Division 2 — Base and Overlay Districts

Chapter 9.07 — SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT

Santa Monica Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-07 · Santa Monica

§ 9.07.010. Purpose.

The purposes of the "Single-Unit Residential" District are to:

  • A. Provide for single-unit housing on individual parcels at densities of one unit plus one accessory dwelling unit and one junior accessory dwelling unit to suit the spectrum of individual lifestyles and space needs and ensure continued availability of the range of housing opportunities necessary to meet the needs of all segments of the community consistent with the General Plan and State law.

  • B. Preserve and protect the existing character and state of the City's different residential neighborhoods and the quality of life of City residents against potential deleterious impacts related to development—traffic, noise, air quality, and the encroachment of commercial activities.

  • C. Ensure adequate light, air, privacy, and open space for each dwelling.

  • D. Avoid overburdening public facilities, including sewer, water, electricity, and schools by an influx and increase of people to a degree larger than the City's geographic limits, tax base, or financial capabilities can reasonably and responsibly accommodate.

  • E. Ensure that the scale and design of new development and alterations to existing structures are consistent with the scale, mass, and character of the existing residential neighborhood.

  • F. Provide sites for institutional, residential, and neighborhood serving uses such as day care, parks, and community facilities.

G. Promote the rehabilitation and long-term maintenance of existing buildings and structures.

The specific designation and additional purposes of the Single-Unit Residential District are:

R1 Single-Unit Residential. To provide areas for single-unit housing on individual parcels at densities of one unit plus one accessory dwelling unit and one junior accessory dwelling unit per legal parcel. In addition to detached single-unit dwellings, accessory dwelling units, and junior accessory dwelling units, this District provides for uses such as parks and family day care that may be integrated into a residential environment.

(Added by Ord. No. 2486CCS §§ 1, 2, adopted June 23, 2015; amended by Ord. No. 2536CCS § 14, adopted February 28, 2017; Ord. No. 2649CCS § 4, adopted September 8, 2020; Ord. No. 2742CCS § 2, adopted April 11, 2023)

§ 9.07.020. Land Use Regulations.

Table 9.07.020 prescribes the land use regulations for Single-Unit Residential District. The regulations for each district are established by the letter designations listed below. These designations apply strictly to the permissibility of land uses; applications for buildings or structures may require discretionary review.

"P" designates permitted uses.

"L(#)" designates limited uses, which are permitted by right, provided they comply with specific limitations listed at the end of the table.

"CUP" designates use classifications that are permitted after review and approval of a Conditional Use Permit.

"MUP" designates use classifications that are permitted after review and approval of a Minor Use Permit.

"—" designates uses that are not permitted.

Land uses are defined in Chapter 9.51 , Use Classifications. Use classifications and sub-classifications not listed in the table are prohibited. Accessory uses are permissible when they are determined by the Zoning Administrator to be necessary and customarily associated with and appropriate, incidental, and subordinate to, the principal uses and which are consistent and not more disturbing or disruptive than permitted uses. The table also notes additional use regulations that apply to various uses. Section numbers in the right-hand column refer to other Sections of this Article.

re determined by the Zoning Administrator to be necessary and customarily associated with and appropriate, incidental, and subordinate to, the principal uses and which are consistent and not more disturbing or disruptive than permitted uses. The table also notes additional use regulations that apply to various uses. Section numbers in the right-hand column refer to other Sections of this Article.

TABLE 9.07.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS—SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS USE REGULATIONS—SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS
Use Classifcation R1 Additional Regulations
Residential Uses
Residential Dwelling Types
Accessory Dwelling Unit P Section9.31.025, Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior
Accessory Dwelling Units
Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit P Section9.31.025, Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior
Accessory Dwelling Units
Multiple-Unit Dwelling L(1) Section9.31.195, Multiple-Unit Dwelling Projects
Duplex P Section9.31.125, Duplexes and Lot Splits on Parcels
Zoned for Single-Unit Residential
Senior Citizen Multiple-Unit
Dwelling
L(1) Section9.31.195, Multiple-Unit Dwelling Projects
Single-Unit Dwelling P
Housing Types for Specifc Needs
Employee Housing P
Family Day Care See sub-classifcations below.
Large P Section9.31.140, Family Day Care, Large
Small P
Residential Facilities See sub-classifcations below.
Residential Care, Limited P
TABLE 9.07.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS—SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS USE REGULATIONS—SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS
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Use Classifcation R1 Additional Regulations
Hospice, Limited P
Supportive Housing P
Transitional Housing P
Public and Semi-Public Uses
Adult Day Care CUP
Child Care and Early Education
Facility
CUP Section9.31.120, Child Care and Early Education
Facilities
Bed and Breakfast CUP Within Designated Landmarks only.
Section9.31.090, Bed and Breakfasts
Community Assembly CUP Section9.31.100, Community Assembly
Community Gardens P
Park and Recreation Facilities,
Public
P
Schools, Public or Private CUP
Transportation, Communication, and Utilities Uses
City Bikeshare Facility P
Utilities, Minor P
Specifc Limitations
(1)
Permitted only on parcels with existing surface parking lots:
(a)
Owned in whole or in part by a Community Assembly use in accordance with requirements of
Section9.31.196, Multiple-Unit Dwelling Projects Located on Community Assembly Surface
Parking Lots; or
(b)
Associated with existing multiple-unit dwellings or commercial uses in accordance with
requirements of Section9.31.197, Multiple-Unit Dwelling Projects Located on Residentially Zoned
Surface Parking Lots.

(Added by Ord. No. 2486CCS §§ 1, 2, adopted June 23, 2015; amended by Ord. No. 2536CCS § 15, adopted February 28, 2017; Ord. No. 2649CCS § 5, adopted September 8, 2020; Ord. No. 2742CCS § 2, adopted April 11, 2023; Ord. No. 2792CCS, 10/8/2024)

§ 9.07.030. Development Standards.

Table 9.07.030 prescribes the development standards for the Single-Unit Residential (R1) District. Additional regulations, including incentives for the retention of existing homes, are denoted with Section numbers throughout the table. Specific R1 District design review criteria is located directly following the table:

TABLE 9.07.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS—SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TABLE 9.07.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS—SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TABLE 9.07.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS—SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
Standard R1 Additional Regulations
Parcel and Density Standards
Minimum Parcel Area (sq. ft.) 5,000
Maximum Parcel Area (sq. ft.) See Section9.21.030(B)
Minimum Parcel Width (ft.) 50 For parcels bounded by the centerlines of
First Court Alley, Seventh Street, Montana
Place North Alle and Adelaide Drive the
Minimum Parcel Depth (ft.) 100 y, ,
minimum parcel width is 100 ft. and the
minimum parcel depth is 175 ft.
Maximum Allowable Density 1 unit per parcel Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior
Accessory Dwelling Units shall be permitted
as provided in Section9.31.125, Accessory
Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling
Units
TABLE 9.07.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS—SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TABLE 9.07.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS—SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TABLE 9.07.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS—SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
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Standard R1 Additional Regulations
A duplex shall be permitted as provided in
Section9.31.125, Duplexes and Lot Splits on
Parcels Zoned for Single-Unit Residential
Maximum FAR Section9.04.100, Determining Floor Area
Ratio in Residential Zoning Districts
One-story structure less than 18 ft. in
height
0.5 For parcels less than 5,000 sq. ft., a
maximum FAR equaling 2,500 sq. ft. shall be
permitted.
One-story structure 18 ft. or more in
height
0.45 For parcels less than 5,000 sq. ft., a
maximum FAR equaling 2,250 sq. ft. shall be
permitted.
Two-story structure 0.45 For parcels less than 5,000 sq. ft., a
maximum FAR equaling 2,250 sq. ft. shall be
permitted.
Two-story structure 0.45 For parcels less than 5,000 sq. ft., a
maximum FAR equaling 2,250 sq. ft. shall be
permitted with no more than 1,125 sq. ft.
allowable on the second story.
Existing structure with addition
(Applies to projects that do not result
in a demolition as defned in Chapter
9.25, Demolition and Relocation.)
0.55 For parcels less than 5,000 sq. ft., a
maximum FAR equaling 2,750 sq. ft. shall be
permitted with no more than 1,375 sq. ft.
allowable on the second story.
Building Form and Location
Maximum Number of Stories 2
Maximum Building Height (ft.) Section9.04.050, Measuring Height
Parcels up to 20,000 sq. ft. in area 28 ft
with no wall height above 23 ft.
Walls associated with roof structure design
such as gables and dormers are permitted
above 23 ft., provided such walls comply with
upper-story stepback requirements.
Parcels greater than 20,000 sq. ft. in
area and with a front parcel line at
least 200 ft. in length
• 28 ft. for fat roof
• 32 ft. for pitched roof
Projections into Height Limits See Section9.21.060, Height Projections
Minimum Setbacks (ft.)
Front Per Offcial Districting Map or 20 ft.
if not specifed
Side - One-story structure less than
18 ft. in height
10% of parcel width or 3.5 ft.,
whichever is greater, but no more
than 15 ft. required
Side - Aggregate of both sides for a
two-story structure or one-story
structure 18 ft. or more in height
30% of parcel width, but no more
than 45 ft. required and each side
shall be at least 10% of the parcel
width or 3.5 ft., whichever is greater
The aggregate side setback requirement
does not apply to the following:
• New structures on parcels that are 45 ft. or
less in parcel width;
• Additions to existing structures on parcels
that are less than 50 ft. in width; or
• Structures on parcels less than 5,000 sq. ft.
Rear 15 ft. from rear parcel line
Additional Minimum Stepbacks for Upper Stories
Front Upper-Story Stepback The sum of all stepback areas
along the entire front building
elevation shall be at least 1% of
total parcel area and comply with
the requirements below.
TABLE 9.07.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS—SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TABLE 9.07.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS—SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TABLE 9.07.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS—SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
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Standard R1 Additional Regulations
However, if the entire upper story is
set back at least 3% of total parcel
depth from the required front
setback, no front upperstory
stepback is required.
• Each stepback area shall begin
at the required front setback and
shall comply with the following:
**○The minimum stepback depth
shall be 3% of total parcel depth
and shall be measured from the
required front setback.
The maximum stepback depth
shall be 6% of total parcel depth
and shall be measured from the
required front setback.
○**Any stepback depth beyond
6% of total parcel depth shall
not be included in calculating
compliance with this standard.
• Any stepback area used to
comply with a side upper-story
stepback requirement shall not be
included in calculating compliance
with this standard.
TABLE 9.07.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS—SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TABLE 9.07.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS—SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TABLE 9.07.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS—SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
Side Upper-Story Stepbacks The sum of all stepback areas on
each side building elevation shall
be at least 1% of total parcel area
and comply with the requirements
below. However, if the entire upper
story is set back at least 20% of
total parcel width from the side
parcel line, no side upper-story
stepback is required for the subject
elevation.
• Each stepback area shall begin at
each respective minimum side
setback line and shall comply with
the following:
**○The minimum stepback depth
shall be 20% of total parcel width
and shall be measured from the
side parcel line.
The maximum stepback depth
shall be 25% of total parcel width
and shall be measured from the
side parcel line.
○**Any stepback depth beyond 25%
of total parcel width shall not be
included in calculating compliance
with this standard.
• Any stepback area used to comply
with a front upper-story stepback
requirement shall not be included in
calculating compliance with this
standard.
Sides—All portions of buildings
exceeding 23 ft. in height
• No portion of a building other than
a permitted projection shall
intersect a plane commencing at 23
TABLE 9.07.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS—SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TABLE 9.07.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS—SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TABLE 9.07.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS—SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
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Standard R1 Additional Regulations
ft. in height at the minimum side
setback that extends at an angle of
45-degrees from the vertical toward
the interior of the site.
• The 23 ft. height measurement
shall be taken from the same
reference grade as determined for
the subject site pursuant to Section
9.04.050.
Upper-Story Outdoor Space
Maximum size of individual balcony,
terrace, deck, frst-story roof deck,
or similar outdoor space
3% of parcel area or 300 sq. ft.,
whichever is less
Individual balconies, terraces, decks, frst-
story roof decks, or similar outdoor spaces
larger than 100 sq. ft. located in the rear half
of the parcel shall be set back a minimum
distance of 20% of the parcel width from the
side parcel lines.
Maximum size of roof deck above
second story
3% of parcel area or 300 sq. ft.,
whichever is less
Maximum of 1 per dwelling unit, which shall
be set back a minimum of 7 ft., measured
from minimum setbacks.
Openness and Use of Setbacks
Maximum Front Setback Paving (% of required front setback area)
Parcels 25 ft. or more in width 50%
Parcels less than 25 ft. in width 60%
Building Projections into Setbacks See Section9.21.110, Projections from Buildings into Minimum Setbacks and
Daylight Plane
Excavation for Lightwells, Stairwells, and Access to Subterranean Garages and Basements
Basements and subterranean
garages
No basement or subterranean
garage shall extend into any
setback area, except for any
basement or garage located
beneath an accessory building
which is otherwise permitted within
a setback area, if such basement,
semi-subterranean, or subterranean
garage is located at least 5 ft. from
any parcel line
Lightwells and stairwells • Side and rear setbacks may be
utilized for lightwells or stairways to
below-grade areas
• Excavated areas shall be set back
a minimum of 10% of the parcel
width from any parcel line
measured to the interior wall
surface of these excavated areas
• For parcels where the aggregate side
setback is not required, up to a total of 50 sq.
ft. within the side and rear setbacks may be
utilized for lightwells or stairways to below-
grade areas.
• Retaining walls shall not be included in
calculations for these excavated areas.
Excavation for access Excavation in the front setback area
for a driveway, stairway, doorway,
or other such element for access
purposes shall be no deeper than 3
ft. below existing grade
Vehicle Accommodation
Parking • See Sections9.28.070, Location of Parking
• Section9.28.120, Parking Design and Development Standards
Driveways • On parcels less than 100 ft. in width, no more than one driveway permitted
• See Section9.28.120, Parking Design and Development Standards
TABLE 9.07.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS—SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TABLE 9.07.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS—SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TABLE 9.07.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS—SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
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Standard R1 Additional Regulations
Incentives for Retention of Existing Homes
Building Additions Section9.21.170, Building Additions Extending into Minimum Side Setbacks
Modifcations to Development
Standards
Chapter9.43, Modifcation and Waivers
Architectural Review
Architectural Review See Section9.07.030(A)
Additional Standards
Accessory Buildings and Structures Section9.21.020, Accessory Buildings and Structures
Accessory Dwelling Units Section9.31.025, Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units
Affordable Housing Production
Program
Chapter9.64, Affordable Housing Production Program
Basements Section 9.52.020.0230, Basement Defnition
Duplexes and Lot Splits on Parcels
Zoned for Single-Unit Residential
Section9.31.125, Duplexes and Lot Splits on Parcels Zoned for Single-Unit
Residential
Fences, Walls, and Hedges Section9.21.050, Fences, Walls, and Hedges
Home Occupation Section9.31.160, Home Occupation
TABLE 9.07.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS—SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TABLE 9.07.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS—SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TABLE 9.07.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS—SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
Junior Accessory Dwelling Units Section9.31.025, Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units
Landscaping Chapter9.26, Landscaping
Lighting Section9.21.080, Lighting
Multiple-Unit Dwelling Projects Section9.31.195, Multiple-Unit Dwelling Projects
Multiple-Unit Dwelling Projects
Located on Community Assembly
Surface Parking Lots
Section9.31.196, Multiple-Unit Dwelling Projects Located on Community Assembly
Surface Parking Lots
Multiple-Unit Dwelling Projects
Located on Residentially Zoned
Surface Parking Lots
Section9.31.197, Multiple-Unit Dwelling Projects Located on Residentially Zoned
Surface Parking Lots
Off-Street Parking Chapter9.28, Parking, Loading, and Circulation
Private Tennis Courts Section9.31.250, Private Tennis Courts
Projections from Buildings into
Minimum Setbacks
Section9.21.110, Projections from Buildings into Minimum Setbacks and Daylight
Plane
Projections into Height Limits Section9.21.060, Height Projections
Refuse and Recycling Screening and
Enclosure
Section9.21.130, Resource Recovery and Recycling Standards
Solar Energy Systems Section9.21.150, Solar Energy Systems

A. Architectural Review.

  1. Proposed development in the R1 Single-Unit District shall not be subject to architectural review if it conforms to the development standards set forth above except as follows:

    • a. The Architectural Review Board shall review any proposed duplex pursuant to Section 9.55.140 .

    • b.

  • i. The Architectural Review Board shall review proposed development that is located on a parcel with a grade differential of 12.5 feet or more between the front and rear parcel lines, and associated with the following:

    • (1) New residential building; or

    • (2) A 50% or greater square foot addition to an existing dwelling unit.

  • ii. A proposed structure may be approved if its size, mass, and placement are found to be compatible with improvements in the immediate neighborhood.

  1. The Architectural Review Board shall review and may approve proposed development that does not conform to the development standards set forth above as follows:

    • a. The Architectural Review Board shall review any proposed addition of 500 square feet or less that is regarded as a third story that is located on a parcel with a grade differential of 12.5 or more between the front and rear parcel lines. The Architectural Review Board may approve such an addition if the following findings of fact are made:

      • i. The street frontage and overall massing are compatible with the existing scale and neighborhood context;

      • ii. The addition does not enlarge the first-story of the existing residence such that a nonconforming condition is expanded; and

      • iii. The properties in the immediate neighborhood will not be substantially impacted.

    • b.

  • i. The Architectural Review Board shall review the following:

    • (1) Any proposed new structure on a parcel that is more than 45 feet in width that does not comply with the minimum aggregate side setback but that is set back a minimum of 10% of parcel width on each side,

    • (2) Any proposed addition to an existing structure on a parcel 50 feet or more that does not comply with the minimum aggregate side setback but that is set back a minimum of 10% of parcel width on each side,

    • (3) Any proposed two-story structure that does not conform to the standard set forth above for additional minimum stepbacks for upper stories,

    • (4) Any proposed structure that does not conform to the standards for subterranean garages and basements set forth in Table 9.07.030, Chapter 9.28 (Parking), and Section 9.52.020.0230 of this Code,

    • (5) Any proposed individual upper story balcony, terrace, deck, first-story roof deck, or similar outdoor space that does not conform to the standard set forth above,

    • (6) Any proposed structure with garage doors that face the public street, are located within the front half of the parcel, and: (i) are not set back from the primary façade facing the public street a minimum of 5 feet, or (ii) are more than 16 feet in width, or

    • (7) Any proposed structure that includes a first-story porch or second-story balcony that: (i) is open on at least three sides, (ii) has a height of no more than 14 feet, including parapets and railings, (iii) projects into the minimum front setback, and (iv) exceeds 50% of the front building width as measured at the front façade.

  • ii. The Architectural Review Board may approve a design modification set forth in this subsection if the following findings of fact are made:

    • (1) There are special circumstances or exceptional characteristics applicable to the property involved, including size, shape, topography, surroundings, or location of the existing improvements or mature landscaping on the site,

    • (2) Granting the design modification will not be detrimental or injurious to the property or to improvements in the general vicinity and district in which the property is located,

    • (3) Granting the design modification will not impair the integrity and character of surrounding context, or impact the light, air, open space, or privacy of adjacent properties,

    • (4) If the design modification includes a modification or addition to a building on the City's Historic Resources Inventory, the modification or addition is compatible with the building's historic architectural character, does not result in the removal of historic building features, and is consistent with the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation, and

(5) The design modifications comply with the criteria set forth in Section 9.55.140 . (Added by Ord. No. 2486CCS §§ 1, 2, adopted June 23, 2015; amended by Ord. No. 2520CCS § 9, adopted June 14, 2016; Ord. No. 2524CCS § 2, adopted July 28, 2016; Ord. No. 2536CCS § 2, adopted February 28, 2017; Ord. No. 2624CCS § 3, adopted November 12, 2019; Ord. No. 2628CCS § 2, adopted January 28, 2020;

Ord. No. 2649CCS § 6, adopted September 8, 2020; Ord. No. 2742CCS § 2, adopted April 11, 2023; Ord. No. 2792CCS, 10/8/2024; Ord. No. 2814CCS, 5/27/2025)