New self-certification building permit program will streamline business openings, boost economic growth
January 12, 2026 2:58 PM
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Jan. 12, 2026) — Opening or improving a commercial business in Santa Monica is getting even easier, thanks to a new, first-of-its-kind self-certification program for building permits recently approved by the City Council.
Part of the city’s Realignment Plan renewal effort, which invests $60 million in business support, service restorations, street improvements and safety initiatives, this voluntary pilot program will allow pre-certified licensed professionals to self-certify that their plans for commercial tenant improvements are compliant with all California codes and local ordinances.
This will allow them to begin construction faster by cutting out the normal plan review process during plan check, with permits promised in five business days or less.
In addition to significantly speeding up the permitting process, which currently can take upwards of five weeks, by removing plan review, the program can also save projects thousands of dollars in submittal fees.
“This program is exactly what we mean when we say we’re committed to becoming more business friendly,” Mayor Caroline Torosis said. “For those looking to open up a new shop, expand their reach or refresh an existing spot, Santa Monica is absolutely the place to come to open easily and quickly in a location that is unparalleled in the region.”
Self-certification programs for residential development have become popular amid the January 2025 wildfires as a way to speed up rebuilding. Santa Monica’s pilot program is kicking off phase 1 with commercial tenant improvements, making it quicker and easier to move a new business into a vacated space or revamp an existing business.
The council-initiated program, part of the city’s economic growth and opportunity initiative, is the only such self-certification program in the region fully removing all plan check review for identified project types.
Examples of commercial tenant improvements that will be eligible for self-certification include: creating a new layout with non-structural walls, light electrical and plumbing work, and cosmetic improvements.
Property owners looking to quickly move a new tenant into a space or make cosmetic updates to an existing business will be able to hire a pre-certified professional from the city’s list and begin work almost immediately.
Highlights of the program:
- Self-certification will be allowed for non-structural commercial tenant improvements that do not include:
- Market and beverage uses
- Childcare and education uses
- A change of use which triggers a higher degree of occupancy hazard requirements (subject to determination from Building & Safety and Fire if eligible for the program)
- There will be minimal administrative review to confirm project eligibility and assess fees
- No plan check will be conducted by any city division, except for restaurant tenant improvements, which will only be able to self-certify Building Code
- Inspections will still take place
- Fees will include one hour of administrative time and normal inspection costs
- The program ensures that permits will be issued for construction within five days of the self-certification application submittal
- Other applicable local and State requirements will still apply (e.g. California Coastal Commission approval, California Public Health Department approval, and alcohol entitlements)
The goal is to expand the program in the coming year to include Single-Unit Dwellings and Accessory Dwelling Units. Staff plan to return to the City Council with a progress report and phase 2 in the fall.
The Self-Certification Pilot Program is one of many recent updates aimed at making it faster and easier for businesses to open and thrive in Santa Monica. This latest Economic Opportunity and Growth initiative follows this summer’s successful launch of the region’s first Entertainment Zone on Third Street Promenade and a slate of business-friendly zoning updates adopted by the City Council.
The program is set to launch in April with the new permitting software system, when the city will begin accepting applications for the self-certification list of pre-qualified professionals.
For any questions, call 311 or email 311@santamonica.gov. For more information, read the staff report here and watch the council discussion here.
Media Contact
Tati Simonian
Public Information Officer
Tati.Simonian@santamonica.gov
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Building and Land Use Permits, Business, Business Programs, Licenses And Permits, Open A Business, Regulatory Environment, Special Opportunities, Strategic Priorities, Why Santa Monica?, Work, Live, Play