Santa Monica · Zoning · OS
Santa Monica OS zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Santa Monica's OS zone, buildings can be up to 28 ft (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 5,000 sq ft (Santa Monica code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 28 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft
- Minimum lot size: 5,000 sq ft
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.5
OS (Open Space District) is a zoning district in Santa Monica. Every value below was read from the Santa Monica Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.
Development standards in OS
The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.
| Maximum building height | 28 ft § 9.15.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Building Height (stories/ft.)”, column “OS”: 2/28'; 1/20' west of the centerline of Ocean Avenue and Barnard Way |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories § 9.15.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Building Height (stories/ft.)”, column “OS”: 2/28'; 1/20' west of the centerline of Ocean Avenue and Barnard Way |
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft § 9.15.030 · code textTable row “Street Frontage”, column “OS”: 20' |
| Minimum side setback | 10 ft § 9.15.030 · code textTable row “Interior Side and Rear”, column “OS”: 10' |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft § 9.15.030 · code textTable row “Interior Side and Rear”, column “OS”: 10' |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq ft § 9.15.030 · code textTable row “Minimum Parcel Size (sq. ft.)”, column “OS”: 5,000 |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 0.5 § 9.15.030 · code textTable row “Maximum FAR”, column “OS”: 0.5; 0.25 west of the centerline of Ocean Avenue and Barnard Way |
Uses in OS
Uses the code's use tables allow in OS, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Child care center — Allowed
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in OS:
- Maximum building height: 20 ft — west of the centerline of Ocean Avenue and Barnard Way § 9.15.030
- Maximum number of stories: 1 story — west of the centerline of Ocean Avenue and Barnard Way § 9.15.030
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.25 — west of the centerline of Ocean Avenue and Barnard Way § 9.15.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot coverage, density limit for OS in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Santa Monica Municipal Code.
Other Santa Monica zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Santa Monica's OS zone?
28 ft — Santa Monica Municipal Code § 9.15.030.
What is the maximum number of stories in Santa Monica's OS zone?
2 stories — Santa Monica Municipal Code § 9.15.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Santa Monica's OS zone?
20 ft — Santa Monica Municipal Code § 9.15.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Santa Monica's OS zone?
10 ft — Santa Monica Municipal Code § 9.15.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Santa Monica's OS zone?
10 ft — Santa Monica Municipal Code § 9.15.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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