Santa Monica · Land use · Live-work unit
Where is a live-work unit allowed in Santa Monica?
In Santa Monica, a live-work unit is allowed in 18 base zones (LT, NV, BC (Third Street Promenade Area), BC (Excluding Third Street Promenade Area), TA and 13 more, 14 with a condition), needs a conditional use permit in 1 (OC) and not allowed in 2 (Santa Monica use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: LT, NV, BC (Third Street Promenade Area), BC (Excluding Third Street Promenade Area), TA, OT, WT, MUBL and 10 more
- Needs a permit: OC
- Not allowed: PL and OS
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 live-work unit can go
Santa Monica's code calls this use “Live-Work”. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| LT | Allowed — see note Note 13: If the commercial use requires a MUP or CUP, an application shall be required in accordance with SMMC, Chapter 9.41 . Even if the commercial use would otherwise be permitted, no such use shall be approved where, given the design or proposed design of the live-work unit, there would be the potential for adverse health impacts from the proposed use on the people residing in the unit. An example of a potential health impact is the potential for food contamination from users that generate airborne particulates in a unit with an unenclosed kitchen. | § 9.10.040 |
| NV | Allowed — see note Note 13: If the commercial use requires a MUP or CUP, an application shall be required in accordance with SMMC, Chapter 9.41 . Even if the commercial use would otherwise be permitted, no such use shall be approved where, given the design or proposed design of the live-work unit, there would be the potential for adverse health impacts from the proposed use on the people residing in the unit. An example of a potential health impact is the potential for food contamination from users that generate airborne particulates in a unit with an unenclosed kitchen. | § 9.10.040 |
| BC (Third Street Promenade Area) | Allowed — see note Note 1: Limited to upper floors, and on the ground floor where the entire tenant space shall be located at least 25 feet from the front property line, except for residential units shall be limited to upper floors only. Note 13: If the commercial use requires a MUP or CUP, an application shall be required in accordance with SMMC, Chapter 9.41 . Even if the commercial use would otherwise be permitted, no such use shall be approved where, given the design or proposed design of the live-work unit, there would be the potential for adverse health impacts from the proposed use on the people residing in the unit. An example of a potential health impact is the potential for food contamination from users that generate airborne particulates in a unit with an unenclosed kitchen. | § 9.10.040 |
| BC (Excluding Third Street Promenade Area) | Allowed — see note Note 13: If the commercial use requires a MUP or CUP, an application shall be required in accordance with SMMC, Chapter 9.41 . Even if the commercial use would otherwise be permitted, no such use shall be approved where, given the design or proposed design of the live-work unit, there would be the potential for adverse health impacts from the proposed use on the people residing in the unit. An example of a potential health impact is the potential for food contamination from users that generate airborne particulates in a unit with an unenclosed kitchen. | § 9.10.040 |
| TA | Allowed — see note Note 13: If the commercial use requires a MUP or CUP, an application shall be required in accordance with SMMC, Chapter 9.41 . Even if the commercial use would otherwise be permitted, no such use shall be approved where, given the design or proposed design of the live-work unit, there would be the potential for adverse health impacts from the proposed use on the people residing in the unit. An example of a potential health impact is the potential for food contamination from users that generate airborne particulates in a unit with an unenclosed kitchen. | § 9.10.040 |
| OT | Allowed — see note Note 1: Limited to upper floors, and on the ground floor where the entire tenant space shall be located at least 25 feet from the front property line, except for residential units shall be limited to upper floors only. Note 13: If the commercial use requires a MUP or CUP, an application shall be required in accordance with SMMC, Chapter 9.41 . Even if the commercial use would otherwise be permitted, no such use shall be approved where, given the design or proposed design of the live-work unit, there would be the potential for adverse health impacts from the proposed use on the people residing in the unit. An example of a potential health impact is the potential for food contamination from users that generate airborne particulates in a unit with an unenclosed kitchen. | § 9.10.040 |
| WT | Allowed — see note Note 13: If the commercial use requires a MUP or CUP, an application shall be required in accordance with SMMC, Chapter 9.41 . Even if the commercial use would otherwise be permitted, no such use shall be approved where, given the design or proposed design of the live-work unit, there would be the potential for adverse health impacts from the proposed use on the people residing in the unit. An example of a potential health impact is the potential for food contamination from users that generate airborne particulates in a unit with an unenclosed kitchen. | § 9.10.040 |
| MUBL | Allowed — see note Note 14: If the commercial use requires a MUP or CUP, an application shall be required in accordance with Chapter 9.41 . Even if the commercial use would otherwise be permitted, no such use shall be approved where, given the design or proposed design of the live-work unit, there would be the potential for adverse health impacts from the proposed use on the people residing in the unit. An example of a potential health impact is the potential for food contamination from uses that generate airborne particulates in a unit with an unenclosed kitchen. | § 9.11.020 |
| MUB | Allowed — see note Note 14: If the commercial use requires a MUP or CUP, an application shall be required in accordance with Chapter 9.41 . Even if the commercial use would otherwise be permitted, no such use shall be approved where, given the design or proposed design of the live-work unit, there would be the potential for adverse health impacts from the proposed use on the people residing in the unit. An example of a potential health impact is the potential for food contamination from uses that generate airborne particulates in a unit with an unenclosed kitchen. | § 9.11.020 |
| GC | Allowed — see note Note 14: If the commercial use requires a MUP or CUP, an application shall be required in accordance with Chapter 9.41 . Even if the commercial use would otherwise be permitted, no such use shall be approved where, given the design or proposed design of the live-work unit, there would be the potential for adverse health impacts from the proposed use on the people residing in the unit. An example of a potential health impact is the potential for food contamination from uses that generate airborne particulates in a unit with an unenclosed kitchen. | § 9.11.020 |
| NC | Allowed — see note Note 14: If the commercial use requires a MUP or CUP, an application shall be required in accordance with Chapter 9.41 . Even if the commercial use would otherwise be permitted, no such use shall be approved where, given the design or proposed design of the live-work unit, there would be the potential for adverse health impacts from the proposed use on the people residing in the unit. An example of a potential health impact is the potential for food contamination from uses that generate airborne particulates in a unit with an unenclosed kitchen. | § 9.11.020 |
| BTV | Allowed | § 9.12.020 |
| MUC | Allowed | § 9.12.020 |
| CAC | Allowed | § 9.12.020 |
| CCS | Allowed | § 9.12.020 |
| IC | Allowed — see note Note 14: If the commercial use requires a MUP or CUP, an application shall be required in accordance with Chapter 9.41 . Even if the commercial use would otherwise be permitted, no such use shall be approved where, given the design or proposed design of the Live-Work unit, there would be the potential for adverse health impacts from the proposed use on the people residing in the unit. An example of a potential health impact is the potential for food contamination from uses that generate airborne particulates in a unit with an unenclosed kitchen. | § 9.13.020 |
| HMU | Allowed — see note Note 14: If the commercial use requires a MUP or CUP, an application shall be required in accordance with Chapter 9.41 . Even if the commercial use would otherwise be permitted, no such use shall be approved where, given the design or proposed design of the Live-Work unit, there would be the potential for adverse health impacts from the proposed use on the people residing in the unit. An example of a potential health impact is the potential for food contamination from uses that generate airborne particulates in a unit with an unenclosed kitchen. | § 9.13.020 |
| CC | Allowed — see note Note 1: Permitted as part of a mixed-use development. | § 9.15.020 |
| OC | Needs a conditional use permit | § 9.13.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: Section 9.31.170 , Live-Work Units.
- 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
HomeownersBuyersReal estate agentsSmall developers
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a live-work unit in the OC zone in Santa Monica?
Only with a conditional use permit. Santa Monica's use table lists it that way in OC (§ 9.13.020).
Can I have a live-work unit in the PL zone in Santa Monica?
No. Santa Monica's use table does not allow it in PL (Public District) (§ 9.15.020).
Can I have a live-work unit in the LT zone in Santa Monica?
Yes, with a condition. Santa Monica's use table lists it as allowed in LT (§ 9.10.040). The code adds a condition: “If the commercial use requires a MUP or CUP, an application shall be required in accordance with SMMC, Chapter 9.41 . Even if the commercial use would otherwise be permitted, no such use shall be approved where,…”
General information, not legal advice.
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