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Temecula · Building on your lot

Lot splits under SB 9 in Temecula

Temecula's own rules on lot splits under sb 9, with the code text for every value, and the state law underneath.

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

What Temecula's code says

Temecula code What Temecula's code adds
How the lot may be divided
  • Neither new lot may be smaller than 40% of the original parcel's area.
    Applies: Applies to an urban lot split.
    § 16.59.040 · code text
    The maximum difference between the two lots created is a sixty, forty split in area and both must be a minimum of one thousand two hundred square feet.
Minimum new lot size
  • Each new parcel must be at least 1,200 square feet.
    § 16.59.040 · code text
    One parcel shall not be smaller than forty percent of the lot area of the original parcel proposed for subdivision and neither parcel shall be smaller than one thousand two hundred square feet.
Setbacks
  • A lot line that cannot be straight must stay at least 4 feet from an existing or planned home.
    Applies: Applies when a straight lot line would cross a home in an urban lot split.
    § 16.59.040 · code text
    In such cases, the lot line shall maintain a four foot setback from the existing or proposed residence for the purpose of access for property and building maintenance.
  • No existing or planned structure may be less than 4 feet from the new lot line.
    Applies: Applies to flag lots created by an urban lot split.
    § 16.59.040 · code text
    A structure, existing or proposed, with setbacks from the proposed lot line of less than four feet.
Standards
  • No development, grading or vegetation removal on either lot without a valid building permit for housing.
    Applies: Applies to lots from an urban lot split.
    § 16.59.070 · code text
    No development, including grading or vegetation removal, shall commence on either lot, concurrent or subsequent to an urban lot split, unless it is approved with a valid building permit for the construction of a housing development and complies with all the objective development and design standards outlined for SB 9 two-unit developments in Sections 17.06.090 or any other adopted objective design standards in effect at the time a complete application is submitted.
  • At least 20 feet wide at its narrowest point.
    Applies: Applies to flag lots created by an urban lot split.
    § 16.59.040 · code text
    Each flag lot created shall have at least a twenty-foot width at its most narrow point.
  • Vehicle access easement 16 to 20 feet wide.
    Applies: Easements serving no more than 2 units, unless the Fire Code needs a wider driveway.
    § 16.59.050 · code text
    Easement width shall be a minimum of sixteen feet and a maximum of twenty feet, unless a wider driveway is required by the California Fire Code due to distance of the structure from the easement, or as needed to meet the driveway and parking standards in the city's Parking Standards in Section 17.06.120E.14;
  • Vehicle access easement at least 20 feet wide.
    Applies: Applies to easements serving 3 to 4 units.
    § 16.59.050 · code text
    Easement width shall be a minimum of twenty feet;
  • No home may be closer than 3 feet to the vehicle access easement.
    Applies: Applies to easements serving no more than 2 units.
    § 16.59.050 · code text
    No residential structure shall be closer than three feet to the easement.
  • No home may be closer than 5 feet to the vehicle access easement.
    Applies: Applies to easements serving 3 to 4 units.
    § 16.59.050 · code text
    No residential structure shall be closer than five feet to the easement.
Owner occupancy
  • The owner records a deed restriction to live in one unit as main home for at least 3 years.
    Applies: Applies to an urban lot split; counted from the parcel map recording.
    § 16.59.030 · code text
    The owner intends to occupy one of the housing units located on a lot created by the parcel map as their principal residence for a minimum of three years from the date of the recording of the parcel map;

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Can I split my lot under SB 9 in Temecula?

Temecula's code: Neither new lot may be smaller than 40% of the original parcel's area. (Applies to an urban lot split.) (§ 16.59.040); Each new parcel must be at least 1,200 square feet. (§ 16.59.040).

General information, not legal advice.

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