Santa Monica · Land use · Bed and breakfast
Where is a bed and breakfast allowed in Santa Monica?
In Santa Monica, a bed and breakfast is needs a permit in 19 (R1, R2, R3, R4, OP2 and 14 more, 7 with a condition) and not allowed in 6 (Santa Monica use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Needs a permit: R1, R2, R3, R4, OP2, OP3, OP4, LT and 11 more
- Not allowed: OP1, OPD, BTV, MUC, CAC and CCS
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Santa Monica Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a bed and breakfast can go
Santa Monica's code calls this use “Bed and Breakfast”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| R1 Single-Unit Residential District | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note Additional Regulations: Within Designated Landmarks only. | § 9.07.020 |
| R2 | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note *: For uses within specified areas, see Section 9.08.030(A) Note Additional Regulations: Within Designated Landmarks only. | § 9.08.020 |
| R3 | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note *: For uses within specified areas, see Section 9.08.030(A) Note Additional Regulations: Within Designated Landmarks only. | § 9.08.020 |
| R4 | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note Additional Regulations: Within Designated Landmarks only. | § 9.08.020 |
| OP2 Ocean Park Neighborhood District OP2 | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note Additional Regulations: Within Designated Landmarks only. | § 9.09.020 |
| OP3 Ocean Park Neighborhood District OP3 | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note Additional Regulations: Within Designated Landmarks only. | § 9.09.020 |
| OP4 Ocean Park Neighborhood District OP4 | Needs a conditional use permit — see note Note Additional Regulations: Within Designated Landmarks only. | § 9.09.020 |
| LT | Needs a minor use permit | § 9.10.040 |
| NV | Needs a minor use permit | § 9.10.040 |
| BC (Third Street Promenade Area) | Needs a minor use permit | § 9.10.040 |
| BC (Excluding Third Street Promenade Area) | Needs a minor use permit | § 9.10.040 |
| TA | Needs a minor use permit | § 9.10.040 |
| OT | Needs a minor use permit | § 9.10.040 |
| WT | Needs a minor use permit | § 9.10.040 |
| MUBL | Needs a minor use permit | § 9.11.020 |
| MUB | Needs a minor use permit | § 9.11.020 |
| GC | Needs a minor use permit | § 9.11.020 |
| NC | Needs a minor use permit | § 9.11.020 |
| OF Oceanfront District | Needs a conditional use permit | § 9.14.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: Section 9.31.090 , Bed and Breakfasts.
- Not covered here: Chapter 9.51 use definitions (Community Assembly, Residential Care General/Limited/Senior, Child Care and Early Education Facility) are not in the packet; Section 9.08.030(A) (specified areas for R2/R3, header asterisk) not in packet; Section 9.31.x use standards not in packet; R2/R3 columns in S2 carry an asterisk meaning special rules in specified areas. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Santa Monica
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a bed and breakfast in the R1 zone in Santa Monica?
Only with a conditional use permit. Santa Monica's use table lists it that way in R1 (Single-Unit Residential District) (§ 9.07.020). The code adds a condition: “Within Designated Landmarks only.”
Can I have a bed and breakfast in the OP1 zone in Santa Monica?
No. Santa Monica's use table does not allow it in OP1 (Ocean Park Neighborhood District OP1) (§ 9.09.020).
General information, not legal advice.
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