R4 Zone in Santa Monica, CA
R4 zoning district rules in Santa Monica, CA. Permitted uses, setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage requirements.
The R4 zone in Santa Monica, CA is a residential district (Multi-Family Medium Density). Permits multi-family housing at medium density. Allows small to mid-size apartment buildings and condominiums. This zone requires a 10 ft front setback, 10% of lot width, min 5 ft side setback, and 10 ft rear setback. Maximum building height is 50 feet (4 stories). Maximum lot coverage is 75%.
Common Permitted Uses
- Apartments
- Condominiums
- Townhomes
Permits multi-family housing at medium density. Allows small to mid-size apartment buildings and condominiums.
Setback Requirements
| Setback Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback | 10 feet |
| Side Setback | 10% of lot width, min 5 ft |
| Rear Setback | 10 feet |
Santa Monica SMMC. High-density multifamily near Wilshire Blvd and downtown.
Height Limits
- Max Height
- 50 feet
- Max Stories
- 4
Santa Monica SMMC. High-density multifamily near Wilshire and downtown.
Lot Coverage
- Max Coverage
- 75%
Santa Monica SMMC. High-density multifamily near transit.
Parking Requirements
Single-family: 2 covered spaces per single-family dwelling. Garage or carport required. Santa Monica's small lots sometimes make garage provision challenging — many properties have tandem garages. Multi-family: 1–2 spaces per unit. Significantly reduced or no minimum near Metro E Line stations (Downtown SM, 17th St/SMC, 26th St/Bergamot). Santa Monica has some of the lowest parking minimums in Southern California.
Source: Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 9.31.290 — Accessory Dwelling Units; California Government Code §§66314–66333 (Stats. 2024 Ch. 7 §20). Last verified April 6, 2026. View source