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). Housing projects need CDP before city building permit.
The entire City of Santa Monica falls within the California Coastal Zone, making it subject to the Coastal Act for all development. The city's certified Local Coastal Program governs land use decisions. Coastal Development Permits are required for most construction, renovation, and demolition projects. The Coastal Commission retains appeal authority on major projects. Public beach access must be preserved. The city's beachfront and bluffs face sea level rise and erosion concerns. The Santa Monica Pier has landmark protections. View corridors from public streets to the ocean are protected.
Unpermitted development: Coastal Commission enforcement. Restoration orders. Fines up to $15,000/day.
Santa Monica, CA
Backyard chickens are allowed in Santa Monica with restrictions. Roosters are prohibited in residential areas due to noise. Livestock keeping is restricted b...
Santa Monica, CA
Dogs must be on a leash in all public areas in Santa Monica. Off-leash dogs are only permitted in designated dog parks. The city enforces leash laws through ...
Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica does not impose breed-specific legislation. All dogs must be licensed per CA Food & Ag Code §30500+. Dangerous dog determinations are based on i...
Santa Monica, CA
Feeding wildlife in Santa Monica public parks and beaches is discouraged. The city's property maintenance code addresses nuisance conditions from wildlife at...
Santa Monica, CA
Portable fire pits on private property in Santa Monica must comply with South Coast AQMD regulations. Burns are prohibited on spare-the-air days. Beach fires...
Santa Monica, CA
Properties in fire hazard zones near Santa Monica must maintain defensible space per CA PRC §4291. Santa Monica itself is largely urban/coastal with limited ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle coastal development.
See how Santa Monica's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
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