Division 2 — Base and Overlay Districts
Chapter 9.15 — PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC DISTRICTS
Santa Monica Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-07 · Santa Monica
§ 9.15.010. Purpose. ¶
The purposes of the "Public and Semi-Public" Districts are to:
A. Provide areas for a wide range of public facilities, including parks and open space, educational facilities, municipal offices, the Civic Center, museums or performance spaces, City yards, and other public or quasipublic facilities.
B. Ensure that the development and operation of public and semi-public uses protects and enhances the character and quality of life of surrounding residential areas.
C. Retain the beach as Santa Monica's character-defining open space, preserving the area as a scenic resource that serves as a local gathering place, and enhances the beach-going experience with limited
visitor-serving uses.
- D. Ensure the provision of services and facilities needed to serve residents, businesses, and visitors and maintain a high quality of life standard.
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The specific designations and the additional purposes of the Public and Semi-Public Districts are:
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CC Civic Center. This Zoning District is intended to be the cultural and institutional core of Santa Monica, with a mix of high intensity government and cultural uses with significant gathering spaces and parks combined with civic buildings and connections to the beach and Downtown areas. Commercial, retail, office, affordable, workforce and market-rate housing, and community facilities such as early childhood centers are also allowed in this mixed-use District. This District is consistent with the LUCE's Institutional/Public Lands land use designation.
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PL Institutional/Public Lands. This Zoning District is for public or semi-public facilities, including municipal offices, schools, libraries, museums, or performance spaces, cemeteries, corporation yards, utility stations, and similar uses. This District is consistent with the LUCE's Institutional/Public Lands land use designation.
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OS Parks and Open Space. This Zoning District is intended to preserve, enhance, and expand Santa Monica's existing open space, parks, beaches, and recreational areas, providing residents with easy access to a relaxing, visually appealing amenity that provides opportunities for healthy recreation. This District is applied to areas that will remain as parks or green open space, or be developed as such. Other allowed uses in this designation include supporting structures such as recreation centers, gymnasiums, community meeting facilities and smallscale retail uses that support outdoor recreation, such as restaurants, refreshment stands, or sporting equipment and rental vendors. This District is consistent with the LUCE's Parks and Open Space land use designation. (Added by Ord. No. 2486CCS §§ 1, 2, adopted June 23, 2015)
§ 9.15.020. Land Use Regulations. ¶
Table 9.15.020 prescribes the land use regulations for Public and Semi-Public Districts. The regulations for each district are established by 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.
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| TABLE 9.15.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS—PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC DISTRICTS | TABLE 9.15.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS—PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC DISTRICTS | TABLE 9.15.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS—PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC DISTRICTS | TABLE 9.15.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS—PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC DISTRICTS | TABLE 9.15.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS—PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC DISTRICTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use Classifcation | CC | PL | OS | Additional Regulations |
| Residential Uses | ||||
| Residential Dwelling Types | ||||
| Accessory Dwelling Unit | P | — | — | Section9.31.025, Accessory Dwelling Unit and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units |
| TABLE 9.15.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS—PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC DISTRICTS | TABLE 9.15.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS—PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC DISTRICTS | TABLE 9.15.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS—PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC DISTRICTS | TABLE 9.15.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS—PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC DISTRICTS | TABLE 9.15.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS—PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC DISTRICTS |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Use Classifcation | CC | PL | OS | Additional Regulations |
| Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit |
P | — | — | Section9.31.025, Accessory Dwelling Unit and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units |
| Multiple Unit Dwelling | P | — | — | Section9.31.195, Multiple-Unit Dwelling Projects |
| Senior Citizen Multiple-Unit Dwelling |
P | — | — | Section9.31.195, Multiple-Unit Dwelling Projects |
| Housing Types for Specifc Needs | ||||
| Congregate Housing | L(1) | — | — | Section9.31.110, Congregate Housing |
| Emergency Shelters | — | P | — | Section9.31.130, Emergency Shelters |
| Family Day Care | See sub-classifcations below. | |||
| Large | P | P | P | Section9.31.135, Family Day Care, Large |
| Small | P | P | P | |
| Group Residential | L(1) | — | — | Section9.31.155, Group Residential |
| Senior Group Residential | L(1) | — | — | Section9.31.155, Group Residential |
| Low Barrier Navigation Centers |
P | — | — | Section9.31.175, Low Barrier Navigation Centers |
| Residential Care Facilities | See sub-classifcations below. | |||
| Residential Care, General | L(1) | — | — | Section9.31.270, Residential Care Facilities |
| Residential Care, Limited | P | — | — | Section9.31.270, Residential Care Facilities |
| Residential Care, Senior | L(1) | — | — | Section9.31.270, Residential Care Facilities |
| Hospice, General | — | — | — | |
| Hospice, Limited | — | — | — | |
| Single Room Occupancy Housing |
L(1) | — | — | Section9.31.330, Single Room Occupancy Housing |
| Supportive Housing | L(1) | — | — | |
| Transitional Housing | L(1) | — | — | |
| Public and Semi-Public Uses | ||||
| Adult Day Care | P | P | P | |
| Cemetery | — | P | — | |
| Child Care and Early Education Facilities |
P | P | P | Section9.31.120, Child Care and Early Education Facilities |
| Colleges and Trade Schools, Public or Private |
L(3) | P | — | |
| Community Assembly | P | P | L(3) | Section9.31.100, Community Assembly |
| Community Gardens | — | P | P | |
| Cultural Facilities | P | P | P | |
| Community Clinic | L(6) | — | — | |
| TABLE 9.15.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS—PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC DISTRICTS | TABLE 9.15.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS—PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC DISTRICTS | TABLE 9.15.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS—PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC DISTRICTS | TABLE 9.15.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS—PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC DISTRICTS | TABLE 9.15.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS—PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC DISTRICTS |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Use Classifcation | CC | PL | OS | Additional Regulations |
| Park and Recreations Facilities, Public |
P | P | P | |
| Public Safety Facilities | P | P | — | |
| Schools, Public or Private | L(3) | P | — | |
| Social Service Centers | P | P | — | Section9.31.350, Social Service Centers |
| Commercial Uses | ||||
| Banks and Financial Institutions |
L(1) | — | — | |
| Business Services | L(1) | — | — | |
| Commercial, Entertainment, and Recreation |
See sub-classifcations below. | |||
| Cinemas/Theaters | — | — | MUP (3) | |
| Convention and Conference Centers |
P | — | — | |
| Large-Scale Facility | — | — | — | |
| Small-Scale Facility | — | — | — | Section9.31.340, Small-Scale Facility, Game Arcades |
| Eating and Drinking Establishments |
See sub-classifcations below. | |||
| Restaurants, Full-Service | L(1) | L(2) | L(2) | Section9.31.040, Alcoholic Beverage Sales Section9.31.280, Restaurants, Limited Service and Take-Out Only Section9.31.200, Outdoor Dining and Seating on Sidewalks Section9.31.290, Restaurants with Entertainment |
| Restaurants, Limited Service |
L(1) | L(2) | L(2) | Section9.31.040, Alcoholic Beverage Sales Section9.31.280, Restaurants, Limited Service and Take-Out Only Section9.31.200, Outdoor Dining and Seating on Sidewalks Section9.31.290, Restaurants with Entertainment |
| Restaurants, Take-Out Only | L(1) | L(2) | — | Section9.31.040, Alcoholic Beverage Sales Section9.31.280, Restaurants, Limited Service and Take-Out Only |
| With Outdoor Eating Areas | L(1) | L(2) | L(2) | Section9.31.200, Outdoor Dining and Seating on Sidewalks |
| Food Hall, (up to 175 seats) | CUP | CUP | CUP | |
| Food and Beverage Sales | See sub-classifcations below. | |||
| Convenience Markets | L(1) | — | — | Section9.31.040, Alcoholic Beverage Sales |
| Farmers Markets | — | P | CUP | |
| General Markets | L(1) | — | — | Section9.31.040, Alcoholic Beverage Sales |
| Live-Work | L(1) | — | — | Section9.31.170, Live-Work Units |
| Lodging | See sub-classifcations below. | |||
| Hotels and Motels | CUP | — | — | |
| TABLE 9.15.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS—PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC DISTRICTS | TABLE 9.15.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS—PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC DISTRICTS | TABLE 9.15.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS—PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC DISTRICTS | TABLE 9.15.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS—PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC DISTRICTS | TABLE 9.15.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS—PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC DISTRICTS |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Use Classifcation | CC | PL | OS |
| TABLE 9.15.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS—PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC DISTRICTS | TABLE 9.15.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS—PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC DISTRICTS | TABLE 9.15.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS—PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC DISTRICTS | TABLE 9.15.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS—PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC DISTRICTS | TABLE 9.15.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS—PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC DISTRICTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Offces | See sub-classifcations below. | |||
| Business and Professional | L(4)/CUP | L (3) | — | |
| Creative | L(4)/CUP | — | — | |
| Walk-In Clientele | L(4)/CUP | — | — | |
| Parking, Public or Private | L(3) | P | L(5) | |
| General Personal Services | L(1) | — | — | |
| Retail Sales | See sub-classifcations below. | |||
| General Retail Sales, Small- Scale |
L(1) | — | — | |
| Swap Meet | MUP | MUP | MUP | |
| Transportation, Communication, and Utilities Uses | ||||
| Citywide Bikeshare Facility | P | P | P | |
| Communication Facilities | See sub-classifcations below. | |||
| Antennas and Transmission Towers |
CUP | CUP | — | |
| Equipment Within Buildings | — | P | — | |
| Utilities, Major | — | P | — | |
| Utilities, Minor | — | P | — | |
| Specifc Limitations: | ||||
| (1) | Permitted as part of a mixed-use development. | |||
| (2) | Permitted only as an accessory to a primary use. Must be located within the same building as a primary use. |
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| (3) | Limited to public, quasi-public, or nonproft establishments. | |||
| (4) | Public, quasi-public, and nonproft offces are permitted. Conditional Use Permit required for private offces. |
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| (5) | Limited to public parking for beach or park users. | |||
| (6) | Permitted if all objective planning standards set forth in Government Code Section65914.900are met. |
(Added by Ord. No. 2486CCS §§ 1, 2, adopted June 23, 2015; amended by Ord. No. 2520CCS § 13, adopted June 14, 2016; Ord. No. 2649CCS § 20, adopted September 8, 2020; Ord. No. 2726CCS § 9, adopted October 25, 2022; Ord. No. 2742CCS § 2, adopted April 11, 2023; Ord. No. 2792CCS, 10/8/2024; Ord. No. 2814CCS, 5/27/2025)
§ 9.15.030. Development Standards. ¶
Table 9.15.030 prescribes the development standards for the Public and Semi-Public Districts. Additional regulations are denoted with Section numbers in the right-hand column or with individual letters in parentheses. Section numbers refer to other Sections of this Article, while individual letters in parentheses refer to subsections that directly follow the table. Development standards for the Civic Center (CC) district are as prescribed in the Civic Center Specific Plan, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Where Zoning Ordinance provisions are not specifically addressed by the Civic Center Specific Plan, the Zoning Ordinance shall apply. Where there is a conflict between compliance with the Civic Center Specific Plan and the Zoning Ordinance, the Civic Center Specific Plan shall control except where the conflicting Zoning Ordinance provision was adopted through voter initiative in which case the initiative shall control.
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| TABLE 9.15.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS—PUBLIC AND PARK DISTRICTS | TABLE 9.15.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS—PUBLIC AND PARK DISTRICTS | TABLE 9.15.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS—PUBLIC AND PARK DISTRICTS | TABLE 9.15.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS—PUBLIC AND PARK DISTRICTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | PL | OS | Additional Regulations |
| Parcel and Intensity Standards | |||
| TABLE 9.15.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS—PUBLIC AND PARK DISTRICTS | TABLE 9.15.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS—PUBLIC AND PARK DISTRICTS | TABLE 9.15.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS—PUBLIC AND PARK DISTRICTS | TABLE 9.15.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS—PUBLIC AND PARK DISTRICTS |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Standard | PL | OS | Additional Regulations |
| Minimum Parcel Size (sq. ft.) |
20,000 | 5,000 | |
| Building Form and Location | |||
| Maximum Building Height (stories/ft.) |
2/32' | 2/28'; 1/20' west of the centerline of Ocean Avenue and Barnard Way |
Section9.04.050, Measuring Height |
| Minimum Setbacks (ft., measured from property line) | |||
| Street Frontage | 10' | 20' | |
| Interior Side and Rear | 10'; 15' when abutting a residential district |
10' | |
| Maximum FAR | NA | 0.5; 0.25 west of the centerline of Ocean Avenue and Barnard Way |
Section9.04.090, Determining Floor Area Ratio in Non-residential Zoning District |
| Additional Standards | |||
| Accessory Dwelling Units | Section9.31.025, Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units | ||
| Accessory Food Service | Section9.31.030, Accessory Food Service | ||
| Accessory Structures | Section9.21.020, Accessory Buildings and Structures | ||
| Exceptions to Height Limits |
Section9.21.060, Height Exceptions | ||
| Fences and Walls | Section9.21.050, Fences, Walls, and Hedges | ||
| Home Occupation | Section9.31.160, Home Occupation | ||
| Landscaping | Section9.15.030(A), Chapter9.26, Landscaping | ||
| Lighting | Section9.21.080, Lighting | ||
| Off-Street Parking and Loading |
Chapter9.28, Parking, Loading, and Circulation | ||
| Projections into Required Setbacks |
Section9.21.110, Projections from Buildings into Minimum Setbacks and Daylight Plane |
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| Signs | Chapter9.61, Signs | ||
| Screening | Section9.21.140, Screening | ||
| Solar Energy Systems | Section9.21.150, Solar Energy Systems | ||
| Trash Screening and Enclosure |
Section9.21.130Resource Recovery and Recycling Standards |
A. Planting Areas, Public District. In the Public and Semi-Public Districts, the following landscaping requirements apply.
Setback Areas Adjoining Streets. All visible portions of a required setback area adjoining a street that are not used for driveways or walks shall consist of planting areas, landscape, or pedestrian amenities.
Interior Setback Areas. At least 50% of each required interior side setback area and rear setback area shall be planting area having a minimum width of 7.5 feet adjoining a side or rear parcel line. The width of a required planting area may be reduced to 3 feet in one side or rear setback areas adjoining a driveway, and a nonresidential accessory structure may occupy a portion of the planting area in a rear setback area.
t least 50% of each required interior side setback area and rear setback area shall be planting area having a minimum width of 7.5 feet adjoining a side or rear parcel line. The width of a required planting area may be reduced to 3 feet in one side or rear setback areas adjoining a driveway, and a nonresidential accessory structure may occupy a portion of the planting area in a rear setback area.
(Added by Ord. No. 2486CCS §§ 1, 2, adopted June 23, 2015; amended by Ord. No. 2520CCS § 17, adopted June 14, 2016; Ord. No. 2649CCS § 21, adopted September 8, 2020; Ord. No. 2814CCS, 5/27/2025)