Duarte · Land use · Duplex
Where is a duplex allowed in Duarte?
In Duarte, a duplex is allowed in 9 base zones (R-1, R-1A, R-1B, R-1D, R-1E and 4 more, 6 with a condition) (Duarte use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: R-1, R-1A, R-1B, R-1D, R-1E, R-1F, R-2, R-3 and 1 more
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Duarte Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a duplex can go
Duarte's code calls this use “Two-Family Dwellings (Duplex)”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| R-1 R-1 Single-Family Residential (6,500 sf min lot) | Allowed — see note Note 19.10.035: Specific Use Regulations: 'See 19.10.035 (Duplex Developments in Single-Family Residential Zones)'. That section says its purpose is to allow duplex developments in single-family zones 'in accordance with Government Code Section 65852.21', reviewed ministerially, and lists conditions (single-family zone, legally subdivided lot, not historic, no demolition of protected housing, and others). | Article 2 — ZONES, ALLOWABLE USES, AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
| R-1A R-1A Single-Family Residential (7,500 sf min lot) | Allowed — see note Note 19.10.035: Specific Use Regulations: 'See 19.10.035 (Duplex Developments in Single-Family Residential Zones)'. That section says its purpose is to allow duplex developments in single-family zones 'in accordance with Government Code Section 65852.21', reviewed ministerially, and lists conditions (single-family zone, legally subdivided lot, not historic, no demolition of protected housing, and others). | Article 2 — ZONES, ALLOWABLE USES, AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
| R-1B R-1B Single-Family Residential (10,000 sf min lot) | Allowed — see note Note 19.10.035: Specific Use Regulations: 'See 19.10.035 (Duplex Developments in Single-Family Residential Zones)'. That section says its purpose is to allow duplex developments in single-family zones 'in accordance with Government Code Section 65852.21', reviewed ministerially, and lists conditions (single-family zone, legally subdivided lot, not historic, no demolition of protected housing, and others). | Article 2 — ZONES, ALLOWABLE USES, AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
| R-1D R-1D Single-Family Residential (20,000 sf, hillside) | Allowed — see note Note 19.10.035: Specific Use Regulations: 'See 19.10.035 (Duplex Developments in Single-Family Residential Zones)'. That section says its purpose is to allow duplex developments in single-family zones 'in accordance with Government Code Section 65852.21', reviewed ministerially, and lists conditions (single-family zone, legally subdivided lot, not historic, no demolition of protected housing, and others). | Article 2 — ZONES, ALLOWABLE USES, AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
| R-1E R-1E Single-Family Residential (20,000 sf, non-hillside) | Allowed — see note Note 19.10.035: Specific Use Regulations: 'See 19.10.035 (Duplex Developments in Single-Family Residential Zones)'. That section says its purpose is to allow duplex developments in single-family zones 'in accordance with Government Code Section 65852.21', reviewed ministerially, and lists conditions (single-family zone, legally subdivided lot, not historic, no demolition of protected housing, and others). | Article 2 — ZONES, ALLOWABLE USES, AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
| R-1F R-1F Single-Family Residential (80,000 sf min lot) | Allowed — see note Note 19.10.035: Specific Use Regulations: 'See 19.10.035 (Duplex Developments in Single-Family Residential Zones)'. That section says its purpose is to allow duplex developments in single-family zones 'in accordance with Government Code Section 65852.21', reviewed ministerially, and lists conditions (single-family zone, legally subdivided lot, not historic, no demolition of protected housing, and others). | Article 2 — ZONES, ALLOWABLE USES, AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
| R-2 R-2 Two-Family Residential (Medium Density) | Allowed | Article 2 — ZONES, ALLOWABLE USES, AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
| R-3 R-3 Multiple-Family Residential (Medium Density) | Allowed | Article 2 — ZONES, ALLOWABLE USES, AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
| R-4 R-4 Multiple-Family Residential (High Density) | Allowed | Article 2 — ZONES, ALLOWABLE USES, AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
What else applies
- Standards for this use: §19.10.035 Duplex Developments in single-family residential zones.
- In the six R-1 zones the permission is the state-law duplex process of §19.10.035 (ministerial, conditions in 19.10.035 E). R-2, R-3, R-4 have no such pointer.
- State law: SB 9 (Gov. Code § 65852.21) allows two homes on most single-family lots with a ministerial permit, also where this table says no.
- Not covered here: Table 2-2 (R-3, R-4, R-MH) stops after 'Residential Care Facility - Large': the Other Uses / Agriculture rows (religious assembly, private school, horse keeping, horticulture) are not in the packet; Specific plan zones (Table 2-15); Article 9 definitions (Small vs Large residential care, day care, educational institution) and §19.60.080, §19.60.100, §19.60.140. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Duarte
Who this affects
HomeownersBuyersReal estate agentsSmall developers
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a duplex in the R-1 zone in Duarte?
Yes, with a condition. Duarte's use table lists it as allowed in R-1 (R-1 Single-Family Residential (6,500 sf min lot)) (Article 2 — ZONES, ALLOWABLE USES, AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS). The code adds a condition: “Specific Use Regulations: 'See 19.10.035 (Duplex Developments in Single-Family Residential Zones)'. That section says its purpose is to allow duplex developments in single-family zones 'in accordance with Government…”
General information, not legal advice.
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