Santa Monica officials have approved a new pilot program aimed at dramatically speeding up the permitting process for commercial tenant improvements, part of the city’s broader effort to revitalize its economy and make it easier for businesses to open and expand.
The voluntary Self-Certification Pilot Program is part of the city’s Realignment Plan renewal, which commits $60 million toward business support, service restorations, street improvements, and public safety initiatives. Under the program, pre-certified, licensed professionals will be allowed to self-certify that their plans comply with California building codes and local ordinances, eliminating the need for traditional plan check review.
City officials say the change could reduce permitting timelines from as long as five weeks to five business days or less, allowing construction to begin almost immediately. The program is also expected to save businesses thousands of dollars by reducing submittal and review fees.
“This program is exactly what we mean when we say we’re committed to becoming more business friendly,” Mayor Caroline Torosis said in a statement. “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 have become more common for residential development, particularly following the January 2025 wildfires, as cities look for ways to accelerate rebuilding. Santa Monica’s pilot, however, begins with commercial tenant improvements, with the goal of making it faster to move new businesses into vacant storefronts or update existing spaces.
According to city staff, the council-initiated program is the only self-certification effort in the region that fully removes plan check review for certain commercial projects. Eligible improvements include non-structural interior changes such as new layouts with non-load-bearing walls, minor electrical and plumbing work, and cosmetic upgrades.
Some uses are excluded from the pilot, including market and beverage establishments, childcare and educational facilities, and projects involving a change of use that would trigger higher occupancy hazard requirements. Restaurant tenant improvements may self-certify only for building code compliance. All projects will still be subject to inspections, and other required approvals — such as those from the California Coastal Commission or the Department of Public Health — will continue to apply.
The city plans to launch the program in April, alongside a new permitting software system, and will begin accepting applications for its list of pre-qualified professionals at that time. Officials hope to expand the program next year to include single-unit dwellings and accessory dwelling units, with a progress report and proposed second phase expected to return to the City Council in the fall.
City leaders say the pilot is one of several recent moves designed to boost economic activity, following zoning updates and the launch of the region’s first Entertainment Zone on the Third Street Promenade.
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