Santa Monica Sea Level & Bird-Safe Bylaws

Environmental Protection California 4 Minutes Read · published March 01, 2026 Flag of California

Santa Monica, California property owners face overlapping requirements for sea level resilience and bird-safe building design under local planning and building rules. This guide summarizes where to look in the city code, which departments enforce these provisions, typical compliance steps for alterations and new construction, and how to report noncompliance. It highlights official sources and practical next steps for permitting, appeals, and contacting the city for inspections.

What these rules cover

Local rules address two distinct but related issues: measures to reduce flood and sea level risk for coastal properties and design requirements to reduce bird collisions with glass and structures. Requirements usually appear in the municipal code, local coastal program policies, and design guidelines administered by the Planning Division and Building & Safety. See the city municipal code for ordinance text and definitions Santa Monica Municipal Code[1] and contact Planning for project-specific interpretation Planning & Community Development[2].

Start review early: incorporate sea level and bird-safe checks at schematic design.

How rules apply to owners

Rules commonly apply when you build, alter, or replace building envelopes, façades, or coastal improvements. Typical triggers include new construction, façade replacement with new glazing, major remodels, and any work in a mapped coastal hazard zone that affects habitable space or essential systems.

  • Permits: building permits are generally required for structural, glazing, or coastal work.
  • Design review: projects may require design review or coastal development permit depending on location and project scope.
  • Compliance documentation: plans often must show bird-safe treatments and sea level adaptation measures.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by City departments including Planning & Community Development, Building & Safety, and Code Compliance. The municipal code and permit conditions set authority for inspections, stop-work orders, and correction actions. Precise fine amounts and escalation steps are not specified on the cited municipal code summary page; consult the ordinance text or contact Code Compliance for amounts and procedures Santa Monica Municipal Code[1].

If you receive a notice, act promptly to avoid escalation and added costs.
  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; see municipal code or contact enforcement for current fines.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing violation processes are governed by city procedures and permit conditions; specific ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, correction orders, permit revocation, or court action may be used.
  • Enforcers: Planning & Community Development, Building & Safety, and Code Compliance handle inspections and complaints; contact Planning for interpretation and Code Compliance to report violations.
  • Appeals: permit decisions and enforcement orders have administrative appeal routes and timelines defined in the municipal code and permit conditions; confirm exact time limits with Planning or the permit paperwork.

Applications & Forms

Application needs depend on the project. Typical filings include a Building Permit, Design Review application, or a Coastal Development Permit when work is in the coastal zone. The city publishes permit application packages on the Planning and Building pages; if no single bird-safe or sea level-specific form is listed, requirements appear as conditions within permit submittals or design guidelines Planning & Community Development[2].

Practical compliance steps for owners

  • Assess trigger: confirm whether proposed work requires permits or is within a coastal hazard area.
  • Design to standard: include bird-safe treatments (e.g., fritted glass, visible markers) and sea level adaptation (elevation, waterproofing, resilient utilities) in plans.
  • Submit complete permit package: include compliance notes, drawings, and any required studies.
  • Schedule inspections: coordinate with Building & Safety for required inspections during construction.
Documentation of compliance speeds permit review and reduces enforcement risk.

FAQ

Do small repairs need bird-safe measures?
Minor repairs that do not change the glazed surface or structure typically do not trigger bird-safe requirements, but confirm with Planning for project-specific guidance.
What if my property is in a coastal hazard area?
Work in coastal hazard zones may require additional studies, elevation measures, and a Coastal Development Permit; consult Planning early in design.
How do I report a violation?
Report suspected violations to Code Compliance via the city complaint portal or phone on the Code Compliance page; include photos and permit references if available.

How-To

  1. Confirm whether your project is in a coastal or mapped hazard area by checking planning maps or asking Planning.
  2. Engage your design team to specify bird-safe glazing and sea level resilience measures in construction documents.
  3. Prepare and submit a complete permit application to Planning and Building & Safety, including compliance notes and any required studies.
  4. Pass required inspections and retain documentation of compliance and permit closeout.

Key Takeaways

  • Early coordination with Planning speeds approvals and reduces surprises.
  • Design and document bird-safe and sea level measures in permit drawings.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Santa Monica Municipal Code - City of Santa Monica
  2. [2] Planning & Community Development - City of Santa Monica

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