Santa Monica, CA Historic Preservation: HPOZ Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- 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
- ARB review required
- No: district structures are exempt from Architectural Review Board
Summary
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.
D. Certificate of Appropriateness. A certificate of appropriateness shall be required for the following work to contributing and noncontributing buildings within the Third Street Neighborhood Historic District:
1. Surfacing and resurfacing of exterior walls if it changes appearance.
2. Removal, demolition, addition or alteration to the front of structures.
3. Removal, demolition, addition or alteration to the side or rear of structures.
4. Construction of new buildings within the Third Street Historic District boundaries.
5. Relocation of buildings within, out of, or into the Third Street Neighborhood Historic District.
6. Removal, demolition, addition or alteration to building roof lines. ...
§ 9.58.060. Architectural Review Board Exemption. All structures located within the boundaries of the District shall be excluded from any City architectural review district, and be exempt from Architectural Review Board approval.
Full Breakdown
Three levels of review apply: a certificate of exemption (required for minor work such as painting a different color, new windows, retaining walls, solar rooftop equipment, and mechanical systems); a certificate of administrative approval (for roofing, foundation, or chimney work on contributing buildings); and a certificate of appropriateness (for major exterior alterations, new construction, relocation, demolition, and roof-line changes). Certificates expire after one year if work has not started, or after 180 days of abandonment once started. The Landmarks Commission must post its determinations on the property and the City website. All structures in the district are exempt from Architectural Review Board review. Property owners must keep structures in good repair or face a 60-day notice to comply.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to paint my house a new color in the Third Street Historic District?
What work requires the highest level of approval: a Certificate of Appropriateness?
Can I install rooftop solar panels on a contributing building?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica to another location·View the California historic preservation overview
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