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Montclair · Building on your lot

Lot splits under SB 9 in Montclair

Each new lot must be 40% to 60% of an original lot of at least 2,400 square feet, and at least 1,200 square feet.

Key points

  • SB 9 lot splits: Each new lot must be 40% to 60% of an original lot of at least 2,400 square feet, and at least 1,200 square feet.

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

What Montclair's code says

Montclair code What Montclair's code adds
How the lot may be divided
  • Each new lot must be between 40% and 60% of the original lot.
    Applies: Original lot of at least 2,400 square feet.
    § 11.87.050 · code text
    Each of the resulting lots must be between 60 percent and 40 percent of the original lots.
Minimum new lot size
  • Each new lot must be at least 1,200 square feet.
    § 11.87.050 · code text
    The resulting lots must each be at least 1,200 SF.
Standards
  • Any standard that would block up to 2 units, or keep either unit under 800 square feet, is set aside.
    Applies: Standards that physically block up to 2 units or a unit of at least 800 square feet.
    § 11.87.130 · code text
    Any standard that would have the effect of physically precluding the construction of up to two units or that would physically preclude either of the two units from being at least 800 SF in floor area must be set aside.
  • Waived in order until 2 units of 800 square feet fit: coverage, FAR, open space, tree preservation, articulation, second-floor setback.
    § 11.87.130 · code text
    1. Lot Coverage; 2. Floor Area Ratio; 3. Open Space; 4. Tree Preservation; 5. Articulation; and 6. Second Floor Setback.
  • Driveway access to a rear lot must be at least 12 feet wide with a prepared surface.
    Applies: Rear lots.
    § 11.87.120 · code text
    Driveway access to a rear lot shall be at least 12 feet wide, and constructed of a prepared surface such as concrete, brick/pavers, or asphalt.
  • All dwelling sides must be within a 150-foot hose pull of the street or an onsite hydrant or standpipe.
    Applies: All dwellings on the site.
    § 11.87.120 · code text
    All sides of all dwellings on the site must be within a 150-foot hose-pull distance from either the public right-of-way or an onsite fire hydrant or standpipe.
  • A paved fire access driveway at least 20 feet wide.
    Applies: New parcels with structures beyond a 150-foot hose pull.
    § 11.87.120 · code text
    A new parcel with structures exceeding a 150-foot hose-pull distance shall comply with Fire Marshal requirements, including, but not limited to, the provision of a minimum 20-foot wide paved access route/driveway for emergency Fire Department access.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Can I split my lot under SB 9 in Montclair?

Each new lot must be 40% to 60% of an original lot of at least 2,400 square feet, and at least 1,200 square feet.

General information, not legal advice.

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

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