Building Setbacks & Zoning in Santa Monica, CA (2026)
3 verified building setbacks & zoning rules for Santa Monica, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
Santa Monica R1 district requires a minimum 20 ft front setback (or per Official Districting Map). Side setbacks for multi-unit (R2-R4) adjoining R1 are 10 ft interior and 20 ft rear. Accessory buildings may extend to 5 ft from rear property line.
Santa Monica Property Setback Requirements
Some RestrictionsStructure Height Limits
Building height in Santa Monica R1 districts is limited to 28 ft. Vertical wall height is limited to 23 ft for flat-roofed structures. No more than 25% of any facade may be mirrored or highly reflective material.
Santa Monica Structure Height Limits
Some RestrictionsLot Coverage Limits
Lot coverage in Santa Monica varies by zoning district. R1 district development standards are in Table 9.07.030. The zoning ordinance limits impervious coverage and includes landscape area requirements per SMMC Ch. 9.26.
Santa Monica Maximum Lot Coverage Limits
Some RestrictionsLooking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Monica city rules.
Building Setbacks & Zoning in Los Angeles County →