New Construction in Santa Monica
New construction in Santa Monica most often begins with a lot that already has a structure on it. The city has one of the older housing stocks in the Los Angeles area, with roots going back to its founding as a seaside resort in 1875 and most of its residential fabric built out through the early and middle twentieth century. When an existing home is too small, sits on a compromised foundation, or cannot support a second story without essentially being rebuilt anyway, starting fresh is frequently the cleaner path. Horizon Construction and Remodeling manages new construction in Santa Monica from the initial lot review through design, engineering, permitting with the City of Santa Monica Building and Safety Division, demolition, and final inspection, all under a single contract.
Services We Offer
Engineering & Title 24
Permits & Plan Check
New Build ADUs
Our New Construction Process in Santa Monica
How New Construction in Santa Monica Actually Gets Built
New construction in Santa Monica begins well before anyone draws a floor plan. Because so much of the city’s housing dates to the early and middle twentieth century, many lots carry legacy conditions that affect what can be built and how the foundation must be engineered, so we open with a zoning review, a boundary and topographic survey, and a soils report. Design follows those findings: site plan, floor plans, and elevations worked through with you until the layout fits how your household actually runs. Structural engineering and Title 24 energy documents are prepared alongside the drawings so the plan set enters the City of Santa Monica Building and Safety Division complete, without gaps that slow review.
While plans are in review we answer department comments, coordinate utility work, and schedule the asbestos survey and air district notification required before demolition. If the existing structure carries landmark status under Chapter 9.56 of the municipal code, we work through the Certificate of Appropriateness process with the Landmarks Commission before any permit can move forward. Once permits issue, demolition proceeds and the build runs in sequence: foundation, framing, rough plumbing, electrical, mechanical and fire sprinkler lines, insulation, then exterior and interior finishes. One project manager stays on from start to finish and attends every inspection through final.
Read More →
Getting a permit for new construction in Santa Monica starts with the City of Santa Monica Building and Safety Division, but that is rarely the only office involved. On a new house, the application moves through several concurrent reviews. Planning checks setbacks, height, lot coverage, and floor area against zoning requirements. Building plan check reviews structural calculations and energy documents. The fire department examines sprinkler systems and site access. Public works covers grading, drainage, any street trenching, and a new driveway approach. Demolition of an existing structure carries its own separate permit, and before that permit issues, the building department typically wants gas and electric service disconnected and the sewer lateral capped. The South Coast AQMD also requires an asbestos survey and advance notification before most demolitions in this region.
Santa Monica’s housing stock reflects its age. The city was founded in 1875 and most of its residential fabric filled in during the early and middle twentieth century, which means a meaningful share of properties carry historic designation. Under Chapter 9.56 of the municipal code, any alteration to a designated landmark requires a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Landmarks Commission before any other city department may issue a permit. That step adds time and documentation to the front end of a project, and it is something we flag early in the planning process so it does not catch a schedule off guard.
Utility and foundation work each require their own attention before construction begins. Fire sprinkler requirements, common on new residential builds, often mean upgrading to a larger water meter and service line. A house with modern electrical loads and a solar PV system, required under current Title 24 energy standards for new single-family homes, may also need a new electrical service from the utility, which carries its own lead time independent of city approvals. On the foundation side, a geotechnical report comes before any structural design. That report identifies expansive clay, old fill, groundwater conditions, and slope stability. In state-mapped liquefaction or landslide zones a site-specific investigation is required, and the soils engineer typically must sign off on footing excavations before concrete is placed.
The structural engineer uses the geotechnical findings to size footings and design shear walls, hold-downs, and beams to meet California’s seismic requirements. Energy compliance follows the 2025 Title 24 standards, which apply to permits filed on or after January 1, 2026, and third-party HERS rater field verification is required for certain measures. If the property falls within a CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone, construction must meet wildland-urban interface standards: a Class A roof assembly, ember-resistant vents, ignition-resistant exterior materials, and multipane windows with tempered glass. Inspections are staged throughout, covering foundation forms and reinforcing steel, framing, rough-in trades, insulation, and finally a full sign-off before the building may be occupied.
Other Remodeling Services We Offer
A kitchen remodel touches more trades than any other room in the house: layout, cabinetry, plumbing, electrical, ventilation and finishes. Horizon designs and builds kitchen remodels under one contract, from the measured layout to the final inspection.
Whether you envision a classic Southern California pool or a fully customized backyard oasis, Horizon Construction & Remodeling delivers the highest level of quality and service. Our comprehensive pool design and remodeling services cover everything from layout and decking to built-in BBQs and final touches like landscaping. Let Horizon be your trusted partner in transforming your backyard into the perfect outdoor retreat.
If you are planning a complete bathroom remodel or simply want to change your tub, shower, update your plumbing fixtures, or make the space more efficient, our team at Horizon will help you through the process with expert advice, professional craftsmanship, and affordable options with beautiful results. Learn more about our bathroom remodeling services.
Transform your space with our expert interior work services. We offer a comprehensive range of solutions — from space planning and custom design to the selection of high-quality finishes and materials. Our team of experienced professionals works closely with you to create a space that’s both functional and stylish, tailored to your unique needs, goals, and budget. Whether you’re updating a single room or overhauling your entire interior, we bring precision, creativity, and craftsmanship to every project.
At Horizon, we believe your home is more than just four walls — it’s where life happens. It’s the place you relax, gather with family and friends, and create lasting memories. That’s why we offer a full range of exterior work services designed to elevate your outdoor living space. From patios and hardscaping to custom decks and exterior renovations, we help turn your vision into a dream yard that complements your lifestyle and enhances curb appeal.
At Horizon Construction & Remodeling, our expert team includes a dedicated design and planning division that works hand-in-hand with licensed architects and structural engineers. We take care of everything — from detailed plans and blueprints to securing city permits — so you don’t have to deal with delays or red tape. Our goal is to streamline the process and provide a fully approved set of documents that aligns with both your vision and city regulations, saving you time and stress.
Why Choose Horizon Remodeling For New Construction in Santa Monica
Horizon Construction & Remodeling Inc. has been building in Southern California since 2009, and we hold an active Class B general building contractor license, which covers the full scope of a ground-up residential project. We are licensed and bonded, and you can verify both through the CSLB before you commit to anything.
New construction in Santa Monica moves through the City of Santa Monica Building and Safety Division, and if your lot involves a designated landmark, a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Landmarks Commission is required before that department can issue a permit at all. We coordinate that process as part of our work, not as an afterthought. California Title 24 energy requirements, CALGreen compliance and seismic considerations enter the design at the start, so they do not surface later as surprises. One project manager carries the job from permit application through final inspection.
Santa Monica’s housing stock is largely pre-war and mid-century, and a significant share of the city’s units are renter-occupied, which means many new-construction conversations involve replacement of aging apartment or condominium buildings rather than single lots in the suburbs. Whatever the project type, call us at (714) 449-9035 to talk through what your Santa Monica property can support and request a free estimate.
Schedule a Consultation
New Construction FAQ
Should I rebuild or remodel my house in Santa Monica?
The right choice depends on the condition of the house and what the lot allows. A full rebuild tends to make sense when the foundation has serious problems, when nearly every system needs replacing and most walls would move anyway, when you want a second story the existing framing cannot carry, or when zoning allows a larger or better-positioned structure. In Santa Monica, where a large share of the housing stock dates to the early and middle twentieth century, many of those conditions show up together on the same property. If the structure is sound and the goal is mainly a new layout and finishes, a whole home remodel is usually the simpler path to permit. We walk the property with you and give a straight comparison before you commit to either direction.
What permits does a new home need?
New construction in Santa Monica requires several permits at minimum: demolition of the existing structure, a building permit for the new one, and typically grading, utility, and driveway permits through public works. Plans go to the City of Santa Monica Building and Safety Division, with planning, fire, and public works all signing off. Coastal zone lots may need a coastal development permit, and fire hazard severity zone lots face added fire-code review. We prepare every submittal and manage comments and resubmittals throughout.
How long does it take to build a new home?
There is no single answer on timeline because design, permitting, and construction each add time in layers. In Santa Monica, plan check through the City of Santa Monica Building and Safety Division commonly runs several months, and that window stretches further when planning review or coastal permit requirements enter the picture. Construction of a custom home often runs close to a year, sometimes longer for larger footprints, heavy site work, or anything tied to the area’s older lot configurations. Weather, utility scheduling, and inspection availability all shift the calendar, so we give you a realistic schedule built around your specific lot after the feasibility review.
What drives the cost of building a new home?
Budget for new construction in Santa Monica breaks down across several interdependent categories, and understanding them early prevents surprises. Square footage, story count, long spans, and the number of corners all drive structural cost, while foundation design depends on site soils and the specific slope of your lot. Demolition, grading, retaining walls, and utility upgrades vary considerably from parcel to parcel across the city. Coastal proximity can add requirements that affect materials and cost. City impact fees and school fees apply to new square footage and differ by jurisdiction and district. Because so much of Santa Monica’s housing stock dates to the early and middle twentieth century, older lots often carry hidden site conditions that only surface during feasibility. Once we work through that stage with you, we organize the budget into these categories so you can see clearly where your decisions carry the most weight.
Do new homes in California need solar and fire sprinklers?
Yes, new homes in Santa Monica must meet several overlapping state requirements. The California Residential Code mandates automatic fire sprinklers in new one- and two-family homes, which affects both water service sizing and how ceilings are laid out. Solar PV has been required on new single-family homes since the 2019 energy standards, and the 2025 Title 24 cycle adds further requirements for permits filed from January 1, 2026. CALGreen covers water use, construction waste recycling, indoor air quality, and EV charging readiness. We account for all of it at the design stage.
Can you build an ADU along with the new house?
Yes, and starting from the ground up is the most efficient time to incorporate an ADU. Because utilities are being roughed in for the first time, water, sewer and electrical service can be sized to serve both units in a single coordinated effort. The site plan can also position each unit with its own entry and outdoor space from the outset. State law permits ADUs on most single-family lots, though setbacks, height limits and parking requirements still apply, and Santa Monica’s Building and Safety Division reviews those details during permitting. We can permit the ADU alongside the primary residence or handle it as a separate project, and we build guest houses as well.
Explore More in Santa Monica
Horizon is a licensed Class B general building contractor serving Santa Monica and the surrounding Los Angeles County communities.