ADUByCity
Verified March 14, 2026

ADU Regulations in Santa Monica, California

Los Angeles County · CA · Pop. 91,000

Max ADU Size

1,200

sq ft detached

Rear Setback

5 ft (Santa Monica standard; state minimum is 4 ft)

Permit Timeline

60 days for ministerial review

Build Cost

$200,000 – $600,000

Zoning

Allowed ADU Types

✓Detached ADU
✓Attached ADU
✓JADU (Junior ADU)
✓Garage Conversion
Max per lot: 2 ADUs✓ No owner-occupancy required

Santa Monica's Coastal Zone covers most of the city — additional California Coastal Commission review may be required for new construction near the beach

Source: City of Santa Monica — ADU Program · Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 9.31.300

Dimensions

Size & Setback Requirements

Detached

1,200

sq ft max

JADU

500

sq ft max

Attached

50% of primary home, max 1,200 sq ft

Setbacks

front

Same as primary dwelling

side

5 ft (Santa Monica standard; state minimum is 4 ft)

rear

5 ft (Santa Monica standard; state minimum is 4 ft)

Max height: 16 ft (detached single-story); attached must not exceed primary dwelling height

Lot coverage: Subject to base zone lot coverage limits; typically 50–60% in R1 zones

Santa Monica applies slightly larger setbacks (5 ft vs state 4 ft minimum). Coastal Zone properties require additional review.

Permitting

Permit Process

Department

Santa Monica Planning & Community Development Department

Review Timeline

60 days for ministerial review; Coastal Development Permit adds 30–60 days for properties in coastal zone

Permit Fees

$6,000 – $28,000

Impact Fees

Waived for ADUs 750 sq ft and under

Required Documents

  • ›Building permit application
  • ›Site plan with all existing and proposed structures
  • ›Architectural drawings (plans, sections, elevations)
  • ›Title 24 energy compliance
  • ›Structural engineering (new construction)
  • ›Coastal Development Permit application (if in Coastal Zone)

Santa Monica requires design review for ADUs in historic districts and the Ocean Park neighborhood

Visit Santa Monica Planning & Community Development Department →

Infrastructure

Utilities & Requirements

Solar

Required

Parking

Not required

Separate Meter

Optional

Fire Sprinklers

See note

Sewer: Connect to Santa Monica sewer system; connection fee may apply
Fire Sprinklers: Required for new construction ADUs in most Santa Monica zones
Parking: No additional parking required per state law; Santa Monica's own parking exemptions also apply

Santa Monica operates its own electric utility (unlike most CA cities which use SCE). Check with SMa.r.t. Grid for electrical service requirements.

Financials

ADU Costs in Santa Monica

Typical Build Cost

$200,000 – $600,000

Cost per Sq Ft

$325 – $550

Monthly Rental

$2,500 – $6,000/mo

Property Value Added

Adds $300,000 – $600,000 to property value in the westside market

Available Grants & Programs

  • ★CalHFA ADU Grant Program (up to $40,000)
  • ★LA County PACE financing available for Santa Monica properties

Santa Monica commands some of the highest ADU rental rates in Southern California due to walkability, transit access, and coastal location. Premium over inland LA: 25–40%.

Use the free ADU Cost Calculator →

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Disclaimer: Information is compiled from publicly available municipal codes for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, zoning, or construction advice. Regulations change frequently. Always verify with your local planning department. Last verified: March 14, 2026. Verify with Santa Monica Planning & Community Development Department

Explore More

Nearby Cities in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles

Max 1,200 sq ft · $150,000 – $450,000

Long Beach

Max 1,200 sq ft · $150,000 – $420,000

Santa Clarita

Max 1,200 sq ft · $150,000 – $320,000

Glendale

Max 1,200 sq ft · $160,000 – $370,000

Palmdale

Max 1,200 sq ft · $130,000 – $270,000

Lancaster

Max 1,200 sq ft · $120,000 – $250,000

Santa Monica Quick Facts

  • Max size1,200 sq ft
  • Rear setback5 ft (Santa Monica standard; state minimum is 4 ft)
  • Permit timeline60 days for ministerial review
  • Build cost$200,000 – $600,000
  • Rental income$2,500 – $6,000/mo
  • Owner occupancyNot required

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Official Source

City of Santa Monica — ADU Program

Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 9.31.300

Last verified: March 14, 2026

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ADU rules change often.

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