Skip to content

Downey · Building on your lot

Lot splits under SB 9 in Downey

Downey's own rules on lot splits under SB 9, with the code text for every value.

Ask about lot splits under SB 9 in Downey See coverage

Each rule below links to the section of the Downey Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Downey's code says

Downey code What Downey's code adds
How the lot may be divided
  • Each new lot must be between 40% and 60% of the original lot area.
    Applies: Applies to urban lot splits.
    § 9965.04 · code text
    Each of the resulting lots must be between 60% and 40% of the original lot area.
Minimum new lot size
  • Each new lot must be at least 1,200 square feet.
    Applies: Applies to each resulting lot.
    § 9965.04 · code text
    The resulting lots must each be at least 1,200 square feet.
Standards
  • The lot being split must be at least 2,400 square feet.
    Applies: Applies to the original lot.
    § 9965.04 · code text
    The lot to be split must be at least 2,400 square feet.
  • Each new lot must border the public right-of-way.
    Applies: Applies to each resulting lot.
    § 9965.04 · code text
    Each resulting lot must adjoin the public right-of-way.
  • Each new lot needs at least 10 feet of frontage on the public right-of-way.
    Applies: Applies to urban lot splits.
    § 9965.04 · code text
    Each resulting lot must have a frontage on the public right-of-way of at least 10 feet in width.
  • The lot being split must be in a single-family residential (R-1) subzone.
    Applies: Applies to the lot being split.
    § 9965.04 · code text
    The lot to be split is in a subzone of the single-family residential zone (R-1).
  • No right-of-way dedication or off-site improvements are required.
    Applies: Applies to urban lot splits.
    § 9965.04 · code text
    Notwithstanding Section 66411.1 of the SMA, no dedication of rights-of-way or construction of off-site improvements is required for an urban lot split.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Can I split my lot under SB 9 in Downey?

Downey's code: Each new lot must be at least 1,200 square feet. (Applies to each resulting lot.) (§ 9965.04); The lot being split must be at least 2,400 square feet. (Applies to the original lot.) (§ 9965.04).

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Downey property

Ask GoCodebook how Downey's lot splits under SB 9 rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

Ask your question

More on building on your lot in Downey

All building on your lot rules in Downey

Fences and walls in Downey

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Downey

RV and boat parking in Downey

Solar panels and EV chargers in Downey

Pets, chickens and bees in Downey

Building in a flood zone in Downey

Noise and construction hours in Downey

Outdoor lighting in Downey

Parking spaces required for homes in Downey

Signs on homes in Downey

Trash and recycling carts in Downey

Downey Municipal Code — full text