City Public Records Access
Santa Monica Public Records
Use this map to route Santa Monica searches across City Clerk legislative files, county recorder and assessor property indexes, permit records, business licensing, and county court dockets.
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On this page:
Scope
City of Santa Monica, California
City Records Lead
City Clerk
County Context
Los Angeles County handles recorded land documents, vital records, property assessment, and tax collection for Santa Monica addresses
Court Venue
Los Angeles County Superior Court for civil, probate, and related case files
Where To Start
- Start with the City Clerk to search agendas, minutes, ordinances, resolutions, and approved city contracts
- Search the Los Angeles County recorder index for deeds, liens, and recorded real estate documents tied to Santa Monica properties
- Check the Los Angeles County Assessor for APN lookup, assessed values, and parcel characteristics
- Use the city permit search to find building permits, inspections, and planning case files by address or permit number
- Request certified birth, death, or marriage certificates through the Los Angeles County registrar-recorder/county clerk
Record Routing
- City legislative records → City Clerk
- Recorded land documents → County Recorder
- Property assessment and tax roll → County Assessor/Tax Collector
- Building permits and inspections → City Building and Safety
- Civil and probate case files → County Superior Court Clerk
Useful Search Inputs
- Legislative file number or meeting date
- Ordinance or resolution number
- Property address or Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN)
- Recording date or instrument/recording number
- Business license number or business name
- Court case number or party name
Source Map
| Source / Office | Best For | Search Method | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Clerk (Santa Monica) | Agendas, minutes, legislative files, ordinances, resolutions, approved contracts | Browse agendas or keyword search; request copies or certifications as needed | The City Clerk is the custodian of Santa Monica’s municipal records and is the correct starting point for city actions and approvals |
| Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (Recorder) | Deeds, liens, reconveyances, subdivision maps, recorded real estate instruments | Index search by instrument number, party, or recording date; request official copies if required | Santa Monica land records are recorded at the county level, not held by the city |
| Los Angeles County Assessor | APN lookup, assessed values, parcel maps, property characteristics | Lookup by address or APN; download available parcel data where offered | Assessment and parcel identification for Santa Monica properties are managed by Los Angeles County |
| City Building and Safety / Planning | Building permits, inspections, planning cases, zoning clearances | Permit search by address or permit/case number; older files may require a record request | Permitting and inspections are city functions; Santa Monica departments hold these records |
| City Business License Division | Active licenses, license history, business compliance status | Search by business name, license number, or address | Santa Monica issues and tracks local business licenses at the city level |
| Los Angeles County Superior Court | Civil, probate, and related dockets and filings affecting Santa Monica parties or properties | Case search by case number or party; document copies typically by request | Court records are county-managed; use the county trial court for case lookups |
Santa Monica Record FAQs
How do I obtain a certified copy of a Santa Monica ordinance or resolution?
Request the certified copy from the City Clerk; many legislative files are viewable online, while certifications require an official copy request.
Where are deeds and liens for Santa Monica properties recorded?
Recorded land documents are filed with the Los Angeles County recorder; search the county index, then request official copies if needed.
Which office provides the APN and assessed value for a Santa Monica address?
Use the Los Angeles County Assessor to find the APN and current assessed values tied to the property.
Who holds Santa Monica building permit and inspection records?
City Building and Safety maintains permits and inspection histories; search by address or permit number or submit a records request for older files.