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2022 New California Law: SB 9
What is SB 9 and how does this affect your property and neighborhood?
What
>> This law establishes a streamlined process to develop two primary residential dwelling units on one eligible single-family zoned parcel, and to split one eligible single-family zoned parcel into two separate parcels of approximately equal size. SB9 also provides more flexible property setbacks and parking standards and extends subdivision approval expirations for eligible parcels.
When
In effect, Jan 1, 2022. CA statewide law – Senate Bill 9 (SB9)
Why
To help address California’s housing shortage.
Where
Statewide. Single Family Zoning within Urban Area: Zones > R-1, RA, RB, RR.
Who
Eligible parcels must meet specific criteria:
>> Single-Family Zone within Urban Area
>> Not within protected resource areas
>> Consistent with Objective Standards
>> Demolition Restrictions – cannot demo affordable housing or rental housing, no more than 25% of exterior structural walls can be demoed if site has been a rental in the last 3 years.
>> Long Term Rental Requirement – If creating a rental – must be a long-term rental (over 30 days)
>> SB9 Land Divisions – Cannot do SB9 land division if parcels were created by SB9 lot split
>> Owner Occupancy – Required to occupy one of the lots as primary residence for minimum of 3 years
How
Review SB9 Eligibility Checklist
Review your project: Objective Standards Pre-Screen with County Planning
Submit an SB9 Application
*Learn more: Santa Cruz County Senate Bill 9
Approved parcel design options:
What does this mean and how does this affect you?
If you live in a typical residential zone, most likely, this means that you or your neighbors could be planning to build 2 primary dwellings on their property, with the added options of each having an ADU as well. If a parcel meets the criteria necessary for a project like this, there could be a number of added homes to residential neighborhoods.
Pros
More home options for our growing community.
More affordability for all. Supply/Demand.
Increased ease to build.
Added value to properties with more dwellings.
Cons
Potential increased construction noise around neighborhoods.
More cars, neighbors and traffic with added residences.
Less restrictive setbacks – added dwellings could be built closer to property lines potentially limiting privacy.
Potential smaller lots – changing the norm and conformity of certain neighborhoods.
Contact the County for specific questions about how this all works and/or how you could develop your property to take advantage of this new law:
https://www.sccoplanning.com/PlanningHome/ZoningDevelopment/SenateBill9.aspx
