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Imperial Beach · Building on your lot

Lot splits under SB 9 in Imperial Beach

Imperial Beach's own rules on lot splits under sb 9, with the code text for every value, and the state law underneath.

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

What Imperial Beach's code says

Imperial Beach code What Imperial Beach's code adds
How the lot may be divided
  • Neither new parcel may be smaller than 40% of the original lot area.
    Applies: Applies to an urban lot split into no more than 2 parcels of about equal area.
    § 18.54.050 · code text
    one parcel shall not be smaller than 40% of the lot area of the original parcel proposed for subdivision.
Unit size
  • Each unit may be no more than 800 square feet of floor area, not counting parking.
    Applies: Applies to units in an urban lot split subdivision.
    § 18.54.050 · code text
    Unit size shall be not greater than 800 square feet in floor area not inclusive of parking.
  • 1 more unit of no more than 800 square feet.
    Applies: Applies to a parcel with an existing single-family home.
    § 18.54.160 · code text
    one additional unit of not more than 800 square feet in floor area may be developed pursuant to this section.
  • 2 units of no more than 800 square feet each.
    Applies: Applies to a parcel with no existing home, or where the existing home will be demolished.
    § 18.54.160 · code text
    two units of not more than 800 square feet in floor area each may be developed pursuant to this section.
Minimum new lot size
  • Both new parcels must be at least 1,200 square feet.
    § 18.54.050 · code text
    Both newly created parcels shall be no smaller than 1,200 square feet.
Standards
  • No more than 16 feet high and 1 story.
    Applies: Applies to units built on an urban lot split subdivision.
    § 18.54.050 · code text
    Units constructed on an urban lot split subdivision approved pursuant to this chapter shall not exceed 16 feet in height and one story
  • Lot frontage and width must be at least 40% of the original lot frontage and width.
    Applies: Applies to lots in an urban lot split.
    § 18.54.050 · code text
    Lot frontage and lot width shall be no less than 40% of the original lot frontage and original lot width.
  • Each unit must be at least 10 feet from any other structure on the parcel.
    Applies: Attached or connected units are allowed if building code and separate sale requirements are met.
    § 18.54.160 · code text
    Each unit in a two-unit residential development shall be separated by a distance of at least ten feet from any other structure on the parcel
  • Must meet all objective zoning, subdivision and design review standards of the underlying zone.
    Applies: Applies to lots from an urban lot split; standards are eased only as needed to allow 2 units of 800 square feet.
    § 18.54.060 · code text
    Development proposed on lots created by an urban lot split subdivision shall comply with all objective zoning standards, objective subdivision standards, and objective design review standards applicable to the parcel based on the underlying zoning
  • No more than 2 units in total on any parcel created by an urban lot split.
    Applies: Applies to parcels created by urban lot split procedures.
    § 18.54.050 · code text
    no more than two total units are allowed on any single parcel created using urban lot split subdivision procedures.
Owner occupancy
  • The applicant must live in one unit as their main home for at least 3 years.
    Applies: Applies to the applicant for an urban lot split, counted from approval.
    § 18.54.030 · code text
    the applicant intends to occupy one of the housing units as their principal residence for a minimum of three years from the date of the approval of the urban lot split.
  • No owner-occupancy affidavit is required.
    Applies: Applies to a community land trust or qualified nonprofit corporation.
    § 18.54.030 · code text
    An affidavit shall not be required of an applicant that is either a "community land trust" or a "qualified nonprofit corporation" as defined in the Revenue and Taxation Code.
Parking
  • Up to 1 off-street parking space per unit.
    Applies: Applies to lots outside the coastal zone.
    § 18.54.050 · code text
    off-street parking of up to one space per unit is required
  • No parking is required.
    Applies: Lots outside the coastal zone within a 1/2-mile walk of a high-quality transit corridor or major transit stop.
    § 18.54.050 · code text
    The parcel is located within one-half mile walking distance of either a high-quality transit corridor as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 21155 of the Public Resources Code, or a major transit stop as defined in Section 21064.3 of the Public Resources Code.
  • No parking is required.
    Applies: Lots outside the coastal zone with a car share vehicle within 1 block.
    § 18.54.050 · code text
    There is a car share vehicle located within one block of the parcel.

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

Can I split my lot under SB 9 in Imperial Beach?

Imperial Beach's code: Neither new parcel may be smaller than 40% of the original lot area. (Applies to an urban lot split into no more than 2 parcels of about equal area.) (§ 18.54.050); Each unit may be no more than 800 square feet of floor area, not counting parking. (Applies to units in an urban lot split subdivision.) (§ 18.54.050).

General information, not legal advice.

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