Santa Monica · Building on your lot

Building on your lot in Santa Monica

Santa Monica sets its own limits on fences, hedges, accessory buildings and home businesses. Limits differ inside the Downtown Community Plan Area, and the city lists businesses that may not run from a home.

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Key points

Fence height: Outside Downtown, front-setback hedges, fences and walls are limited to 42 inches; side and rear setback fences and walls, 8 feet.
Accessory height: Carports, gazebos and similar structures are limited to 14 feet; accessory buildings over 1 story or 14 feet, 24 feet and 650 sq ft.
Home businesses: A home business may have at most 6 client visits in 24 hours, and only residents may be employees, with listed exceptions.

Each rule below is marked Santa Monica code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

Fences and walls

Santa Monica code What Santa Monica's code adds
Front yard height	Hedges, fences and walls can be at most 42 inches tall. Applies: In the front setback, between the front or street-side line and the building or setback line. Outside the Downtown Community Plan Area. § 9.21.050 · code text Hedges, fences and walls: 42 inches in height. One pergola or similar feature, at most 8 feet tall, 8 feet wide and 3 feet deep. Applies: In the front setback. A pergola is not a fence or wall. § 9.21.050 · code text One pergola or similar feature: 8 feet in height and width and 3 feet in depth. Ornaments on top of a fence or wall can rise up to 12 inches above the height limit. Applies: In the front setback. Each ornament is at most 12 inches wide and at least 5 feet from the next. § 9.21.050 · code text Ornamental attachments atop a fence or wall: 12 inches above the maximum height limit with a maximum width of 12 inches for each attachment and a minimum distance of 5 feet between each attachment.
Side and rear yard height	Fences and walls can be at most 8 feet tall. Applies: In side and rear setbacks, outside the Downtown Community Plan Area. § 9.21.050 · code text Fences and walls: 8 feet. Hedges can be at most 12 feet tall. Applies: In side and rear setbacks, outside the Downtown Community Plan Area. No limit for hedges within 10 feet of an alley. § 9.21.050 · code text Hedges: 12 feet, except that there is no height limit for hedges adjacent to and located within 10 feet of an alley, measured perpendicularly from the side or rear property line that is adjacent to the alley. No height limit. Applies: For hedges next to an alley and within 10 feet of it. § 9.21.050 · code text Hedges: 12 feet, except that there is no height limit for hedges adjacent to and located within 10 feet of an alley, measured perpendicularly from the side or rear property line that is adjacent to the alley. Fences, walls and hedges can be at most 5 feet tall. Applies: Downtown Community Plan Area only, at or behind building front. Walls and fences over 42 inches at least 50% see-through. Not on street-facing line. § 9.21.050 · code text At or behind the building frontage: 5 feet in height. Walls and fences above 42 inches in height shall be a minimum of 50% visually transparent.

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures

Santa Monica code What Santa Monica's code adds
Maximum height	Accessory structures can be at most 14 feet tall. Applies: For structures such as carports, gazebos, cabanas and mechanical equipment. Garages and sheds have separate limits. § 9.21.020 · code text Accessory structures greater than 14 feet in height are not permitted. At most 2 stories or 24 feet tall. Applies: For accessory buildings over 1 story or 14 feet in Residential Districts. § 9.21.020 · code text The accessory building shall not exceed 2 stories or 24 feet in height. At most 1 story and 11 feet tall with a flat roof. Applies: For a private garage in the front setback of a sloped lot: ground 50 feet back differs 12 feet or more from the curb. § 9.21.020 · code text a private garage, not exceeding one story nor 11 feet in height for a flat roof and one story nor 14 feet in height for a pitched roof At most 1 story and 14 feet tall with a pitched roof. Applies: For a private garage in the front setback of a sloped lot: ground 50 feet back differs 12 feet or more from the curb. § 9.21.020 · code text a private garage, not exceeding one story nor 11 feet in height for a flat roof and one story nor 14 feet in height for a pitched roof At most 11 feet tall with a flat roof. Applies: For a garage in an OP District with a grade difference of 10 feet or more, set back to the average of nearby garages. § 9.21.020 · code text the height does not exceed 11 feet for a flat roof and 14 feet for a pitched roof. At most 14 feet tall with a pitched roof. Applies: For a garage in an OP District with a grade difference of 10 feet or more, set back to the average of nearby garages. § 9.21.020 · code text the height does not exceed 11 feet for a flat roof and 14 feet for a pitched roof.
Size or lot coverage	At most 650 square feet of total floor area, including any garage area. Applies: For accessory buildings over 1 story or 14 feet in Residential Districts. Accessory dwelling units are exempt. § 9.21.020 · code text The total floor area of an accessory building that exceeds 14 feet or one story in height shall not exceed 650 square feet including any area approved for use as a garage. A second floor can be at most 250 square feet. Applies: For accessory buildings over 1 story or 14 feet in Residential Districts. § 9.21.020 · code text No accessory building shall have a second floor that exceeds 250 square feet in size. Can take up no more than 50% of the width of the front lot line. Applies: For a private garage in the front setback of a sloped lot: ground 50 feet back differs 12 feet or more from the curb. § 9.21.020 · code text and does not occupy more than 50% of the width of the front parcel line. Roof decks, landings, walkways and balconies can be at most 35 square feet. Applies: On accessory buildings in the R1 District, for first-story roof decks and upper walkways. Accessory dwelling units are excluded. § 9.21.020 · code text shall not exceed 35 square feet in area
Side and rear setback	At least 5 feet from the rear lot line. Applies: For accessory buildings no taller than 14 feet in the rear setback, in Residential Districts. § 9.21.020 · code text Accessory buildings no more than 14 feet in height may be located in the rear setback but shall be located at least 5 feet from the rear parcel line. At least 5 feet from the rear lot line next to the alley. Applies: For garages with vehicle access from an alley. § 9.21.020 · code text Where vehicle access is taken from an alley, garages shall be set back at least 5 feet from the rear parcel line abutting said alley. At least 15 feet from the centerline of a rear alley. Applies: For accessory buildings in the rear setback. § 9.21.020 · code text Accessory buildings may be located in the rear setback and shall be located at least 15 feet from the centerline of a rear alley. At least 5 feet from the side lot line of any key lot. Applies: For accessory buildings on a reversed corner lot. § 9.21.020 · code text nor be located nearer than 5 feet to the side parcel line of any key parcel. Same side setback as the main building, but never less than 5 feet. Applies: For accessory buildings over 1 story or 14 feet in Residential Districts. § 9.21.020 · code text The accessory building shall have the same minimum side setback requirement as the principal building on the parcel, but in no case less than 5 feet. No closer than 5 feet to the rear property line. Applies: For the second-story part of an accessory building directly above the garage. § 9.21.020 · code text The second story portion of an accessory building that is directly above the garage may extend into the required rear setback but shall be no closer than 5 feet from the rear property line At least 25 feet from the nearest side property line. Applies: For first-story roof decks, landings, upper walkways and balconies in the R1 District. § 9.21.020 · code text must be set back at least 25 feet from the side property line closest to the structure At least 25 feet from the rear property line. Applies: For first-story roof decks, landings, upper walkways and balconies in the R1 District. § 9.21.020 · code text and at least 25 feet from the rear property line.
Distance from the house	An accessory building less than 4 feet from the main building counts as part of it. Also if joined by fully enclosed space. Does not apply to accessory dwelling units. § 9.21.020 · code text an accessory building shall be considered part of the principal building if the accessory building is located less than four feet from the principal building

Running a business from home

Santa Monica code What Santa Monica's code adds
Customer visits	No more than 6 client visits in any 24-hour period. § 9.31.160 · code text A maximum of 6 client visits is allowed during any 24 hour period.
Employees	No employees other than residents of the home may work or gather there for the business. Applies: Babysitters, domestic staff and cottage food operations are exceptions. § 9.31.160 · code text No employees other than residents of the dwelling unit shall be allowed to work, gather or congregate on the premises in connection with a home occupation, with the exception of babysitters, domestic staff, or cottage food operations as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 113758.
Permit	Zoning Conformance Review is required. Applies: To start a home business. § 9.31.160 · code text The establishment of a home occupation requires Zoning Conformance Review, pursuant to the procedures of Chapter 9.38, Zoning Conformance Review, to ensure consistency with all of the standards of this Section. A business license is required. Applies: For every home business operator. § 9.31.160 · code text Every operator of a home occupation shall obtain and maintain a business license pursuant to Chapter 6.04 of the Municipal Code. No Zoning Conformance Review is needed. Applies: For an approved home business moving to another unit on the same lot. § 9.31.160 · code text Zoning Conformance Review shall not be required for any existing approved home occupation relocating to another unit on the same parcel.
Businesses not allowed	Ambulance service; animal hospitals or grooming facilities; automotive and other vehicle repair (body or mechanical), upholstery, painting or storage; barber or beauty shops; carpentry or cabinet making; contractor storage yards; firearms manufacture, sales, or repair; furniture refinishing or upholstery; junkyards; restaurants; sexually-oriented businesses; spas and retreat centers; tattoo studios; welding or machine operation; and other uses the Director determines to be similar to those listed above, or which by operation or nature are not incidental to or compatible with residential activities § 9.31.160 · code text The following uses shall not be permitted as home occupations: Dancing schools, exercise and yoga studios Applies: Except one-on-one training or teaching that does not exceed 6 clients within 24 hours § 9.31.160 · code text Dancing schools, exercise and yoga studios, except one-on-one training or teaching that does not exceed 6 clients within 24 hours. Massage establishments Applies: Except for a massage technician who is certified by the State of California and meets all other applicable requirements for and holds a valid permit issued under Chapter 6.104 of the Municipal Code § 9.31.160 · code text Massage establishments, except for a massage technician who is certified by the State of California and meets all other applicable requirements for and holds a valid permit issued under Chapter 6.104 of the Municipal Code. Medical offices, clinics, and laboratories Applies: Except for psychologists, speech therapists, acupuncturists, and other professionals with one-on-one counseling, therapy, or treatment that do not exceed 6 clients within 24 hours § 9.31.160 · code text Medical offices, clinics, and laboratories, except for psychologists, speech therapists, acupuncturists, and other professionals with one-on-one counseling, therapy, or treatment that do not exceed 6 clients within 24 hours.

RV and boat parking

Santa Monica code What Santa Monica's code adds
Size limit	Vehicles over 8 feet wide or high, or 20 feet long: no street parking 9 p.m.-6 a.m. without a permit. Also applies to trailers of any size, on public streets and alleys. § 3.12.860 · code text Between the hours of nine p.m. and six a.m. on any public street or alley in the City no person shall park any hitched or unhitched trailer of any size, or any vehicle of which any part of the vehicle, together with all fixtures, accessories or property with the exception of single post radio antennas, measures more than eight feet in width, or eight feet in height, or twenty feet in length, unless such person shall have a permit for such trailer or vehicle.
Parking on the street	No parking from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. without a permit. Applies: Trailers of any size, and vehicles over 8 feet wide, 8 feet high or 20 feet long, on public streets and alleys. § 3.12.860 · code text Between the hours of nine p.m. and six a.m. on any public street or alley in the City no person shall park any hitched or unhitched trailer of any size, or any vehicle of which any part of the vehicle, together with all fixtures, accessories or property with the exception of single post radio antennas, measures more than eight feet in width, or eight feet in height, or twenty feet in length, unless such person shall have a permit for such trailer or vehicle. Trailers may not park on a street or alley unless hitched to a vehicle that can move them. Applies: Exceptions: while loading or unloading, or with a city permit. § 3.12.880 · code text In the process of being loaded or unloaded

Solar panels and EV chargers

Santa Monica code What Santa Monica's code adds
Solar height and setbacks	Up to 5 feet above the District height limit. Applies: Applies to photovoltaic solar systems on single-unit properties. § 9.21.150 · code text Photovoltaic solar energy systems may extend up to 5 feet above the height limit in the District in which it is located. Up to 7 feet above the District height limit. Applies: Applies to solar water or pool heating systems on single-unit properties. § 9.21.150 · code text Solar water or swimming pool heating systems may extend up to 7 feet above the height limit in the District in which it is located; Up to 5 feet above the roof surface. Applies: Applies to photovoltaic solar systems on all other properties. § 9.21.150 · code text Photovoltaic solar energy systems may extend up to 5 feet above the roof surface on which they are installed, even if this exceeds the maximum height limit in the District in which it is located. Up to 7 feet above the roof surface. Applies: Applies to solar water or pool heating systems on all other properties. § 9.21.150 · code text Solar water or swimming pool heating systems may extend up to 7 feet above the roof surface on which they are installed even if this exceeds the maximum height limit in the District in which it is located. At least 2 feet from any property line. Applies: Applies to solar equipment, other than collector panels, in the required side and rear setback. § 9.21.150 · code text Excluding solar collector panels, solar energy system equipment may be installed within the required side and rear setback but shall not be closer than 2 feet to any property line. Up to 14 feet above the District height limit. Applies: Applies to installations approved through alternative review that do not meet the stated standards. § 9.21.150 · code text These reviewing bodies may authorize installations that exceed the height limit in the applicable District by a maximum of 14 feet.
Solar permit process	Exempt from Architectural Review Board review and approval. Applies: Applies to solar systems on existing buildings that meet the section's standards. § 9.21.150 · code text Solar energy systems proposed on existing buildings shall be exempt from review and approval by the Architectural Review Board, provided that the installations meet the standards in this Section.

Swimming pools

Santa Monica code What Santa Monica's code adds
Pool barrier	No opening larger than 4 inches in any direction. Applies: Applies to all pool enclosures, new and existing. § 8.12.150 · code text with no opening therein more than four inches in maximum dimensions. A masonry wall or solid fence at least 6 feet tall must screen the pool on that side. Applies: Pool or spa in a Residential District less than 30 feet from any parcel line. § 9.21.160 · code text where located less than 30 feet to any parcel line, shall be screened by a masonry wall or solid fence not less than 6 feet in height on the side facing such parcel line
Barrier height	At least five feet above adjacent grade Applies: New enclosures around pools, spas, hot tubs and ponds eighteen inches or more deep; enclosures permitted before July 1, 1999 may be four and one-half feet § 8.12.150 · code text Every person, firm or corporation owning land on which there is situated a swimming pool, spa, hot tub, pond or other body of water which contains water eighteen inches or more in depth at any point shall completely surround such body of water or property with a fence, wall or other structure not less than five feet above the adjacent grade at all places
Equipment and alarms	Filters and pumps not in front or side setbacks; all equipment enclosed so no other parcel can hear it. Applies: Applies to a pool or spa in a Residential District. § 9.21.160 · code text Swimming pool or spa filtration equipment and pumps shall not be located in the front or side setback. All equipment shall be mounted and enclosed so that its sound is not audible from any other parcel.
Gates	Latch at least 5 feet above the ground. The gate must self-close and be secured when no adults are present. Applies: Applies to a new enclosure. § 8.12.150 · code text Any gate in such fence shall have a latch at least five feet above the underlying ground and such gate shall be self-closing and secured when adults are not present. The latch must be at least four and one-half feet above the underlying ground; the gate must be self-closing and secured when adults are not present. Applies: existing enclosure constructed under valid permit issued prior to July 1, 1999 § 8.12.150 · code text Any gate in such fence shall have a latch at least four and one- half feet above the underlying ground and such gate shall be self-closing and secured when adults are not present.

Pets, chickens and bees

Santa Monica code What Santa Monica's code adds
Bees	Yes, no more than 2 hives. Applies: Applies to single-family residential property. § 4.04.130 · code text No more than two hives may be maintained on any single-family residential property. At least 5 feet from all property lines. Applies: Single-family lots; entrances face away from or parallel to the nearest line; bees clear a 6-foot barrier or hive at least 8 feet up. § 4.04.130 · code text Hives shall be located at least five feet from all property lines.
Large animals	Pigs, bulls or billy goats need a permit; never within 300 feet of any R or C district. § 4.04.100 · code text No person shall keep any pigs, bulls, or billy goats within the City unless such person first shall have obtained a permit from the Animal Control Officer so to do and in no event shall any person keep any hog, bull, or billy goat within three hundred feet of any "R" or "C" district as defined in Article 9 of this Code.
Permit	Registration with the City's Animal Control Office is required. Applies: Applies to keeping any beehive on single-family residential property. § 4.04.130 · code text Any person intending to maintain any bee hive on any single-family residential property within the City must first register with the City's Animal Control Office.
Pet limit	Up to 4 dogs over 4 months old. Applies: Per dwelling. Service dogs are not counted. § 4.04.145 · code text No person shall keep or maintain in any dwelling more than four dogs over four months of age. Up to 5 cats over 4 months old. Applies: Per dwelling. § 4.04.145 · code text No person shall keep or maintain in any dwelling more than five cats over four months of age.

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

How tall can a fence be in Santa Monica?

Outside Downtown, front-setback hedges, fences and walls are limited to 42 inches; side and rear setback fences and walls, 8 feet.

How big can a shed or accessory building be in Santa Monica?

Carports, gazebos and similar structures are limited to 14 feet; accessory buildings over 1 story or 14 feet, 24 feet and 650 sq ft.

Can I run a business from my home in Santa Monica?

A home business may have at most 6 client visits in 24 hours, and only residents may be employees, with listed exceptions.

Can I park an RV or boat at my home in Santa Monica?

Santa Monica's code: Vehicles over 8 feet wide or high, or 20 feet long: no street parking 9 p.m.-6 a.m. without a permit. (Also applies to trailers of any size, on public streets and alleys.) (§ 3.12.860); No parking from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. without a permit. (Trailers of any size, and vehicles over 8 feet wide, 8 feet high or 20 feet long, on public streets and alleys.) (§ 3.12.860).

Do I need a permit for solar panels or an EV charger in Santa Monica?

Santa Monica's code: Up to 5 feet above the District height limit. (Applies to photovoltaic solar systems on single-unit properties.) (§ 9.21.150); Up to 7 feet above the District height limit. (Applies to solar water or pool heating systems on single-unit properties.) (§ 9.21.150).

What are the pool fence and setback rules in Santa Monica?

Santa Monica's code: No opening larger than 4 inches in any direction. (Applies to all pool enclosures, new and existing.) (§ 8.12.150); At least five feet above adjacent grade (New enclosures around pools, spas, hot tubs and ponds eighteen inches or more deep; enclosures permitted before July 1, 1999 may be four and one-half feet) (§ 8.12.150).

Can I keep chickens or bees at my home in Santa Monica?

Santa Monica's code: Yes, no more than 2 hives. (Applies to single-family residential property.) (§ 4.04.130); At least 5 feet from all property lines. (Single-family lots; entrances face away from or parallel to the nearest line; bees clear a 6-foot barrier or hive at least 8 feet up.) (§ 4.04.130).

General information, not legal advice.

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