Architectural Review Board

The Architectural Review Board established in 1974, acts “to preserve existing areas of natural beauty, cultural importance and assure that buildings, structures, signs or other developments are in good taste, good design, harmonious with surrounding developments, and in general contribute to the preservation of Santa Monica's reputation as a place of beauty, spaciousness and quality.” [SMMC 9.55] Through the Architectural Review Board Approval process the Board is responsible for:

• Establishing procedures and provide to preserve existing areas of natural beauty, and cultural importance
• Assure that buildings, structures, signs or other developments contribute to the preservation of Santa Monica's reputation as a place of beauty, spaciousness and quality
• Prevent the development of structures or uses likely to have a depreciating effect on the local environment or surrounding area
• Eliminate conditions, structures, signs or uses which by reason of their effect tend to degrade the health, safety or general welfare of the community
• Provide a continuing source of programs and means of improving the City's overall appearance