Lot splits under SB 9 in Sierra Madre: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Sierra Madre's code says

Sierra Madre code What Sierra Madre's code adds
How the lot may be divided	2 lots of about equal area; neither may be smaller than 40% of the original lot. Applies: Urban lot split. § 16.18.050 · code text The two parcels created by an urban lot split must be of approximately equal lot area provided that one parcel shall not be smaller than forty percent of the lot area of the original parcel.
Minimum new lot size	At least 1,200 square feet. § 16.18.050 · code text In no instance shall any resulting parcel be smaller than one thousand two hundred square feet in area.
Standards	No more than 2 housing units under the lot split chapter, and no more than 4 under the whole code. Applies: Urban lot split. § 16.18.050 · code text No development may include more than two residential housing units under this chapter and no more than four residential housing units under this code. A new lot's average width may not be less than the original lot's average width. Applies: Unless this would prevent 2 units on either new lot or make a unit smaller than 800 square feet. § 16.18.050 · code text The subdivision shall not result in a new parcel with an average width that is less than the average width of the original parcel, unless this requirement would have the effect of physically precluding the construction of two units on either of the resulting parcels or that would result in a unit size of less than eight hundred square feet. A lot split may divide only 1 existing lot, into no more than 2 new lots. § 16.18.050 · code text An urban lot split may only subdivide one existing parcel and shall create no more than two new parcels. All lot lines must be contiguous to existing zoning boundaries. § 16.18.050 · code text All lot lines shall be contiguous to existing zoning boundaries. All new lots must have access to, provide access to, or adjoin the improved public right-of-way. § 16.18.050 · code text All parcels created pursuant to this chapter shall have access to, provide access to, or adjoin the improved public right-of-way. A lot split may not cut through an existing structure. Applies: Unless it will be demolished, or it meets building code safety standards and the line allows separate sale. § 16.18.050 · code text An urban lot split may not subdivide a parcel in a way that bisects an existing structure, unless the structure will be demolished or the structures meets building code safety standards and subdividing line is sufficient to allow separate conveyance. Only lots in single-family residential zones qualify for urban lot splits. Applies: Including the R-1 One-Family Residential, R-C Residential Canyon and H Hillside Management zones. § 16.18.020 · code text Under Government Code Section 66411.7(a)(3)(A), only parcels located within single-family residential zones are eligible for urban lot splits, including parcels located in the following zones:

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Frequently asked questions

Can I split my lot under SB 9 in Sierra Madre?

Sierra Madre's code: At least 1,200 square feet. (§ 16.18.050); No more than 2 housing units under the lot split chapter, and no more than 4 under the whole code. (Urban lot split.) (§ 16.18.050).

Lot splits under SB 9 in Sierra Madre

What Sierra Madre's code says

Who this affects

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