R1 Interim Zoning Ordinance
On February 13, 2018, the Santa Monica City Council adopted an interim ordinance that temporarily reduces the size of new construction in R1 single-unit residential zoning districts pending the completion of a comprehensive review of R1 zoning standards. The interim ordinance comes on the heels of Council’s January 9, 2018 direction to prioritize a comprehensive review of R1 development standards. Although the ordinance does not take effect until March 16, 2018, the changes are retroactive and will apply to any project in the R1 zone submitted after February 23, 2018. You can look up the zoning for your home on the interactive zoning map to determine whether this ordinance applies to you.
Interim R1 Zoning Standards as extended by the City Council on March 27, 2018:
| R1 Development Standard | Zoning Ordinance | Interim Zoning Ordinance |
| Maximum Building Height | 28' - 35' | 28' |
Maximum Parcel Coverage First Story Second Story | 61% (total)
35% (first story)
26% (second story) | 50% (total)
30% (first story)
20% (second story) |
| Upper Level Stepback | Applies above 14' in height | Applies to entire second story |
| Second Floor Decks/Balconies | 400 SF aggregate
(North of Montana only. No
limits in other R1 districts) | 400 SF aggregate
(All R1 districts) |
| Accessory Dwelling Unit | Counts towards parcel coverage calculations | Does not count towards parcel coverage calculations |
*Ground floor parcel coverage may be increased to a maximum of 50% if an equivalent amount is reduced on the second floor.
The interim ordinance may be extended for a period up to five years pending adoption of permanent revised standards. The comprehensive review process is anticipated to begin in the first part of 2019 and will involve a significant public engagement process to identify the appropriate scale of new construction and additions in R1 neighborhoods.
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If you have any questions, please contact any planner at the City Planning Division at (310) 458-8341 or planning@smgov.net.