decisions go to the City Council, filed within 10 days.

HPOZ Rules

Property owners in Santa Monica's Third Street Neighborhood Historic District must obtain a Landmarks Commission certificate before making most exterior changes, constructing new buildings, or demolishing contributing structures in the district.

Key details: District: Third Street Neighborhood Historic District, Santa Monica. Certificate types: Exemption, Administrative Approval, Certificate of Appropriateness. Certificate expiration: 1 year from effective date if work not commenced. Notice area for appropriateness applications: Within 300 feet of the property, plus all owners in the district. Maintenance compliance period after notice: 60 days.

Property owners who fail to maintain exterior features in good repair receive written notice and have 60 days to bring the property into compliance. Demolition of contributing structures without a certificate of appropriateness or certificate of economic hardship is prohibited.

Mills Act Contracts

Santa Monica allows designated Landmarks, Structures of Merit, and contributing buildings in Historic Districts to enter into Mills Act historical property contracts with the City for property tax reductions, subject to three eligibility conditions.

Key details: State authority: California Government Code § 50280 et seq. (Mills Act). Approval body: City Council (by resolution). Eligible properties: Landmarks, Structures of Merit, contributing buildings in Historic Districts (privately owned, not tax-exempt). Condition 1: No confirmed outstanding code violations. Condition 2: No tax delinquency.

Properties that fail to meet the three eligibility requirements, no code violations, no tax delinquency, and Secretary of Interior Standards compliance, are ineligible for a historical property contract. No specific penalty for non-compliance post-contract is stated in this section; contract terms are set by the City Council resolution.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Santa Monica gives residents more flexibility on mills act contracts.

The Bottom Line

Santa Monica's historic preservation rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Santa Monica is broadly strict or permissive.

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.