Santa Monica · Zoning · R1
Santa Monica R1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Santa Monica's R1 zone, generally 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, with the conditions listed below (Santa Monica code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 28 ft (Parcels up to 20,000 sq. ft. in area; no wall height above 23 ft.)
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft (If not specified by Official Districting Map)
- Minimum side setback: 10% of parcel width, or 3.5 ft., whichever is greater (One-story structure less than 18 ft. in height; no more than 15 ft. required)
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft
- Minimum lot size: 5,000 sq ft
- Maximum density: 1 unit per parcel
R1 (Single-Unit Residential 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 R1
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 Applies: Parcels up to 20,000 sq. ft. in area; no wall height above 23 ft. § 9.07.030 · code textTable row “Parcels up to 20,000 sq. ft. in area”, column “R1”: 28 ft with no wall height above 23 ft. |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories § 9.07.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Number of Stories”, column “R1”: 2 |
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft Applies: If not specified by Official Districting Map § 9.07.030 · code textTable row “Front”, column “R1”: Per Official Districting Map or 20 ft. if not specified |
| Minimum side setback | 10% of parcel width, or 3.5 ft., whichever is greater Applies: One-story structure less than 18 ft. in height; no more than 15 ft. required § 9.07.030 · code textTable row “Side - One-story structure less than 18 ft. in height”, column “R1”: 10% of parcel width or 3.5 ft., whichever is greater, but no more than 15 ft. required |
| Minimum rear setback | 15 ft § 9.07.030 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “R1”: 15 ft. from rear parcel line |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq ft § 9.07.030 · code textTable row “Minimum Parcel Area (sq. ft.)”, column “R1”: 5,000 |
| Maximum density | 1 unit per parcel § 9.07.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Allowable Density”, column “R1”: 1 unit per parcel |
Uses in R1
Uses the code's use tables allow in R1, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Duplex — Allowed
- Apartment building — Allowed — see note
- Bed and breakfast — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
- Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit
- Private school — Needs a conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R1:
- Maximum building height: 32 ft — Parcels greater than 20,000 sq. ft. in area and with a front parcel line at least 200 ft. in length; pitched roof § 9.07.030
- Minimum side setback: 30% of parcel width aggregate; each side at least 10% of parcel width or 3.5 ft., whichever is greater — Aggregate of both sides for a two-story structure or one-story structure 18 ft. or more in height; aggregate no more than 45 ft. required § 9.07.030
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.5 — One-story structure less than 18 ft. in height § 9.07.030
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.45 — One-story structure 18 ft. or more in height § 9.07.030
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.45 — Two-story structure § 9.07.030
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.55 — Existing structure with addition; applies to projects that do not result in a demolition as defined in Chapter 9.25 § 9.07.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot coverage, FAR limit for R1 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 R1 zone?
28 ft (parcels up to 20,000 sq. ft. in area; no wall height above 23 ft) — Santa Monica Municipal Code § 9.07.030.
What is the maximum number of stories in Santa Monica's R1 zone?
2 stories — Santa Monica Municipal Code § 9.07.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Santa Monica's R1 zone?
20 ft (if not specified by Official Districting Map) — Santa Monica Municipal Code § 9.07.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Santa Monica's R1 zone?
10% of parcel width, or 3.5 ft., whichever is greater (one-story structure less than 18 ft. in height; no more than 15 ft. required) — Santa Monica Municipal Code § 9.07.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Santa Monica's R1 zone?
15 ft — Santa Monica Municipal Code § 9.07.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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