The Santa Monica City Council on Dec. 16 unanimously approved a staff‑recommended pilot that lets prequalified licensed professionals submit plans and assume responsibility for code compliance in exchange for expedited permitting.

Planning staff presented a three‑phase program that begins with Phase 1 — commercial non‑structural tenant improvements — a high‑volume category that makes up roughly 30% of plan checks. Staff described how a licensed architect or engineer would serve as the project lead and attest to code compliance; Certified Access Specialists (CASp) and other licensed consultants would still sign off on accessibility, mechanical and electrical details as needed.

The pilot is voluntary and paired with oversight protections: prequalification (staff proposed three comparable permits in the city within the last 15 years for eligibility, though council asked staff to consider lowering that threshold), mandatory professional liability insurance, an audit program and a three‑strikes disqualification rule that could bar an applicant from participating in the pilot if repeated violations occur. Staff recommended permanent disqualification after three strikes, but council asked staff to return with monitoring metrics and a communications plan.

Staff said the program will preserve public‑health safeguards for food service: restaurants could participate for the building‑code portion only, and submittals would need LA County Health Department approval for food‑establishment requirements; public‑works reviews (e.g., grease traps, industrial waste) would remain in staff review for high‑risk uses. The pilot also includes changes to construction and demolition diversion and trash‑enclosure deposit procedures to reduce upfront costs and speed issuance.

Council asked for program success metrics (participation rate, time‑to‑permit, audit outcomes) and directed staff to return with periodic reports. Staff proposed launching Phase 1 on April 27, 2026 — aligned with planned permitting software upgrades — with subsequent phases staggered (phase 2 and 3 six months apart) but council indicated interest in accelerating that schedule if possible.

The motion to adopt staff recommended actions for item 12(a) passed unanimously on roll call.

What’s next: Staff will develop prequalification lists, outreach materials, auditing protocols and a reporting schedule for council review before the pilot launch.