COVID-19 - Service Changes

New City of Santa Monica Coronavirus Hotline

On Tuesday, March 17, the City of Santa Monica launched a new customer service experience for the Santa Monica community to get questions answered on the local response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. The new hotline number is 310-458-8400 and the email is info@santamonica.gov. We care about our community in this challenging moment and look forward to connecting 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., M – F. We will continue to respond through social media. Please remember that new information is available daily at www.santamonica.gov/coronavirus.

The City of Santa Monica will continue operations and essential services during the novel coronavirus public health response. We encourage everyone to conduct business with the City through phone or email as much as possible.  Effective March 12, the City of Santa Monica is implementing facility closures through March 31. While public facilities will be closed, you may continue to reach us by phone at 310-458-8301 for an operator (Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.) or 310-458-8411 for the directory. You can also email info@santamonica.gov.

For online services and contact information for City departments, visit smgov.net.

Animal Shelter 

The counter for the Santa Monica Animal Shelter will be closed through March 31.

Big Blue Bus 

The GoSaMo Center public counter will be closed effective March 16, and the Big Blue Bus and MODE Call Center will remain open; however, Saturday call center hours will be canceled through the end of the month. 

  • BBB customers may call 310-451-5444, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  
  • MODE customer may call 310-458-MODE (6633), Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  
  • BBB and MODE customers may continue to reach us via Santa Monica Works at smgov.net/santamonicaworks 

Building and Safety 

  • Plan review, permitting and inspections will continue as normal.  Staff will facilitate the intake of permit applications and issuance of building permits digitally through email and phone throughout the City Hall closure.
  • All other submittals (e.g. extensions, renewals, records requests) will be done via email at eplans@smgov.net with payments made online.
  • Inspections staff taking added precautions in regards to personal interactions and spacing.

City Clerk 

  • Passport services are suspended through March 31.
  • Please drop off any items related to lobbyist registrations, claims, subpoenas, or lawsuits at the Public Safety Facility front desk (333 Olympic Drive). 
  • For Public Records requests, please visit the Public Records request website. 

Code Enforcement

  • Our priority is answering your questions and to respond to emergency issues.

Housing Office

  • Voucher holders who need assistance should contact their housing specialist via email or leave a voicemail on their extension (or email section8.mailbox@smgov.net). All voucher holders will receive a letter in the mail about signing up for AssistanceCheck, and should follow the instructions in the letter.
  • Routine recertification inspections have been canceled.
  • All other inquiries should be directed to smhousing@smgov.net. For those without access to email, please call 310-458-8740 and press 0 to leave a voicemail (we will respond to voicemails as quickly as possible but callers should expect delays).

Library

  • Public Libraries are closed temporarily through March 31, reopening on April 1.

Parking 

  • The public lobby at the GoSaMo Center will be closed effective March 16.
  • Parking staff are available to answer emails via parking@smgov.net and telephone calls (310-458-8295) and complete online services and requests for validations. No walk up counter services are available and parking for city meetings and events will not be provided at this time.    
  • Film-LA requests for the Beach and surface lots will not be accepted at this time.   
  • Pier, Downtown and Beach parking operations may be temporarily suspended to reduce public crowding. 
  • To pay or contest a parking citation, call (800) 214-1526 or visit paytickets.smgov.net. 

Planning 

  • For general questions, please contact the City's main line at 310-458-8341 or email planning@smgov.net. This e-mail address will be monitored throughout the day and a planner will respond within 24 hours.
  • The Planning Commission meeting on March 18 has been cancelled.
  • If you have an assigned planner, please email them directly for inquiries. Planners will be returning inquiries over e-mail or phone within 24 hours.
  • Application Submittals: Planning application submittals have been suspended for 2 weeks and all submittal appointments for next week were cancelled.  Applicants with a need to submit an application for urgent reasons should e-mail planning@smgov.net.  The planning department is evaluating how to convert the paper submittal process and payment of fees to a digital process.

Mobility

  • For scheduled permit counter appointments, the Mobility team is emailing customers so that the City can issue as many items remotely as possible. 
  • For TDM plan reviews scheduled through March 31, please use the CityGrows portal.  
  • Building permit reviews will be done remotely and protocols of City Planning will be followed regarding how to proceed. 
  • No parking signs for construction and moving will not be issued temporarily.  
  • The City is working on a plan for TTCP reviews during the temporary closure and will update this website with additional information as it becomes available.  

Rent Control Public Counter

The Rent Control public counter will be closed to the public during City Hall’s closure. Service will continue at 310-458-8751 and rentcontrol@smgov.net. 

Utility billing, business license and treasury

Don’t see what you’re looking for?

Department contact information is available here and don’t hesitate to call 310-458-8301 or email info@santamonica.gov for assistance.