Santa Monica Roofing Codes and Permits
Roofing work in Santa Monica runs through the city's Building and Safety Division and California's building and energy codes. Here's what applies to a reroof or new roof in Santa Monica, and what to confirm with your contractor before work starts.
The Short Version
- Many roofing projects need a building permit from the City of Santa Monica Building and Safety Division.
- Permit applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026 follow the 2025 California Building Standards Code as amended by the City of Santa Monica.
- California's energy code can require cool-roof rated products on many reroofs, depending on the building, slope and how much of the roof is replaced.
- Roofing contractors must hold a CSLB license with a roofing classification for jobs over the state's minor-work threshold.
- Historic properties and districts may need review before exterior changes.
Do you need a roofing permit in Santa Monica?
The City of Santa Monica’s Building and Safety Division issues building permits, and many roofing projects need one depending on the scope of work. Your contractor normally applies for the permit and schedules inspections. Ask for the permit number before work starts.
According to the city, building permit applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026 must comply with the 2025 California Building Standards Code as amended by Santa Monica, while complete applications received by December 31, 2025 may follow the 2022 edition.
Code requirements that affect roofing
Cool roofs
California’s energy code can require cool-roof rated products, labeled by the Cool Roof Rating Council, when a large share of a roof is replaced. Whether it applies depends on the building type, roof slope, climate zone and exceptions, so confirm it on your permit.
Roof slope and materials
Each roofing material has minimum slopes and installation requirements set by the code and the manufacturer, especially on low-slope roofs.
Weight and structure
Changing to a heavier material, such as tile, can raise structural questions in a seismic region. Material changes may need more review.
Ventilation and underlayment
Attic ventilation and underlayment requirements apply on reroofs and new roofs.
What to confirm with your contractor
License
Confirm an active CSLB license with a roofing classification on the CSLB website.
Permit
Who pulls it, what the permit number is, and when inspections happen.
Cool-roof compliance
Whether the products quoted meet any cool-roof requirement for your project.
Historic review
If your home is a landmark or in a historic district, whether exterior changes need review first.
HOA
Whether your building or HOA has its own rules on materials and colors.
Santa Monica Roofing Pros handle permits on roofing projects across Santa Monica. If you’re planning work, start with a free inspection, then see roof replacement or roof installation. Comparing Santa Monica roofing contractors? Ask each how they handle permits and cool-roof compliance, and read how to choose a roofing contractor. Our Santa Monica roofing company puts the permit plan in writing.
This page is general information, not legal or code advice. Requirements change; confirm current rules with the City of Santa Monica Building and Safety Division.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to replace my roof in Santa Monica?
Many roofing projects need a building permit from the City of Santa Monica Building and Safety Division, depending on scope. Your contractor should confirm and pull it.
Which building code applies in Santa Monica in 2026?
Permit applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026 follow the 2025 California Building Standards Code as amended by the City of Santa Monica.
Does my new roof need to be a cool roof?
It may. California's energy code can require cool-roof rated products on many reroofs, depending on the building, slope, climate zone and exceptions.
Does a roofer need a license in California?
Yes. Roofing work over the state's minor-work threshold requires a CSLB license with a roofing classification.
Related services and guides
Planning Roof Work?
Request a free inspection and a written scope with the permit plan included.