What is SB-684 and how does it affect properties in Arcadia?

SB-684, or Senate Bill 684, is a California law that makes it easier to get approval for small housing projects statewide. It applies to projects with up to 10 units on urban properties under 5 acres. Local officials must approve or deny these projects within 60 days, and the process bypasses public hearings and extra reviews. Certain regulations, like those under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), also don’t apply, which further speeds up the approval process.

The current status of SB-684

The CityStructure team reached out to Arcadia's planning department on August 27, 2024, to clarify how SB-684 will be implemented locally. Given that the law is still new and may require time for review and interpretation, we have not yet received a response. In the meantime, we will follow state regulations and provide updates as more details become available.

What can homeowners build under SB-684 in Arcadia?

What are the lot limitations under SB-684?

SB-684 applies to lots up to 5 acres, with each lot requiring to be at least 600 square feet if divided.

What is the size limitation for the new units?

New residential units built under SB-684 in Arcadia can be up to 1,750 square feet.

What are the setbacks?

New buildings should be set back at least 4 feet from the side and rear property boundaries.

What is the parking requirement under SB-684?

In Arcadia, each unit requires one off-street parking space unless the property is within half a mile of a major transit hub or an area with a well-connected transit area.

How many units can you have on your property following SB-684 restrictions?

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Who and which properties qualify for SB-684?

Which zoning districts are eligible for SB-684?

In Arcadia, SB-684 applies to multi-family properties and vacant lots located in single-family zoning areas.

How Does SB-1123 or Senate Bill 1123 Impact SB-684?

SB-684 was created to make it easier to approve up to 10 small starter homes in multi-family zones. SB-1123 expands this by allowing these rules to also apply to vacant lots in single-family zones. This change promotes affordable housing by enabling the construction of up to 10 homes on empty lots near essential community services, encouraging affordable homeownership in areas where it was previously difficult.

Do the environmental requirements or overlays on the lot restrict the property development under SB-684?

Yes, development can be limited by environmental factors. Properties that are hazardous waste sites, wetlands, agricultural land, or prime farmland generally cannot be subdivided unless they are designated for residential use or meet state safety standards. Additionally, properties under conservation agreements or serving as wildlife habitats are typically not allowed for development to protect important land and species.

Can you build in high-risk CEQA zones?

Possibly. Construction in high-risk CEQA zones is allowed in Arcadia but should follow specific rules:

• Building is prohibited in Very High Fire Severity Zones, as identified by state maps or the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
• Construction on active fault lines is restricted in earthquake fault zones, allowed only if strict earthquake safety standards are met.
• Development in flood zones is limited and should follow the floodplain management or federal flood control regulations.
• Projects in floodways require certification to ensure they do not increase flood risk.

Is it allowed to demolish an affordable unit?

No, demolishing an affordable housing unit is not allowed in Arcadia. Development cannot involve the demolition or alteration of existing housing that is protected by laws or agreements designed to keep rents affordable for low, very low, or extremely low-income households.

What are the restrictions on ownership and development after completing a project under SB-684?

Are the rights of current tenants protected?

Yes, the rights of existing tenants are protected. New development cannot include demolishing or changing:

• Housing with rent or price controls established by the City of Arcadia.
• Homes that were rented out within the past 5 years, even if they are now empty or have already been demolished.
• Properties where the Ellis Act was used to take rental units off the market in the past 15 years.

How do you get permits for a project under SB-684?

What type of permit applies to a development under SB-684?

Projects under SB-684 require a ministerial permit, which allows local officials to review applications based on clear, pre-set rules. This process doesn’t need public hearings or special approvals, making it faster for projects that meet requirements like unit count and zoning rules.

What are objective standards?

Objective standards are straightforward rules set by local authorities for designing and building housing. These rules cover zoning, lot division, and design guidelines, and are intended to be clear-cut without adding extra requirements, such as larger setbacks or additional parking beyond standard codes.

How much does the permit cost?

The cost of Planning and Building permits varies depending on the number of lots and units in the project. With the new Senate Bill (SB-937), as of May 20, 2024, builders can delay paying certain impact fees until a certificate of occupancy is issued, helping reduce financing costs and making projects more affordable.

What are the steps to get the permits?

To secure permits under SB-684 in Arcadia, follow these steps:

1. Check Eligibility: Confirm that your property meets zoning requirements, is smaller than 5 acres, and meets other necessary criteria.

Check zoning eligibility for your property instantly.

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2. Submit a Tentative Map Application: Submit your application for a tentative map, specifying that it’s an SB-684 project.

3. City Review: The City of Arcadia will review your application and respond within 60 days. If they deny it, they’ll provide reasons and feedback. If they don’t respond within 60 days, the application is automatically approved.

4. Request Final Map Approval: After the tentative map is approved, submit a request for the final map approval.

5. Apply for Building Permits: You can apply for building permits even before the final map is officially recorded, as long as certain conditions are met.

6. Complete Requirements and Record the Final Map: Fulfill any remaining requirements and record the final map to officially complete the subdivision process.

How fast can a project be completed under SB-684?

This information outlines the different phases of the project along with their respective durations.

Feasibility Study with deciding the final scope of the project:

• Maximum of 3 days using CityStructure Analysis

Secure Financing: 2 to 3 weeks

Hiring the Team: 2 weeks

Design Process:

• Schematic Design: 1-2 months
• Permit Set / Design Development Drawing Set: 2-3 months
• Construction Drawing Set: 2-3 months

Entitlements and Building Permits: 9 to 15 months with the possibility of extending further due to departmental backlogs

Construction:

• Single Family House/Duplex: 1 year
• Multifamily: 2 years
  

How does SB-684 compare with SB-9 in Arcadia City?

This comparison looks at how SB-684 and SB-9 impact unit sizes, setbacks, lot sizes, density limits, and where development can be located in Arcadia.

Apply SB-684 rules to your property to see what you can build, the cost, and return.

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Resources

Arcadia Municipal Code