How to Apply for Changes of Use and New Land Uses

Below are some resources to help guide you though the steps for starting a new use or changing an existing use. Land uses are permitted based on the underlying zoning district of a site - certain zoning districts allow certain uses, while limiting or fully prohibiting others. To find this information, use the zoning tool below to find the zoning designation for your site and then look at the land use regulations for that zoning district in the zoning ordinance. 

Find Your Property's Zoning - Zoning Map

Find Your Property's Land Use Designations - Zoning Ordinance 

Generally, uses are either:

P: Permitted, By-Right

MUP: Require a Minor Use Permit

CUP: Require a Conditional Use Permit

Prohibited: Not allowed

Click through the tabs below for more detail on each process, including timeframes and any required applications for Planning approval.

Continue the Process:

Permitted Land Uses

A land use that is permitted for a site means no public hearing is required and the use is permitted by-right. The business and/or property owner is only responsible for obtaining a business license to begin operating at the new location, aside from any building permits for interior or exterior renovations. 

  1. Obtain a Business License

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    Find information on how to obtain a business license HERE. Business licenses are automatically routed to the City Planning Division for a zoning conformance review to ensure the use is permitted. 

Minor Use Permit

The land use regulations table may indicate that a use requires a Minor Use Permit (MUP). This means that the proposed land use requires Zoning Administrator approval via discretionary review/public hearing before the land use is permitted to operate. 

See below for the steps that you will follow if a MUP is required. 

  1. Complete the Minor Use Permit Application

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    Download and complete an application for a Minor Use Permit.

    Ensure all required documents are included in your application.

    In order to be approved, the project must conform to certain findings, which an be found in the Zoning Ordinance. Please note that the application should be completed with these findings in mind. 

  2. Submit your MUP Application

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    Once the application is complete, schedule a virtual appointment to submit with the Planning Department. 

    Schedule your appointment here. 

  3. Attend the Zoning Administrator Hearing

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    Once the application is submitted, a planner will contact you to schedule your project for a hearing in front of the Zoning Administrator. These meetings are held every second Tuesday of the month at 10:30AM in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA. 

    Please note that it may take 2 to 3 months from application submittal to the hearing date, depending on the completeness of the application and agenda availability. 

    While at the hearing, the applicant will be given a chance to speak on the proposal. It is advised that the main focus of your discussion be on the findings that are required to be met for approval. 

    No decision will be made at the public hearing. The applicant will be contacted by City Staff once a determination has been made by the Zoning Administrator.

    Any appeals of the determination are subject to Planning Commission review. 

  4. Obtain a Business License

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    Find information on how to obtain a business license HERE. Business licenses are automatically routed to the City Planning Division for a zoning conformance review to ensure the use is permitted. 

Conditional Use Permit

The land use regulations table may indicate that a use requires a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). This means that the land use requires Planning Commission approval via discretionary review/public hearing before the land use is permitted to operate. 

See below for the steps that you will follow if a CUP is required. 

  1. Complete the Conditional Use Permit Application

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    Download and complete an application for a Conditional Use Permit.

    Ensure all required documents are included in your application.

    In order to be approved, the project must conform to certain findings, which an be found in the Zoning Ordinance. Please note that the application should be completed with these findings in mind. 

  2. Submit your CUP Application

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    Once the application is complete, schedule a virtual appointment to submit with the Planning Department. 

    Schedule your appointment here. 

  3. Attend the Planning Commission Hearing

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    Once the application is submitted, a planner will contact you to schedule your project for a hearing in front of the Planning Commission. These meetings are held every first and third Wednesday of the month at 6:00PM in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA. 

    Please note that it may take 2 to 6 months from application submittal to the hearing date, depending on the completeness of the application and agenda availability. 

    While at the hearing, the applicant will be given a chance to speak on the proposal. It is advised that the main focus of your discussion be on the findings that are required to be met for approval. 

    The Planning Commission ultimately decides if the CUP is approved or not, and has the discretion to add certain specific conditions around the use.

    Any appeals of the decision are subject to City Council review.