New construction · Santa Monica
Can I tear down and rebuild my house in Santa Monica?
Tear-down and rebuild is allowed in Santa Monica on most legally conforming parcels, but the path depends on the parcel's zoning, lot conformance, and any historic / hillside / coastal overlays. R1 lots in Santa Monica are tightly regulated: stepbacks, daylight planes, and lot-coverage limits define envelope more than raw FAR.
What changes the answer in Santa Monica.
Santa Monica has its own zoning ordinance and density bonus program; R1 has detailed FAR, lot-coverage, and second-story stepback rules. Coastal Zone parcels (generally west of Lincoln Blvd) require CDP review (in-city for appealable areas, Coastal Commission for others). Architectural Review Board reviews multifamily and some commercial.
- R1 lots in Santa Monica are tightly regulated: stepbacks, daylight planes, and lot-coverage limits define envelope more than raw FAR.
- Coastal Zone parcels (generally west of Lincoln Blvd) require CDP review (in-city for appealable areas, Coastal Commission for others). Architectural Review Board reviews multifamily and some commercial.
- Coastal Zone west of Lincoln Blvd; CDP required for new construction and certain remodels. Sea-level-rise considerations on near-bluff lots.
Source-backed note
Demolition + new construction are reviewed by City of Santa Monica Building & Safety alongside any required planning / coastal / hillside review.
Local authority: City of Santa Monica Building & Safety
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