Earlier editions: 2026-07
Municipal code
Santa Monica Municipal Code
The enacted municipal code of Santa Monica, California, as published — every title, chapter, and section, verbatim and citable.
- Last updated
- 2026-10-04
- Contents
- 3,084 sections
- Jurisdiction
- Santa Monica
Contents
▸Charter
Overview- Article CHA — The Charter of the City of Santa Monica
- Article I — NAME OF CITY
- Article II — BOUNDARIES
- Article III — SUCCESSION
- Article IV — POWERS OF CITY
- Article V — FORM OF GOVERNMENT
- Article VI — THE CITY COUNCIL
- Article VII — THE APPOINTIVE OFFICERS
- Article IX — BOARD OF EDUCATION
- Article X — APPOINTIVE BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
- Article XI — CIVIL SERVICE
- Article XII — RETIREMENT
- Article XIII — GENERAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES
- Article XIV — ELECTIONS
- Article XV — FISCAL ADMINISTRATION
- Article XVI — FRANCHISES
- Article XVII — MISCELLANEOUS
- Article XVIII — RENT CONTROL LAW
- Article XIX — POLICE AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES
- Article XX — TENANT OWNERSHIP RIGHTS
- Article XXI — ARTICLE 34 VOTER AUTHORIZATION
- Article XXII — TAXPAYER PROTECTION
- Article XXIII — HOUSING POLICIES
- Chapter 1.01 — ADOPTION OF CODE
- Chapter 1.04 — NOTICE OF MEETINGS
- Chapter 1.08 — PENALTY PROVISIONS
- Chapter 1.09 — ADMINISTRATIVE CITATIONS
- Chapter 1.10 — COMPLIANCE ORDERS/ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES
- Chapter 1.12 — RULES OF CONSTRUCTION
- Chapter 1.14 — ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS
- Chapter 1.16 — LIMITATIONS FOR APPEAL OF ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
- Chapter 1.20 — PRIORITY FOR CITY SERVICES
▸Article 2 — Administration
Overview- Chapter 2.04 — MANUAL OF CIVIL SERVICE RULES AND REGULATIONS
- Chapter 2.05 — EMPLOYER-EMPLOYEE RELATIONS
- Chapter 2.08 — DISQUALIFICATION OF FORMER CITY OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES
- Chapter 2.12 — CREATING DEPARTMENTS OF CITY GOVERNMENT
- Chapter 2.16 — CREATING CIVIL DEFENSE AND DISASTER COUNCIL
- Chapter 2.20 — REGISTRATION OF WARRANTS
- Chapter 2.24 — PURCHASING SYSTEM
- Chapter 2.28 — CITY'S PURCHASE AND USE OF TROPICAL FOREST WOOD PRODUCTS
- Chapter 2.32 — MISCELLANEOUS
- Chapter 2.36 — REVENUE BONDS
- Chapter 2.38 — LOCAL MODIFICATIONS TO METHOD OF LEVYING ASSESSMENTS PURSUANT TO THE PROPERTY A…
- Chapter 2.40 — POLICE RESERVE CORPS
- Chapter 2.44 — SELF INSURANCE
- Chapter 2.50 — PUBLIC SAFETY REFORM AND OVERSIGHT COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.52 — CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.62 — HOUSING AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.64 — ARTS COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.66 — DISABILITIES COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.67 — COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABILITY, ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, AND THE ENVIRONMENT
- Chapter 2.68 — CDBG PROGRAM PROCEDURES AND POLICIES
- Chapter 2.69 — COORDINATED DELIVERY OF SERVICES TO THE HOMELESS
- Chapter 2.72 — FEES FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES
- Chapter 2.73 — URBAN FOREST COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.74 — RESTORATIVE JUSTICE COMMISSION
▸Article 3 — Public Safety
Overview- Chapter 3.02 — CIVIL PENALTIES FOR PARKING VIOLATIONS
- Chapter 3.04 — PUBLIC PARKING LOTS
- Chapter 3.06 — CAR SHARE
- Chapter 3.08 — PREFERENTIAL PARKING ZONES
- Chapter 3.10 — PREFERENTIAL PARKING FOR EMPLOYEES OF BUSINESSES AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTY OWNERS
- Chapter 3.12 — TRAFFIC REGULATIONS
- Chapter 3.16 — PARKING METERS
- Chapter 3.20 — BIKE SHARE
- Chapter 3.21 — SHARED MOBILITY DEVICE PILOT PROGRAM
- Chapter 3.22 — SHARED MOBILITY DEVICE PILOT PROGRAM
- Chapter 3.24 — FIREARMS
- Chapter 3.25 — REGISTRATION OF AMMUNITION SALES
- Chapter 3.26 — SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIALS
- Chapter 3.29 — CARRYING OR WEARING OF KNIVES, DAGGERS, AND SWORDS IN PLAIN VIEW IN PUBLIC AREA…
- Chapter 3.36 — MISCELLANEOUS
- Chapter 3.56 — REGULATION OF ALARM SYSTEMS; FALSE ALARMS
- Chapter 3.60 — MOTOR VEHICLE ALARMS
- Chapter 3.64 — REGULATION OF THEATERS
- Chapter 3.68 — CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAM
- Chapter 3.72 — LOWEST LAW ENFORCEMENT PRIORITY POLICY ORDINANCE
- Chapter 3.74 — SEXUAL OFFENSE AGAINST A MINOR
- Chapter 3.75 — PROHIBITION OF HARASSMENT OF BICYCLISTS AND PEDESTRIANS
▸Article 4 — Public Welfare, Morals and Policy
Overview- Chapter 4.04 — ANIMALS
- Chapter 4.08 — DISORDERLY CONDUCT, NUISANCES, ETC
- Chapter 4.12 — NOISE
- Chapter 4.16 — PRIVATE DANCING PARTIES
- Chapter 4.20 — USE OF MEDIAN PLANTING STRIPS
- Chapter 4.24 — RENT CONTROL ORDINANCE
- Chapter 4.25 — REGISTRATION OF RENTAL HOUSING NOT SUBJECT TO ARTICLE XVIII OF THE CITY CHARTER
- Chapter 4.27 — TENANT PROTECTION
- Chapter 4.28 — HOUSING ANTI-DISCRIMINATION CODE
- Chapter 4.32 — CONSUMER PROTECTION
- Chapter 4.36 — TENANT RELOCATION ASSISTANCE
- Chapter 4.40 — DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION OR DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP
- Chapter 4.44 — REGULATION OF SMOKING
- Chapter 4.45 — TOBACCO RETAILER LICENSING
- Chapter 4.48 — DISCRIMINATION
- Chapter 4.52 — DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF AIDS
- Chapter 4.54 — PROHIBITION AGAINST ABUSIVE SOLICITATION
- Chapter 4.55 — PARK AND BEACH CODE
- Chapter 4.56 — TENANT HARASSMENT
- Chapter 4.57 — BUYOUT OFFERS AND AGREEMENTS
- Chapter 4.58 — ALGORITHMIC RENTAL PRICE FIXING
- Chapter 4.60 — DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP REGISTRY
- Chapter 4.62 — MINIMUM WAGE
- Chapter 4.63 — HOTEL WORKER LIVING WAGE
- Chapter 4.64 — EMPLOYER RETALIATION AGAINST EMPLOYEES WHO SUPPORT THE ADOPTION OF MINIMUM WAGE…
- Chapter 4.65 — LIVING WAGE
- Chapter 4.66 — RECALL OF WORKERS
- Chapter 4.67 — HOTEL WORKER PROTECTION
- Chapter 4.68 — COMMUNITY EVENTS
- Chapter 4.69 — RETENTION OF WORKERS
- Chapter 4.72 — BUILDING MAINTENANCE SERVICE CONTRACTORS
- Chapter 4.85 — REGULATING LOBBYING
- Chapter 4.90 — FUNDING FOR HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION, AFFORDABLE HOUSING, AND SCHOOLS
▸Article 5 — Sanitation and Health
Overview- Chapter 5.06 — FOOD DISTRIBUTION ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
- Chapter 5.08 — GENERAL SANITATION
- Chapter 5.12 — REDEMPTION VALUE FOR WINE COOLER AND SPIRIT COOLER CONTAINERS
- Chapter 5.20 — INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER CONTROL
- Chapter 5.24 — HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RELEASE RESPONSE PLANS AND INVENTORY
- Chapter 5.32 — MOBILE SOURCE AIR POLLUTION REDUCTION FEES
- Chapter 5.40 — GROCERY WORKER RETENTION
- Chapter 5.44 — NON-MARINE DEGRADABLE DISPOSABLE FOOD SERVICE WARE
- Chapter 5.45 — SINGLE-USE CARRY OUT BAGS
- Chapter 5.46 — MANDATORY RECYCLING
▸Article 6 — Business, Professions and Trades
Overview- Chapter 6.04 — BUSINESS LICENSES
- Chapter 6.08 — BUSINESS CLASSIFICATIONS
- Chapter 6.12 — SCHEDULE OF LICENSE FEES BY BUSINESS CLASSIFICATION AND TAX RATE GROUP
- Chapter 6.14 — REGULATORY RESTRICTIONS ON DESIGNATED BUSINESS ACTIVITIES
- Chapter 6.16 — APPEALS
- Chapter 6.20 — HOME-SHARING AND VACATION RENTALS
- Chapter 6.22 — RESIDENTIAL LEASING REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 6.28 — PUBLICATION VENDING MACHINES
- Chapter 6.32 — SOLICITATION AND PEDDLING
- Chapter 6.36 — VENDING
- Chapter 6.40 — SANTA MONICA OUTDOORS PILOT PROGRAM
- Chapter 6.42 — SANTA MONICA OUTDOORS PARKLET PROGRAM
- Chapter 6.43 — ENTERTAINMENT ZONES
- Chapter 6.48 — VEHICLES FOR HIRE
- Chapter 6.49 — TAXICABS
- Chapter 6.50 — PEDICABS
- Chapter 6.60 — SALES AND USE TAX
- Chapter 6.62 — TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX
- Chapter 6.64 — CIGARETTE TAX
- Chapter 6.68 — TAX ON TRANSIENTS FOR OCCUPANCY
- Chapter 6.70 — PARKING FACILITY TAX
- Chapter 6.72 — UTILITIES TAX
- Chapter 6.76 — CONDOMINIUM AND COOPERATIVE TAX LAW
- Chapter 6.80 — UNIT DWELLING TAX
- Chapter 6.88 — SECONDHAND DEALERS
- Chapter 6.92 — BUS OPERATORS
- Chapter 6.96 — REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX
- Chapter 6.104 — MASSAGE REGULATIONS
- Chapter 6.108 — CABLE ORDINANCE
- Chapter 6.109 — STATE VIDEO SERVICE FRANCHISES
- Chapter 6.110 — FILM PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 6.112 — STREET PERFORMERS
- Chapter 6.116 — SPECIAL PROMENADE AND PIER REGULATIONS
- Chapter 6.120 — VALET PARKING
- Chapter 6.200 — COMMERCIAL CANNABIS
- Chapter 6.204 — CANNABIS BUSINESS TAX
▸Article 7 — Public Works
Overview- Chapter 7.04 — STREETS, SEWERS, ETC
- Chapter 7.06 — RIGHT-OF-WAY MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS
- Chapter 7.10 — RUNOFF CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT
- Chapter 7.12 — UTILITY DIVISION
- Chapter 7.16 — WATER CONSERVATION
- Chapter 7.18 — SUSTAINABLE GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT
- Chapter 7.20 — CEMETERY DIVISION
- Chapter 7.24 — ABANDONMENT OF DRIVEWAYS
- Chapter 7.28 — PREVAILING WAGE AND APPRENTICESHIP LAW
- Chapter 7.32 — PUBLIC WORKS, MISC
- Chapter 7.36 — HOUSE MOVING
- Chapter 7.40 — TREE CODE
- Chapter 7.44 — WEEDS
- Chapter 7.48 — LITTER, ABANDONED VEHICLES, ETC
- Chapter 7.52 — REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES RE OVERHEAD AND UNDERGROUND UTILITY FACILITIES
- Chapter 7.56 — STORMWATER UTILITY
- Chapter 7.64 — CLEAN BEACHES AND OCEAN PARCEL TAX ACT
- Chapter 7.68 — FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS
- Chapter 7.70 — PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICE FACILITIES IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
▸Article 8 — Building Regulations
Overview- Chapter 8.04 — ENFORCEMENT AND EFFECTIVE DATES
- Chapter 8.08 — ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
- Chapter 8.12 — BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 8.18 — EXISTING BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 8.20 — HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 8.22 — RESIDENTIAL CODE
- Chapter 8.24 — ELECTRICAL CODE
- Chapter 8.28 — MECHANICAL CODE
- Chapter 8.32 — PLUMBING CODE
- Chapter 8.36 — ENERGY CODE
- Chapter 8.39 — WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
- Chapter 8.40 — FIRE CODE
- Chapter 8.44 — FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY PREVENTION REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 8.46 — FIRE SEVERITY HAZARD ZONES
- Chapter 8.48 — BUILDING SECURITY
- Chapter 8.56 — NORTHRIDGE EARTHQUAKE REPAIR
- Chapter 8.58 — MANDATORY SEISMIC RETROFIT ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 8.60 — MANDATORY SEISMIC RETROFIT REQUIREMENTS FOR UNREINFORCED MASONRY BEARING WALL B…
- Chapter 8.64 — MANDATORY SEISMIC RETROFIT REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING CONCRETE AND REINFORCED MA…
- Chapter 8.68 — VOLUNTARY SEISMIC RETROFIT REQUIREMENTS FOR CRIPPLE WALLS AND SILL PLATE ANCHOR…
- Chapter 8.72 — MANDATORY SEISMIC RETROFIT REQUIREMENTS FOR SOFT, WEAK OR OPEN FRONT WALLS IN L…
- Chapter 8.76 — MANDATORY SEISMIC RETROFIT REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING WELDED STEEL MOMENT FRAME …
- Chapter 8.80 — MANDATORY SEISMIC RETROFIT REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING NON-DUCTILE CONCRETE BUILD…
- Chapter 8.92 — HOUSING CODE
- Chapter 8.98 — CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT PLAN
- Chapter 8.100 — TENANT PROTECTION DURING CONSTRUCTION
- Chapter 8.106 — GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
- Chapter 8.108 — GREEN BUILDING, LANDSCAPE DESIGN, RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND CONSTRUCTION AND D…
- Chapter 8.110 — GENDER NEUTRAL PUBLIC RESTROOM ACCESS
- Article 9 — Planning and Zoning
▸Division 2 — Base and Overlay Districts
Overview- Chapter 9.06 — TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT ZONES
- Chapter 9.07 — SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
- Chapter 9.08 — MULTI-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS
- Chapter 9.09 — OCEAN PARK NEIGHBORHOOD DISTRICTS
- Chapter 9.10 — DOWNTOWN DISTRICTS
- Chapter 9.11 — MIXED-USE AND COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS
- Chapter 9.12 — BERGAMOT DISTRICTS
- Chapter 9.13 — EMPLOYMENT DISTRICTS
- Chapter 9.14 — OCEANFRONT DISTRICT
- Chapter 9.15 — PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC DISTRICTS
- Chapter 9.16 — A OFF-STREET PARKING OVERLAY DISTRICT
- Chapter 9.17 — RESIDENTIAL MOBILE HOME PARK DISTRICT
- Chapter 9.18 — ACTIVITY CENTER AND NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION OVERLAY DISTRICTS AND MEMORIAL PA…
- Chapter 9.19 — MODERATE INCOME OVERLAY
- Chapter 9.20 — BEACH OVERLAY DISTRICT
▸Division 3 — General Regulations
Overview- Chapter 9.21 — GENERAL SITE REGULATIONS
- Chapter 9.22 — DENSITY BONUS
- Chapter 9.23 — COMMUNITY BENEFITS
- Chapter 9.24 — CONDOMINIUMS
- Chapter 9.25 — DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION
- Chapter 9.26 — LANDSCAPING
- Chapter 9.27 — NONCONFORMING USES AND STRUCTURES
- Chapter 9.28 — PARKING, LOADING, AND CIRCULATION
- Chapter 9.29 — PRESALE REPORTING PROCEDURES
- Chapter 9.30 — PRIVATE DEVELOPER CULTURAL ARTS REQUIREMENT
- Chapter 9.31 — STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIC USES AND ACTIVITIES
- Chapter 9.32 — PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICE FACILITIES
- Chapter 9.33 — HISTORIC RESOURCE DISCLOSURE
- Chapter 9.34 — RESIDENTIAL UNIT REPLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS
▸Division 4 — Administration and Permits
Overview- Chapter 9.36 — PLANNING AUTHORITIES
- Chapter 9.37 — COMMON PROCEDURES
- Chapter 9.38 — ZONING CONFORMANCE REVIEW AND PERMIT
- Chapter 9.39 — ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL
- Chapter 9.40 — DEVELOPMENT REVIEW PERMIT
- Chapter 9.41 — MINOR USE PERMITS AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS
- Chapter 9.42 — VARIANCES
- Chapter 9.43 — MODIFICATIONS AND WAIVERS
- Chapter 9.44 — TEMPORARY USE PERMITS
- Chapter 9.45 — GENERAL AND SPECIFIC PLANS
- Chapter 9.46 — AMENDMENTS TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND MAP
- Chapter 9.47 — NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION OVERLAY DISTRICTS
- Chapter 9.48 — ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES
- Chapter 9.49 — REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
▸Division 5 — General Terms
▸Division 6 — Land Use and Zoning Related Provisions
Overview- Chapter 9.53 — TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT
- Chapter 9.54 — LAND DIVISIONS
- Chapter 9.55 — ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW
- Chapter 9.56 — LANDMARKS AND HISTORIC DISTRICTS
- Chapter 9.58 — THIRD STREET NEIGHBORHOOD HISTORIC DISTRICT STANDARDS
- Chapter 9.59 — SEXUALLY-ORIENTED BUSINESSES
- Chapter 9.60 — DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS
- Chapter 9.61 — SIGNS
- Chapter 9.62 — CITY COUNCIL CEQA APPEALS
- Chapter 9.63 — PLANNING, ZONING, AND LAND USE FEES
- Chapter 9.64 — AFFORDABLE HOUSING PRODUCTION PROGRAM
- Chapter 9.65 — CHILD CARE LINKAGE PROGRAM
- Chapter 9.66 — TRANSPORTATION IMPACT FEE PROGRAM
- Chapter 9.67 — PARKS AND RECREATION DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE PROGRAM
- Chapter 9.68 — AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMERCIAL LINKAGE FEE PROGRAM
▸Article 10 — Airport and Harbor Regulations
▸Article 11 — Elections Code
▸Article 12 — Sustainability Code
▸Article 13 — Neighborhood Preservation
- Article SR — Statutory References for California Cities
- Article PC — Prior Code Cross-Reference Table
- Article OL — Ordinance List and Disposition Table