Structure Height Limits: Altadena vs Santa Monica
How do structure height limits rules compare between Altadena, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Altadena and Santa Monica have similar restriction levels.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Altadena R-1 max height: 35 ft on lots ≥20,000 sf; 30 ft on lots <20,000 sf and flag lots. Maximum 2 stories above grade. No portion of any structure may exceed 23 ft if within 15 ft of any property line.
View full Altadena rules →Santa Monica, CA
Los Angeles County
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.
View full Santa Monica rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Altadena CSD 22.306.070.A.2 | - |
| Max Height ≥20k sf | 35 ft | - |
| Max Height <20k sf | 30 ft | - |
| Flag Lots | 30 ft | - |
| Max Stories | 2 above grade | - |
| Within 15 ft of PL | 23 ft | - |
| R1 Max | - | 28 feet |
| Wall Height | - | 23 ft for flat roofs |
| Reflective Material | - | Max 25% of any facade |
| Code | - | SMMC Ch. 9.07 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
How tall can a house be in Altadena?
35 ft on lots 20,000 sq ft and larger, 30 ft on smaller lots, with a maximum of 2 stories above grade (Altadena CSD 22.306.070.A.2).
Santa Monica FAQ
What is the max height for a house?
Typically 35 feet or 2.5 stories in residential zones. Check Santa Monica zoning code for your specific district.
Do chimneys count toward height?
Chimneys and similar projections are usually exempt up to a limited additional height above the roof.
Compare other topics
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