What an ADU costs in Santa Monica (2026)
Santa Monica runs its own permits. Many lots have extra rules near the coast. Here are typical numbers, the local rules, and your next step.
Typical ADU numbers in Santa Monica
- A 750 sq ft backyard ADU with a standard finish costs about $300,000 to build, all in: building, site work, city fees and design.
- Typical ADU rent: about $5,650 a month for 750 sq ft.
- Home value nearby: about $1,600 per sq ft (Prime area).
Run the free ADU and new home cost calculator for Santa Monica
ADU permits and local rules in Santa Monica
Who runs permits
City of Santa Monica Community Development (Building & Safety and Planning).
Pre-approved ADU plans
Yes. Santa Monica has a pre-approved ADU program. Ask us which plans fit your lot.
What can slow you down
- The Coastal Zone can need extra approval.
- Rent control applies to many existing rentals.
- Landmarks and historic districts can add design review.
Sources: City of Santa Monica pre-approved ADU program. State ADU law. General information, not legal advice. Updated October 2026.
Free lot check in Santa Monica
Send Hemisphere A&E your address. We look up your zoning and lot size, what fits (ADU, junior ADU, SB 9, new home, apartments, remodel or business space), red flags like fire zones or hillside rules, and a rough cost range. No cost, no pressure. Email info@hemisphereae.com or call (619) 762-7144.
More cost guides for Santa Monica
- What a new home costs in Santa Monica
- What a restaurant, shop or office build-out costs in Santa Monica
- What an apartment building costs in Santa Monica
Cost guides for more of LA County
- What an ADU costs in Alhambra
- What an ADU costs in Altadena
- What an ADU costs in Arcadia
- What an ADU costs in Beverly Hills
- What an ADU costs in Burbank
- What an ADU costs in Culver City
- What an ADU costs in Downey
- What an ADU costs in Eagle Rock
- What an ADU costs in El Segundo
- What an ADU costs in Glendale
- What an ADU costs in Hawthorne
- What an ADU costs in Highland Park
- What an ADU costs in Inglewood
- What an ADU costs in Lancaster
- What an ADU costs in Long Beach
- What an ADU costs in Malibu
- What an ADU costs in Manhattan Beach
- What an ADU costs in Mar Vista
- What an ADU costs in Pacific Palisades
- What an ADU costs in Pasadena
- What an ADU costs in Redondo Beach
- What an ADU costs in Santa Clarita
- What an ADU costs in Sherman Oaks
- What an ADU costs in South Pasadena
- What an ADU costs in Torrance
- What an ADU costs in Venice
- What an ADU costs in West Hollywood
- What an ADU costs in Westchester
- What an ADU costs in Whittier