Lot splits under SB 9 in Riverside: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the Riverside Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Riverside's code says

Riverside code What Riverside's code adds
How the lot may be divided	About equal lots; none smaller than 40% of the original lot area. Applies: Applies to an urban lot split. § 18.085.040 · code text In no instance shall a parcel be smaller than 40 percent of the lot area of the original parcel proposed for subdivision, or smaller than 1,200 square feet, whichever is greater.
Minimum new lot size	At least 1,200 square feet, or 40% of the original lot, whichever is greater. Applies: Applies to each new lot in an urban lot split. § 18.085.040 · code text In no instance shall a parcel be smaller than 40 percent of the lot area of the original parcel proposed for subdivision, or smaller than 1,200 square feet, whichever is greater.
Setbacks	Side and rear setbacks must be at least 4 feet. Applies: Applies to two-unit developments. § 19.443.050 · code text The side and rear yard setbacks for two-unit developments shall be at least four feet.
Standards	Each new lot must have separate sewer, water and electric services. Applies: Applies to lots created by an urban lot split. § 18.085.040 · code text Parcels created through an urban lot split shall have separate sewer, water and electrical utility services. Units must match existing or each other's roof pitch, paint color and finishes; front and street side yards fully landscaped. Applies: Applies to two-unit development design. § 19.443.060 · code text Front and street side yard areas shall be fully landscaped pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 19.570 (Water Efficient Landscaping and Irrigation) and the Citywide Design Guidelines.
Parking	1 covered on-site parking space. Applies: Per unit; none required within one-half mile of a high-quality transit corridor or major transit stop, or 1 block of car-share. § 19.443.050 · code text One on-site covered parking space shall be required per unit.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Can I split my lot under SB 9 in Riverside?

Riverside's code: At least 1,200 square feet, or 40% of the original lot, whichever is greater. (Applies to each new lot in an urban lot split.) (§ 18.085.040); Each new lot must have separate sewer, water and electric services. (Applies to lots created by an urban lot split.) (§ 18.085.040).

Lot splits under SB 9 in Riverside

What Riverside's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

Ask about a specific Riverside property

More on building on your lot in Riverside