Accessory Structures in Santa Monica, CA (2026)
6 verified accessory structures rules for Santa Monica, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Santa Monica allows ADUs and JADUs by-right on residential parcels, approved ministerially within 60 days, with detached ADUs limited to 850 sq ft (studio/1BR) or 1,200 sq ft (2+ BR), 4-foot side/rear setbacks, and a maximum height of 2 stories or 24 feet.
Accessory Structures: Adu Rules
Some RestrictionsSanta Monica Municipal Code § 9.31.025
D. ADUs and JADUs Permitted By-Right. An ADU or JADU that conforms to all standards of this Section shall be permitted by-right, and shall be considered and approved ministerially without discretionary review or a hearing. ... c. Detached ADUs. One detached, new construction, ADU is permitted per parcel with a proposed or existing single-unit dwelling if all of the following apply: i. Setbacks....
ADU Impact Fees
ADUs and JADUs in Santa Monica are fully exempt from development impact fees, including affordable housing, child care linkage, transportation, and parks and recreation fees.
Accessory Structures: Adu Impact Fees
Few RestrictionsSanta Monica Municipal Code § 9.31.025(O)
O. Development Impact Fees. ADUs and JADUs established pursuant to this Section shall be exempt from the impact fees specified in Chapter 9.64, Affordable Housing Production Program, Chapter 9.65, Child care Linkage Program, Chapter 9.66, Transportation Impact Fee Program, and Chapter 9.67, Parks and Recreation Development Impact Fee Program.
ADU Owner Occupancy
Santa Monica does not require owner-occupancy for standard ADUs, but owner-occupancy is required for Junior ADUs (JADUs): the owner must reside in either the primary dwelling or the JADU, unless the owner is a government agency, land trust, or housing organization.
Accessory Structures: Adu Owner Occupancy
Light RestrictionsSanta Monica Municipal Code § 9.31.025(K)
K. Junior Accessory Dwelling Units. JADUs established pursuant to this Section shall be subject to the following: 1. One JADU may be established per parcel zoned for single-unit dwellings with an existing or proposed single-unit dwelling. The JADU shall be established within the walls of the existing or proposed single-unit dwelling, including, but not limited to, attached garages. 2. Except as...
ADU Rental Restrictions
ADUs and JADUs in Santa Monica may not be rented for terms of 30 days or less unless specifically authorized under the City's Home-Sharing and Vacation Rentals ordinance (SMMC Chapter 6.20).
Accessory Structures: Adu Rental Restrictions
Light RestrictionsSanta Monica Municipal Code § 9.31.025(M)
M. Lease Terms. An ADU or JADU shall be subject to any restrictions or requirements for lease terms that apply to all residential dwelling units in the City. In addition, except as may be permitted under Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 6.20, Home-Sharing and Vacation Rentals, an ADU or JADU shall not be used for rentals of terms of 30 days or less.
Shed & Carport Rules
Storage sheds and other detached accessory buildings must be placed on the rear half of the lot, set back at least 5 feet from the rear property line, and are limited to 14 feet or one story unless the stricter two-story standards are met.
Accessory Structures: Shed Rules
Some RestrictionsSanta Monica Municipal Code § 9.21.020
C. Accessory Buildings and Structures up to 14 Feet in Residential Districts. Accessory buildings and structures not more than 14 feet or one story in height shall conform to the following standards: 1. Location. a. Accessory buildings shall be located on the rear half of the parcel and shall not extend into the minimum side yard setback except as authorized pursuant to subsections (b) and (c) ...
Garage Conversions
Garages may be converted to ADUs by-right in Santa Monica, and no replacement parking is required when a garage or carport is demolished or converted to create an ADU or JADU.
Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions
Few RestrictionsSanta Monica Municipal Code § 9.31.025(I)(1)(a), (L)(2)
a. Converted ADUs. One ADU is permitted per parcel with a proposed or existing single-unit dwelling if all of the following apply: i. The ADU is within: (1) the proposed space of a single-unit dwelling; (2) existing space of a single-unit dwelling; or (3) an existing attached or detached accessory structure. ... No setback shall be required for an existing living area or accessory structure or ...
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