SB9 Application Materials

Senate Bill (SB) 9 (Chapter 162, Statutes of 2021) requires ministerial approval of a housing development with no more than two primary units in a single-family zone, the subdivision of a parcel in a single-family zone into two parcels, or both. SB 9 facilitates the creation of up to four housing units in the lot area typically used for one single-family home. SB 9 contains eligibility criteria addressing environmental site constraints (e.g., wetlands, wildfire risk, etc.), anti-displacement measures for renters and low-income households, and the protection of historic structures and districts. Key provisions of the law require a local agency to modify or eliminate objective development standards on a project-by-project basis if they would prevent an otherwise eligible lot from being split or prevent the construction of up to two units at least 800 square feet in size. For the purposes of this document, the terms “unit,” “housing unit,” “residential unit,” and “housing development” mean primary unit(s) unless specifically identified as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or junior ADU or otherwise defined. 

SB9 Two-Unit Application:  An SB 9 two-unit development is a project proposed to add one new primary dwelling unit on a lot with an existing single-family dwelling or create up to two new dwelling units on a vacant lot. The units can be attached (duplex) or detached. In addition, one ADU and JADU may be added to the lot.

SB9 Urban Lot Split:  An SB9 urban lot split allows for single-family residential lots to be split into two separate parcels, each with up to two units. In addition to each two-unit parcel, the applicant may add one ADU and JADU to each lot.