Lot splits under SB 9 in El Monte: the local rules

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

What El Monte's code says

El Monte code What El Monte's code adds
How the lot may be divided	Neither new lot may be smaller than 40% of the original lot's area. Applies: Applies to an urban lot split. § 16.25.030 · code text One parcel shall not be smaller than forty (40) percent of the lot area of the original parcel proposed for subdivision.
Minimum new lot size	At least 1,200 square feet. Applies: Applies to both new lots. § 16.25.030 · code text Both newly created parcels shall have a minimum size of one thousand two hundred (1,200) square feet.
Standards	Urban lot splits are allowed only in the R-1A and R-1B zones. Applies: Zones where lot splits are allowed. § 16.25.030 · code text Urban lot splits shall only be permitted in One-Family Dwelling (R-1A and R-1B) zoning districts. No more than 2 lots. Applies: A parcel map that divides an existing lot. § 16.25.030 · code text The parcel map subdividing an existing parcel shall create no more than two (2) parcels. Split line parallels the street lot line; if that line curves, the split line may match it or be straight. Applies: Shape of the new lots. § 16.25.030 · code text The lot split line shall be parallel (i.e. a straight line) to the street property line. If the street property line curves, the lot split line may have the same or similar curve radius or may be straight; and A recorded access easement must give the rear lot access to the street. Applies: Applies to the rear lot. § 16.25.030 · code text An access easement shall be recorded providing street access for the rear parcel. No more than 2 units, counting main homes, ADUs, junior ADUs and urban dwellings. Applies: Each lot created by an urban lot split. § 16.25.030 · code text More than two (2) units are not permitted on a parcel created through an urban lot split. Only residential uses are allowed. Applies: A lot created by an urban lot split. § 16.25.030 · code text Only residential uses shall be allowed on a lot created by an urban lot split. New homes on either lot must follow the city's urban dwelling standards. Applies: Any new home built on either new lot. § 16.25.030 · code text Any new dwelling constructed on either of the new parcels shall be limited to an urban dwelling as outlined in Section 17.110.110 (Standards for Specific Residential Uses—Urban Dwellings) of Title 17 (Zoning Code).
Owner occupancy	At least 3 years, stated in a signed affidavit. Applies: The applicant must live in one unit as their main home; the owner must allow an inspection every 6 months for the first 3 years. § 16.25.030 · code text The applicant for an urban lot split shall sign an affidavit stating they intend to occupy one of the dwelling units as their principal residence for a minimum of three (3) years from the date of the approval of the urban lot split.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I split my lot under SB 9 in El Monte?

El Monte's code: At least 1,200 square feet. (Applies to both new lots.) (§ 16.25.030); At least 3 years, stated in a signed affidavit. (The applicant must live in one unit as their main home; the owner must allow an inspection every 6 months for the first 3 years.) (§ 16.25.030).

Lot splits under SB 9 in El Monte

What El Monte's code says

Who this affects

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