Why Santa Monica residential projects get stuck

In Santa Monica, a building permit authorises construction only after completing plan review and all city approvals. Projects that don’t qualify for same‑day review must be submitted through the city’s Electronic Plan Review (EPR) system. The EPR system allows applicants to submit plans online and operate entirely paperless. Applicants gather their documents, submit the application via Citizen Access, upload plans to ProjectDox, go through a pre‑screen, pay fees and then track plan‑review tasks until permit issuance. Full plan reviews often require structural calculations, soils reports, Title 24 energy reports and compliance with Santa Monica’s Green Building provisions. Missing or inconsistent information can trigger resubmittals and drag out the process.

AI‑powered engineering for Santa Monica homes

Spacial removes friction from Santa Monica projects by delivering AI‑generated structural and MEP plans that are ready for the city’s EPR system. We convert your 2D drawings into a 3D model, check them against California building codes, Santa Monica’s municipal code and green building provisions, and coordinate structure, MEP and energy before anything goes to plan check. Licensed engineers refine and stamp the final set. Our workflow mirrors the steps of Citizen Access and ProjectDox: we assemble the right documents, ensure the Title 24 and green building requirements are met, and package everything for electronic submission. The result is a smoother, faster path from design to permit.

A simple three‑step process for Santa Monica homes

Step 1: Plan. Upload your architectural drawings to our secure portal. Our system analyses the layout, structure and mechanicals against Santa Monica’s building and fire codes, Title 24 energy standards, and the city’s Green Building code. We also map your submittal to the EPR workflow: Citizen Access application, ProjectDox upload and pre‑screen tasks .

Step 2: Convert and validate. Our AI produces an object‑based 3D model. Structural and MEP agents collaborate to size members, coordinate ductwork with beams, and integrate plumbing and electrical. We perform energy modeling to meet Title 24 requirements and Santa Monica’s Green Building provisions . Our engineers review and refine the model so that calculations, soils reports and energy reports are coordinated and ready for submission.

Step 3: Approve. You receive a complete, stamped set tailored for ProjectDox. Because our deliverables align with the EPR tasks such as document uploads, reviewer comments and resubmittals, you move through plan review and permit issuance with fewer surprises .

Structural, MEP and energy under one roof for Santa Monica

Structural engineering in Santa Monica must account for seismic forces, soils conditions and coastal winds. We design foundations and frames that meet California and local requirements while supporting the architecture. MEP engineering is coordinated from day one: we lay out HVAC systems that preserve ceiling heights, electrical plans that anticipate EV charging and solar readiness, and plumbing designs that fit the structure. Energy modeling is integral. The city requires Title 24 compliance and adherence to Santa Monica’s Green Building provisions . We handle the modeling and coordinate it with the envelope and MEP design so your project meets efficiency goals without guesswork.

ADU permit expediting in Santa Monica

Santa Monica has embraced ADUs to add housing, but plan‑review requirements still include structural calculations and energy reports. Our team designs ADUs with structure, MEP and energy integrated from the start. We package these plans for the EPR system, helping you navigate Citizen Access, ProjectDox and plan‑review tasks efficiently.

Why Spacial is a fit for Santa Monica

• We speak EPR. Our workflow mirrors the city’s electronic plan‑review process: application via Citizen Access, uploads to ProjectDox, pre‑screen, fee payment and response to plan‑review tasks .

• We know the documents. We ensure structural calculations, soils reports, Title 24 energy reports and Green Building compliance documents are prepared and coordinated .

• We understand Santa Monica’s design context. Homes often emphasize modern aesthetics, indoor–outdoor living and sustainability. We engineer solutions that support large openings, open floor plans and energy efficiency.

• We are builder‑led. Our team comes from construction and development. We design details that are constructible and code‑compliant so contractors and inspectors have fewer reasons to object.

See how this works on a real project

Visit our case study “Structural plans that protect the design” here. You’ll see how early coordination and AI‑assisted modeling delivered a clean, open design that sailed through plan review.

Common questions about building in Santa Monica

How does Santa Monica’s Electronic Plan Review work? The EPR system allows architects, applicants and developers to submit plans entirely online and paperless . You submit the application via Citizen Access, upload documents to ProjectDox, complete a pre‑screen, pay fees and respond to review tasks until your permit is issued. Our permit‑ready sets are organized to align with this process, reducing resubmittals and delays.

What documents are required for full plan review in Santa Monica? Building permits in Santa Monica often require structural calculations, soils reports, Title 24 energy reports and compliance with the city’s Green Building provisions . We prepare and coordinate these documents as part of our scope.

Do you need a structural engineer for an ADU in Santa Monica? Yes. Any new construction, including ADUs, typically requires a licensed structural engineer to design and stamp the plans. We provide structural, MEP and energy engineering packages that meet Santa Monica’s plan‑review requirements.