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Rancho Palos Verdes · Building on your lot

Lot splits under SB 9 in Rancho Palos Verdes

Rancho Palos Verdes'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 Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Rancho Palos Verdes's code says

Rancho Palos Verdes code What Rancho Palos Verdes'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 (SB 9).
    § 16.40.040 · code text
    Neither resulting parcel shall be smaller than 40 percent of the lot area of the original parcel proposed for subdivision;
Unit size
  • Up to 800 square feet of floor area.
    Applies: SB 9 second unit or each unit of a two-unit project in the RS zone, on lots under 20,000 square feet.
    § 17.09.040 · code text
    a second unit, and both of the units in a two-unit development, may be up to 800 square feet in floor area.
  • Up to 1,000 square feet of floor area.
    Applies: SB 9 units on a lot of at least 20,000 square feet.
    § 17.09.040 · code text
    Second units, and both units in a two-unit development, that are constructed on a lot that is at least 20,000 square feet may be up to 1,000 square feet in floor area.
Minimum new lot size
  • Each new parcel must be at least 1,200 square feet.
    § 16.40.040 · code text
    Neither resulting parcel shall be smaller than 1,200 square feet;
Setbacks
  • At least 4 feet from side and rear lot lines.
    Applies: Applies in all cases except an existing structure or a unit rebuilt in the same place and size.
    § 17.09.040 · code text
    In all other circumstances, second units, and both units of a two-unit development, shall be set back at least four feet from the side and rear lot lines.
  • No setback beyond the existing setback.
    Applies: Applies to an existing structure or a unit rebuilt in the same place and to the same size.
    § 17.09.040 · code text
    No setback beyond the existing setback shall be required for an existing structure or for a unit constructed in the same location and to the same dimensions as an existing structure.
  • A front setback of at least 25 feet.
    Applies: Applies when a detached second unit cannot be built behind the main home and is built in front or to the side.
    § 17.09.040 · code text
    then it may be built in front or to the side of the primary residence subject to a minimum front setback of 25 feet.
Standards
  • No more than 2 new parcels of about equal lot area.
    § 16.40.040 · code text
    An urban lot split shall subdivide an existing parcel to create no more than two new parcels of approximately equal lot area, provided that:
  • No taller than 16 feet and 1 story.
    Applies: Applies to SB 9 second units and two-unit projects.
    § 17.09.040 · code text
    shall be no taller than 16 feet in height as measured from adjacent pre-construction grade and shall be one-story.
  • Units must be 10 feet apart from the main house or from each other.
    Applies: Applies to detached SB 9 units in a very high fire hazard severity zone.
    § 17.09.040 · code text
    must maintain a ten-foot separation from the primary residence or each other, as applicable.
  • Grading is limited to 200 cubic yards in total.
    Applies: Sloping lots; grading only to notch units into the slope, except for fire safety or access.
    § 17.09.040 · code text
    grading shall be limited to a combined total of 200 cubic yards, provided the proposed grading is limited to notching the units into the existing slope
  • Only 1 driveway approach per lot.
    Applies: Applies to lots created by an urban lot split.
    § 16.40.040 · code text
    Lots created through an urban lot split shall only have one driveway approach per lot.
  • Allowed only in the RS zoning district.
    Applies: Applies to SB 9 second units and two-unit projects.
    § 17.09.030 · code text
    Shall be located in the RS zoning district;
Owner occupancy
  • Owner signs an affidavit to live in one unit as their main home for at least 3 years from approval.
    Applies: Applies to an urban lot split; not to a community land trust or qualified nonprofit corporation.
    § 16.40.040 · code text
    The owner intends to occupy a residential dwelling unit on one of the parcels created by the urban lot split as their primary residence for a minimum of three years from the date of the approval of the urban lot split.
Parking
  • 1 new off-street parking space.
    Applies: Each SB 9 unit, plus existing spaces; none within a 1/2-mile walk of high-quality transit or a major stop, or 1 block of car share.
    § 17.09.040 · code text
    One new off-street parking space, either enclosed or open, is required for a second unit and for each unit of a two-unit development.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Can I split my lot under SB 9 in Rancho Palos Verdes?

Rancho Palos Verdes's code: Neither new parcel may be smaller than 40% of the original lot area. (Applies to an urban lot split (SB 9).) (§ 16.40.040); Up to 800 square feet of floor area. (SB 9 second unit or each unit of a two-unit project in the RS zone, on lots under 20,000 square feet.) (§ 17.09.040).

General information, not legal advice.

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Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code — full text