A Resident's Guide to Santa Monica's Local Ordinances

Santa Monica, California may not be the biggest city in the state, but it has its own set of local rules that residents need to follow. With 107 tracked ordinances across 25 categories, there is more here than you might expect.

Landscaping Rules

Tree Trimming: Trimming public trees in Santa Monica requires a Public Works permit under SMMC Ch. 7.40.

Also covered: Native Plants (moderate), Weed Ordinances (moderate), Water Restrictions (strict). See the full landscaping rules guide for Santa Monica for details.

Parking Rules

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions: Commercial-registered vehicles cannot obtain Overnight Oversize Parking permits in Santa Monica. Commercial vehicles must re-register as non-commercial through DMV for street parking eligibility..

Also covered: Overnight Parking (moderate), EV Charging (permissive), RV & Boat Parking (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Santa Monica for details.

Building Setbacks & Zoning

Lot Coverage Limits: Lot coverage in Santa Monica varies by zoning district. R1 district development standards are in Table 9.07.030.

Also covered: Setback Rules (moderate), Structure Height Limits (moderate). See the full building setbacks & zoning guide for Santa Monica for details.

Home Business

Signage Rules: Home occupations in Santa Monica may not have any signs other than the address and name of any resident per SMMC §9.31.160. No outdoor advertising identifying the home occupation is permitted..

Also covered: Cottage Food Operations (moderate), Zoning Restrictions (moderate), Customer Traffic Restrictions (moderate). See the full home business guide for Santa Monica for details.

Noise Ordinances

Leaf Blower Rules: Gas-powered leaf blowers have been banned in Santa Monica since 1991. Only electric blowers with manufacturer sound rating of 70 dB or less are allowed (July 2023 update).

Also covered: Industrial Noise (moderate), Outdoor Music (strict), Decibel Limits (strict). See the full noise ordinances guide for Santa Monica for details.

Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors

Vending Zones: Vending in Santa Monica is restricted in high-traffic areas. All vending is prohibited on the Santa Monica Pier except the existing licensed cart program.

Also covered: Food Truck Permits (moderate). See the full food trucks & mobile vendors guide for Santa Monica for details.

Rental Property Rules

Rent Control: Santa Monica has one of California's strictest rent control laws, adopted by voters in 1979. The 2025 general adjustment is 2.3% (max $60 increase, effective Sept 1).

Also covered: Rental Registration (strict), Just Cause Eviction (strict). See the full rental property rules guide for Santa Monica for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Permit Requirements: Santa Monica strictly regulates short-term rentals. A business license and compliance with the city's home-sharing ordinance is required.

Also covered: Occupancy Limits (moderate), Insurance Requirements (moderate), Parking Rules (moderate). See the full short-term rentals guide for Santa Monica for details.

Fence Regulations

Pool Barriers: Pool barriers in Santa Monica must be at least 5 ft (60 inches) per SMMC §8.12.150 and CA Building Code. All pools, spas, hot tubs, and ponds with water 18+ inches deep must be enclosed.

Also covered: Permit Requirements (moderate), Neighbor Fence Rules (moderate), Height Limits (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for Santa Monica for details.

Animal Ordinances

Dog Leash Laws: Dogs must be on a leash in all public areas in Santa Monica. Off-leash dogs are only permitted in designated dog parks.

Also covered: Wildlife Feeding (moderate), Beekeeping (moderate), Breed Restrictions (permissive). See the full animal ordinances guide for Santa Monica for details.

Curfew Laws

Juvenile Curfew: Santa Monica enforces curfew restrictions for minors under 18. Minors must not be in public places during late-night hours without a parent or guardian.

Also covered: Park Curfew (moderate). See the full curfew laws guide for Santa Monica for details.

Environmental Rules

Coastal Development: Santa Monica lies within the California Coastal Zone. A Coastal Development Permit (CDP) from the Coastal Commission is required for most development, as the city does not yet have a certified Local Coastal Program (LCP).

Also covered: Grading & Drainage (moderate), Flood Zones (moderate), Stormwater Management (strict). See the full environmental rules guide for Santa Monica for details.

Fire Regulations

Outdoor Burning: Open burning is generally prohibited in Santa Monica under the adopted California Fire Code and SCAQMD Rule 444. Special Event Permits are required for outdoor activities involving open flame..

Also covered: Wildfire Zones (permissive), Brush Clearance (moderate), Fire Pit Rules (moderate). See the full fire regulations guide for Santa Monica for details.

Property Maintenance

Property Blight: Santa Monica enforces strict property maintenance under SMMC Ch. 13.02.

Also covered: Garage Sale Rules (permissive), Vacant Lot Maintenance (strict), Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (permissive). See the full property maintenance guide for Santa Monica for details.

Sign Regulations

Garage Sale Signs: Temporary signs in Santa Monica must not extend into public right-of-way per the sign code. Signs cannot be attached to trees, utility poles, or traffic signs.

Also covered: Holiday Displays (permissive), Political Signs (permissive). See the full sign regulations guide for Santa Monica for details.

Solar Energy

Panel Permits: Santa Monica requires solar installations and offers automated permitting via SolarAPP+ for qualifying systems. The city's solar ordinance (SMMC §8.106) requires new construction to install solar PV: 1.5x sq ft for single-family, 2.0x for multi-family/commercial..

Also covered: HOA Restrictions (permissive). See the full solar energy guide for Santa Monica for details.

Tree Protection

Tree Removal Permits: Removing any public tree in Santa Monica requires a City permit under SMMC Ch. 7.40.

Also covered: Tree Replacement Requirements (moderate), Heritage & Protected Trees (strict). See the full tree protection guide for Santa Monica for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing Requirements: Pool fencing in Santa Monica must be at least 5 ft with no opening over 4 inches per SMMC §8.12.150. When replacing 50%+ of an existing enclosure, full current code compliance is required.

Also covered: Above-Ground Pools (moderate), Safety Rules (strict), Pool Permits (moderate). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Santa Monica for details.

Accessory Structures

Shed Rules: Santa Monica regulates accessory buildings under SMMC §9.21.020. Sheds and similar structures in residential zones must comply with setback and height requirements.

Also covered: ADU Rules (moderate), Garage Conversions (moderate), Carport Rules (moderate). See the full accessory structures guide for Santa Monica for details.

Cannabis Regulations

Dispensary Zoning: Santa Monica limits medical cannabis retailers to 2 locations under SMMC §9.31.185 and Ch. 6.201.

Also covered: Home Cultivation (moderate). See the full cannabis regulations guide for Santa Monica for details.

Trash & Recycling

Recycling Requirements: Santa Monica mandates recycling under SB 1383 organics diversion requirements. The city's Resource Recovery Division provides recycling collection.

Also covered: Bin Placement Rules (moderate), Pickup Rules & Schedules (moderate), Bulk Item Disposal (moderate). See the full trash & recycling guide for Santa Monica for details.

Drone Rules

Commercial Drones: Commercial drone operations in Santa Monica require FAA Part 107 certification and LAANC authorization near SMO airport. CA privacy laws (Civil Code §1708.8) impose up to $5,000 penalties per incident.

Also covered: Recreational Drones (moderate). See the full drone rules guide for Santa Monica for details.

Soliciting & Door-to-Door

Solicitor Permits: Solicitors and peddlers in Santa Monica must pay a license fee under SMMC Ch. 6.32.

Also covered: No-Knock Registry (moderate). See the full soliciting & door-to-door guide for Santa Monica for details.

Garage & Yard Sales

Garage Sale Permits: Santa Monica does not require formal garage sale permits for typical residential sales. Residents should ensure sales do not create parking or traffic issues.

Also covered: Frequency Limits (permissive), Time Restrictions (permissive). See the full garage & yard sales guide for Santa Monica for details.

Outdoor Lighting

Dark Sky Rules: Santa Monica regulates outdoor lighting under SMMC §9.21.080. While not a standalone dark sky ordinance, the city addresses light pollution through zoning standards.

Also covered: Light Trespass (moderate). See the full outdoor lighting guide for Santa Monica for details.

What to Do With This Information

If you are moving to Santa Monica, buying a home, or starting a project, use this as a starting point. Each category links to detailed pages with the full text, penalties, and FAQs. Verify anything time-sensitive with Santa Monica's city hall or code enforcement office.