Answers › What is the Coastal Zone and how does it affect remodeling in Santa Monica?
What is the Coastal Zone and how does it affect remodeling in Santa Monica?
The Coastal Zone is the strip of land along the California coast, defined by the California Coastal Act, where development is reviewed for its effect on coastal resources and public access. In Santa Monica, a property in the Coastal Zone may need a Coastal Development Permit, or a written exemption, in addition to the normal building permit; many interior remodels and small additions qualify for an exemption, while new units, demolition and rebuilds, and height or footprint changes usually trigger review and add weeks to months.
| What it is | Coastal Act review zone along the California shoreline |
|---|---|
| Extra approval | Coastal Development Permit or written exemption |
| Usually exempt | Interior remodels, repairs, many small additions |
| Usually reviewed | New units, rebuilds, height or footprint increases |
Where the Coastal Zone is in Santa Monica
The Coastal Zone covers a large part of Santa Monica, generally the blocks closest to the beach. Whether a specific parcel is inside it is a map question, and it should be the first thing checked on any project west of the downtown core. The City of Santa Monica publishes the boundary, and the city's planning counter can confirm a parcel's status.
What review looks like
Depending on the location and the type of work, the Coastal Development Permit is handled by the City of Santa Monica under its Local Coastal Program or by the California Coastal Commission. The review looks at height, bulk, parking, public views and access, and the effect of demolition on existing housing. Interior remodels, repairs and many modest additions are typically exempt, and the exemption should be requested and kept in writing.
Planning around it
Treat coastal review as part of the schedule, not the contingency. A project that needs a Coastal Development Permit should have that time built into the contract dates, and the design should avoid the triggers that are not essential to the goal, for example by keeping an addition within the existing footprint and height. Oria Builders (CSLB #1029255) handles the exemption or permit as part of its Santa Monica projects; the current procedures should always be confirmed with the City of Santa Monica and the Coastal Commission.
Related Questions
How do I know if my Santa Monica home is in the Coastal Zone?
Check the parcel against the City of Santa Monica's Coastal Zone map or ask the planning counter. Properties nearer the beach are more likely to be inside it.
Does a kitchen remodel need a Coastal Development Permit?
An interior kitchen remodel almost always qualifies for an exemption. Ask the city to confirm the exemption in writing before work begins.
How much time does coastal review add?
An exemption can be quick. A full Coastal Development Permit commonly adds several weeks to a few months on top of the building permit.
Sources
Related
- General contractor in Santa Monica
- Project: Commercial Space Redesign in Santa Monica – Innovative Music School Transformation
- Case study: Modern ADU Creation in Santa Monica’s Ocean Park Neighborhood
- How much does an ADU cost in Santa Monica?
- How long does a remodel permit take in Santa Monica?
- How much does a 400-square-foot ADU cost?
Answered by Gilad Segev — Founder & Licensed General Contractor, Oria Builders (CSLB #1029255). Last updated October 2, 2026.