Moving to Santa Monica, CA?

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). Hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM-8 PM. Photo/video evidence accepted for enforcement.

Industrial noise in Santa Monica is regulated under SMMC Ch. 4.12. Noise standards apply to all zones. The city's Code Enforcement is the primary agency for addressing noise violations from commercial and industrial sources.

Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 4.12 strictly regulates amplified sound and music. In Noise Zone I (residential), exterior noise may not exceed 60 dBA daytime or 50 dBA nighttime. Music and speech content triggers an automatic 5 dBA reduction. Amplified sound in parks and beaches is banned after 10 PM.

Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.12.060 establishes three noise zones with specific dBA limits. Residential Zone I limits are 50 dBA nighttime and 60 dBA daytime (15-minute Leq). Non-residential Zone II is 60/65 dBA. Industrial Zone III is 70 dBA at all times. A 5 dBA penalty applies for tonal, impulsive, music, or speech content.

Santa Monica enforces quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and 10 PM to 8 AM on weekends/holidays. During quiet hours, residential noise limits drop to 50 dBA (15-minute Leq). Sound amplifying equipment in parks and on beaches is prohibited after 10 PM.

Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.12.110 limits construction to 8 AM–6 PM Monday through Friday and 9 AM–5 PM Saturday. No construction on Sundays or holidays. High-impact equipment (pile drivers, jackhammers) is further restricted to 10 AM–3 PM weekdays only. After-hours permits available.

Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.04 prohibits allowing any animal to bark, yell, or cry for more than 5 continuous minutes or 15 total minutes in any 60-minute period. This is one of the strictest barking dog standards in Los Angeles County. Animal Control Officers enforce the ordinance.

Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO) has one of the most restrictive airport noise ordinances in California. The City imposes CNEL-based noise contours, a Fly Neighborly Program, and operational restrictions. Evening flights carry a 4.8 dB penalty and nighttime flights a 10 dB penalty in CNEL calculations.

Amplified music in Santa Monica is regulated under SMMC Ch. 4.12. Businesses with amplified music near residential zones must cease outdoor activities between 11 PM and 6 AM. Nightclubs require double-door vestibules and double-paned glass.

Santa Monica STRs are subject to occupancy limits based on the number of bedrooms and building/fire code standards. Overcrowding is a code violation. Operators must ensure guest count complies with local regulations.

STR operators in Santa Monica should carry liability insurance. Platform providers offer host protection insurance. Santa Monica's strict STR regulations may include insurance as part of the operating requirements.

STR guests in Santa Monica must comply with local parking regulations including permit parking districts and overnight restrictions. Beach-area parking is limited and metered. Operators should inform guests of parking options.

Santa Monica strictly regulates short-term rentals. A business license and compliance with the city's home-sharing ordinance is required. The city imposes a Transient Occupancy Tax on stays under 30 days. Only home-sharing (host present) is permitted for most units.

Santa Monica has one of the strictest short-term rental laws in the nation. Chapter 6.20 (adopted May 2015) prohibits vacation rentals and allows only hosted home-sharing with mandatory registration, a business license, and TOT collection. Only primary residents may home-share while living on-site.

Santa Monica does not impose an annual night cap on hosted home-sharing, but requires the host to be on-site for every night of every stay. Hosts may not book more than two groups of visitors for any given date. Vacation rentals (unhosted) are completely prohibited regardless of duration.

Santa Monica imposes a 17% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on home-sharing rentals, effective March 2023. Hosts must also obtain a business license (Tax Rate Group III: $75 base on first $60,000, plus 0.3% above). Airbnb pays the City $2 per night booked under a settlement agreement.

STR guests in Santa Monica must comply with the noise ordinance SMMC Ch. 4.12. Amplified music and outdoor activities near residential zones are restricted between 11 PM and 6 AM. Operators are responsible for guest behavior.

Santa Monica proper has low wildfire risk as a coastal urban city. The city is not in a State Responsibility Area. Some nearby areas in the Santa Monica Mountains are designated VHFHSZ under CalFire mapping.

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.

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 wildfire risk, but properties near the Santa Monica Mountains may fall in fire hazard zones.

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 are limited to designated areas. Fire pits must be attended at all times.

All fireworks are illegal in Santa Monica, including California State Fire Marshal 'Safe and Sane' fireworks. Municipal Code Section 5601.1.3 prohibits the sale, possession, transport, use, and discharge of any fireworks. Violations are misdemeanors punishable by up to $1,000 fine and/or six months in jail.

Santa Monica has overnight parking restrictions in many areas, particularly near the beach and commercial zones. Permit parking districts exist for residents. Street parking subject to 72-hour limit per CA Vehicle Code §22651.

Santa Monica is a leader in EV infrastructure. CA AB 2097 eliminates parking minimums near major transit. CALGreen requires EV-ready wiring in new construction. The city offers streamlined permits for residential charger installation.

RV and boat storage in Santa Monica is restricted in residential zones. Oversized vehicles may not be stored on streets for extended periods. On-property storage may require screening. The 72-hour street parking rule applies.

Driveways in Santa Monica must comply with zoning code requirements. Vehicles must park on approved surfaces. Driveway widths and curb cuts are regulated by Public Works. Parking on unpaved front yards is not permitted.

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.

Under California Vehicle Code Section 22651(k) and Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 3.12, vehicles parked on public streets for 72 or more consecutive hours are considered abandoned and subject to citation and towing. Temporary No Parking signs require 24–72 hours advance posting.

Santa Monica has extensive preferential parking zones under SMMC Chapter 3.08 requiring resident permits. Metered parking and time-limited zones are enforced throughout the city.

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. Self-closing, self-latching gates required.

Fence permits in Santa Monica are regulated under the zoning code. Front yard fences, walls, and hedges are limited to 42 inches (3.5 ft). Height modifications up to 4 ft above limits available through administrative review; greater increases require a Director hearing.

Boundary fences in Santa Monica follow CA Civil Code §841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) for shared cost. Spite fences over 10 ft are a private nuisance under CA Civil Code §841.4. Disputes are a civil matter between neighbors.

Santa Monica limits front yard fences to 42 inches (3.5 feet) and side/rear yard fences to 8 feet under SMMC §9.21.050. Ornamental attachments may add up to 12 inches.

Retaining walls in Santa Monica over 4 ft in Seismic Design Category D, E, or F cannot be constructed of wood. Fence height on top of retaining walls is measured from lowest grade within 3-ft radius. Engineering required for significant walls.

Santa Monica regulates fence materials under the zoning ordinance. Fences must be safe, structurally sound, and maintained per the property maintenance code. No more than 25% reflective material on building facades applies to walls/structures.

Feeding wildlife in Santa Monica public parks and beaches is discouraged. The city's property maintenance code addresses nuisance conditions from wildlife attraction. Feeding pigeons and pest wildlife can create code violations.

Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.04.130 permits beekeeping on single-family residential property only, with a limit of two hives per property. Hives must be at least 5 feet from property lines and registered with the City's Animal Control Office. Requeening is required every two years.

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 individual behavior rather than breed.

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 Animal Control and SMPD.

Backyard chickens are allowed in Santa Monica with restrictions. Roosters are prohibited in residential areas due to noise. Livestock keeping is restricted by zoning district. The city enforces sanitary maintenance standards.

Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.04.162 prohibits wild animals, venomous reptiles, and monkeys without a permit from the Animal Control Officer. All snakes, reptiles, non-human primates, arachnids, and birds are banned from City parks, beaches, the Pier, and the Third Street Promenade.

Trimming public trees in Santa Monica requires a Public Works permit under SMMC Ch. 7.40. No person may remove, cut, trim, prune, or injure any public tree without a permit. Trees must be protected during construction with guards or protectors.

Santa Monica encourages drought-tolerant and native plantings. The city's landscaping standards under SMMC Ch. 9.26 promote water-efficient landscapes. CA Gov Code §65595 prohibits cities from banning drought-tolerant landscaping.

Santa Monica requires property owners to maintain landscaping and prevent weed growth under SMMC Ch. 13.02. Overgrown vegetation, dying or dead plants, and inadequate ground cover are property maintenance violations.

Santa Monica has strict water conservation rules. Spray irrigation is prohibited 10 AM-4 PM daily. The Water Neutrality Ordinance (SMMC §7.16.050) requires new development to offset water demand. New sprinkler systems are banned for existing landscapes.

Santa Monica requires property owners to maintain landscaping under SMMC Ch. 13.02 (Property Maintenance). Overgrown, dying, or dead vegetation is a violation. Landscaping must prevent blowing dust or erosion.

Santa Monica strongly encourages rainwater harvesting as part of its water self-sufficiency goal. The city promotes stormwater harvesting through BMPs and infrastructure. Landscape rebates are available for rainwater capture systems.

Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 7.40 (Tree Code) strictly protects public trees. No person may remove, cut, trim, or interfere with any tree on public property without a City permit. The Landmark Tree Program protects exceptional trees on both public and private property. Permits expire in 30 days.

Santa Monica heavily restricts new turf. New residential properties may use high-water plants (including turf) in no more than 20% of total landscaped area. New commercial properties are prohibited from using turf. Ground cover must be live plant material.

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.

Cottage food operations are permitted in Santa Monica under CA HSC §113758 as an exception to home occupation rules. CFOs may have non-resident employees for cottage food per SMMC §9.31.160. State registration or permit required.

Home occupation permits in Santa Monica are required under SMMC §9.31.160. The permit is valid only for the person issued and void upon moving. Prohibited uses include dance schools, exercise studios (except 1-on-1 with max 6 clients/day).

Home occupations in Santa Monica must not generate traffic beyond what is normal for the residential district per SMMC §9.31.160. No exterior signs, outdoor storage, or advertising identifying the business is permitted.

Family daycare homes in Santa Monica are permitted under California state law. Small family daycare (up to 8 children) requires a state license. Large family daycare (9-14) may require local review. CA Community Care Licensing inspection required.

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. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching.

Above-ground pools in Santa Monica with water 18+ inches deep require a full enclosure per SMMC §8.12.150. The same barrier requirements apply as in-ground pools. Above-ground pools are classified as accessory structures in residential districts.

Santa Monica pools must comply with the CA Swimming Pool Safety Act (HSC §115920-115929). At least two safety features required. SMMC §8.12.150 requires 5 ft barriers for all water bodies 18+ inches deep. VGB Act drain compliance mandatory.

Building permits are required for pool and spa installation in Santa Monica. Plans must include barrier details, drainage, and safety features. Pools are classified as accessory structures in residential districts.

Hot tubs and spas in Santa Monica with water 18+ inches deep must be enclosed with a 5 ft barrier per SMMC §8.12.150. The same requirements apply as swimming pools. Covers may serve as one safety feature.

Santa Monica regulates accessory buildings under SMMC §9.21.020. Sheds and similar structures in residential zones must comply with setback and height requirements. Sheds may not contain a kitchen unless approved as an ADU.

Santa Monica regulates ADUs under SMMC §9.31.025. Maximum size is 650 sq ft on lots up to 6,000 sq ft or 800 sq ft on larger lots. No development fees. Ministerial approval process.

Santa Monica allows garage conversions to ADUs under SMMC §9.31.025. Replaced parking spaces do not need to be provided. Conversions of existing structures are exempt from setback requirements.

Carports in Santa Monica are regulated as accessory structures under the zoning ordinance. Building permits are required. In R1 districts, accessory buildings have specific setback and height requirements distinct from the primary dwelling.

Tiny homes on foundations in Santa Monica are regulated as ADUs under CA Gov Code §65852.2 and the local zoning code. Tiny homes on wheels are not permitted as permanent dwellings. The city must allow ADUs per state law.

Santa Monica requires adequate grading and drainage for all development. French drain systems with minimum 12x12 inch gravel cross-section required for downspout/gutter connections through curb face. The stormwater utility fee funds the drainage system.

Santa Monica participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and has adopted floodplain management regulations for coastal areas designated as FEMA Zone A. The Director of Public Works serves as floodplain administrator. Sea level rise poses an increasing coastal flood risk to the City.

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.

Santa Monica operates a stormwater utility under the municipal code with user fees on all parcels. The city promotes runoff conservation and sustainable management for water sustainability. LID and stormwater harvesting are strongly encouraged.

Santa Monica requires erosion control measures during construction. Excavated soil must be positioned to prevent sediment runoff. Emergency plastic covering allowed for unprotected areas. Detention ponds and infiltration pits required as needed.

Adults 21+ may cultivate up to 6 cannabis plants per household under CA Prop 64. Plants must be in a secure, enclosed area not visible from public view. Indoor cultivation is permitted; outdoor must be screened from view.

Santa Monica limits medical cannabis retailers to 2 locations under SMMC §9.31.185 and Ch. 6.201. Dispensaries must be 600+ ft from schools, parks, libraries, daycares, and other dispensaries. Adult-use sales approved Sept 2025, with a 3% gross receipts tax.

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.

CA Civil Code §714 (Solar Rights Act) prohibits HOAs from banning solar panels in Santa Monica. HOAs may only impose reasonable restrictions that do not significantly increase cost or decrease efficiency of solar installations.

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. Temporary signs must be kept neat and repaired or removed if damaged.

Holiday displays on private residential property in Santa Monica are generally permitted as temporary decorations. Displays must not create safety hazards or violate lighting standards. The city's sign code primarily regulates commercial signage.

Political and noncommercial signs are protected expression in Santa Monica. The sign code permits noncommercial signs provided they are not of prohibited types. Temporary signs on private property are generally allowed for political expression.

Santa Monica enforces strict property maintenance under SMMC Ch. 13.02. Deteriorated fences, unsightly structures, and unmaintained landscaping are violations. Properties must be maintained to not diminish neighboring property values or enjoyment.

Garage sales in Santa Monica are generally permitted for residential properties without a formal permit. Sales should be occasional and not create nuisance conditions. The property maintenance code SMMC Ch. 13.02 applies to maintaining orderly premises.

Santa Monica has a specific vacant property maintenance program under SMMC Ch. 13.04. All vacant properties must be maintained in non-blighted, safe, and secure condition. The program prevents community blight from lack of maintenance and security.

Snow is not applicable in Santa Monica due to its coastal Southern California climate. There are no snow removal or sidewalk clearing ordinances. Property owners maintain adjacent sidewalks under general maintenance duties.

Trash bins in Santa Monica must be stored properly when not out for collection. The Resource Recovery & Recycling Division provides collection services. Bins should be placed curbside on collection day and promptly returned.

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. CALGreen Code §5.106.8 also applies to new commercial development.

Outdoor lighting in Santa Monica must not create glare or light trespass per SMMC §9.21.080. Violations of lighting standards are enforceable under the property maintenance code. No flashing, strobing, or unshielded lights toward residential properties.

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). Covers most multi-family buildings built before April 10, 1979. Annual registration fee is $240/unit.

Santa Monica requires all rent-controlled units to be registered with the Rent Control Board. Annual registration fee is $240 per unit for 2025/2026. Half ($10/month) may be passed through to tenants with proper notice. The Board maintains a Maximum Allowable Rent database.

Santa Monica enforces strict just-cause eviction protections. Tenants may only be evicted for enumerated at-fault or no-fault reasons. No-fault evictions require relocation assistance. Ordinance 2776 (2024) expanded anti-discrimination and harassment protections.

Trash bins in Santa Monica must be placed at the curb or alley on collection day and returned promptly. The city's Resource Recovery & Recycling Division manages residential collection. Holiday schedules adjust pickup days.

Santa Monica provides residential trash collection through its Resource Recovery & Recycling Division at 2500 Michigan Ave. The city manages its own collection program. Trash is not collected on designated holidays.

Santa Monica provides bulky item pickup through the Resource Recovery Division. Items should be placed at the curb and labeled 'For City Pick-up.' Removal within 7-10 days. Container rental available for large cleanouts. Additional pickups cost $110.19 (2025-2026).

Santa Monica mandates recycling under SB 1383 organics diversion requirements. The city's Resource Recovery Division provides recycling collection. Commercial properties have mandatory recycling program participation. Hazardous materials have separate disposal procedures.

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. CA Penal Code §402 applies near emergencies.

Recreational drone use in Santa Monica requires FAA registration for drones over 0.55 lbs. The city is near Santa Monica Airport (SMO) controlled airspace, requiring LAANC authorization. Flying over the pier and beaches may be restricted.

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. Sidewalk vendors need a business license and vending permit. Safety setbacks enforced.

Food trucks in Santa Monica are regulated as vehicle vendors under SMMC Ch. 6.36. A city business license and LA County Health Permit are required. Sidewalk vending requires a separate permit under the city's vending program.

Solicitors and peddlers in Santa Monica must pay a license fee under SMMC Ch. 6.32. All persons engaged in door-to-door soliciting, canvassing, or peddling (by foot, vehicle, or other means) must comply with licensing requirements.

Santa Monica prohibits solicitors from ringing bells or knocking at residences displaying 'No Peddlers' or 'No Solicitors' signs per SMMC Ch. 6.32. Violations are enforceable under the municipal code.

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. Exceptions include employment, emergencies, and constitutional activities.

Santa Monica parks close at posted hours, typically 11 PM. The beach and pier areas have separate operating hours. The city enforces park closures for public safety through SMPD.

Lot coverage in Santa Monica varies by zoning district. R1 district development standards are in Table 9.07.030. The zoning ordinance limits impervious coverage and includes landscape area requirements per SMMC Ch. 9.26.

Santa Monica R1 district requires a minimum 20 ft front setback (or per Official Districting Map). Side setbacks for multi-unit (R2-R4) adjoining R1 are 10 ft interior and 20 ft rear. Accessory buildings may extend to 5 ft from rear property line.

Building height in Santa Monica R1 districts is limited to 28 ft. Vertical wall height is limited to 23 ft for flat-roofed structures. No more than 25% of any facade may be mirrored or highly reflective material.

Removing any public tree in Santa Monica requires a City permit under SMMC Ch. 7.40. No person may remove, cut, or injure any tree on public property. Trees typically protected from removal unless diseased or a public safety threat.

Santa Monica requires tree protection during construction under SMMC Ch. 7.40. Trees must be protected with sufficient guards during building work. Removed trees may require replacement. The city manages over 35,000 public trees across 250+ species.

Santa Monica protects trees through the Landmark Tree Program. Trees with exceptional characteristics may be designated by the Landmarks Commission as Landmark Trees, including private trees. SMMC Ch. 7.40 governs all public tree protection.

Santa Monica does not require formal garage sale permits for typical residential sales. Residents should ensure sales do not create parking or traffic issues. Signs must comply with temporary sign rules in the municipal code.

Santa Monica does not have a heavily regulated garage sale program. Residents may hold occasional garage sales on residential property. Extended or commercial-level sales may trigger business licensing requirements.

Garage sale hours in Santa Monica should be during reasonable daytime hours to avoid noise complaints. The city's noise ordinance SMMC Ch. 4.12 applies to any activity generating excessive noise in residential areas.