Santa Monica · Land use · Duplex
Where is a duplex allowed in Santa Monica?
In Santa Monica, a duplex is allowed in 10 base zones (R1, R2, R3, R4, OP1 and 5 more, 2 with a condition) (Santa Monica use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: R1, R2, R3, R4, OP1, OPD, OP2, OP3 and 2 more
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Santa Monica Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a duplex can go
Santa Monica's code calls this use “Duplex”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| R1 Single-Unit Residential District | Allowed | § 9.07.020 |
| R2 | Allowed — see note Note *: For uses within specified areas, see Section 9.08.030(A) | § 9.08.020 |
| R3 | Allowed — see note Note *: For uses within specified areas, see Section 9.08.030(A) | § 9.08.020 |
| R4 | Allowed | § 9.08.020 |
| OP1 Ocean Park Neighborhood District OP1 | Allowed | § 9.09.020 |
| OPD Ocean Park Neighborhood District OPD | Allowed | § 9.09.020 |
| OP2 Ocean Park Neighborhood District OP2 | Allowed | § 9.09.020 |
| OP3 Ocean Park Neighborhood District OP3 | Allowed | § 9.09.020 |
| OP4 Ocean Park Neighborhood District OP4 | Allowed | § 9.09.020 |
| OF Oceanfront District | Allowed | § 9.14.020 |
What else applies
- Standards for this use: Section 9.31.125 (R1, OP1: Duplexes and Lot Splits on Parcels Zoned for Single-Unit Residential); Section 9.31.195 (Multiple-Unit Dwelling Projects).
- State law: SB 9 (Gov. Code § 65852.21) allows two homes on most single-family lots with a ministerial permit, also where this table says no.
- Not covered here: Chapter 9.51 use definitions (Community Assembly, Residential Care General/Limited/Senior, Child Care and Early Education Facility) are not in the packet; Section 9.08.030(A) (specified areas for R2/R3, header asterisk) not in packet; Section 9.31.x use standards not in packet; R2/R3 columns in S2 carry an asterisk meaning special rules in specified areas. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Santa Monica
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a duplex in the R1 zone in Santa Monica?
Yes. Santa Monica's use table lists it as allowed in R1 (Single-Unit Residential District) (§ 9.07.020).
General information, not legal advice.
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