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

SB-684 is a California law created to simplify approvals for small housing projects across the state. It applies to projects with up to 10 units on urban properties that are smaller than 5 acres. Local officials have 60 days to approve or reject these projects, without the need for public hearings or extra reviews. Some regulations, like those under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), don’t apply here, making the approval process even faster.

The current status of SB-684

The CityStructure team reached out to Avalon's planning department on September 16, 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 Avalon?

What are the lot limitations under SB-684?

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

What is the size limitation for the new units?

In Avalon, units built under SB-684 can be up to 1,750 square feet.

What are the setbacks?

New buildings should maintain a minimum setback of 4 feet from the side and rear property lines.

What is the parking requirement under SB-684?

In Avalon, each unit should have one off-street parking space, except for properties within half a mile of a major transit hub or a well-connected transit area.

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

Please enter a valid address

Who and which properties qualify for SB-684?

Which zoning districts are eligible for SB-684?

In Avalon, SB-684 applies to multi-family properties and vacant lots in areas designated for single-family homes.

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

SB-684 is a law that was passed to make it easier to approve small starter homes in multi-family areas. SB-1123 extends these rules to include vacant lots in single-family zones, allowing up to 10 homes to be built on empty lots near important community services. This change aims to promote affordable housing and make homeownership more accessible in areas where it was previously challenging.

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

Yes, environmental factors can limit development. Properties classified as hazardous waste sites, wetlands, agricultural land, or prime farmland generally cannot be divided unless designated for residential use or meet state safety standards. Additionally, properties under conservation agreements or designated as wildlife habitats are usually not allowed to be developed to protect essential land and species.

Can you build in high-risk CEQA zones?

Yes, but specific rules should be followed. In Avalon, building in high-risk CEQA zones is allowed with certain restrictions:

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

Is it allowed to demolish an affordable unit?

No, demolishing affordable housing units is not allowed in Avalon. Development cannot include the demolition or changes to existing homes protected by laws or agreements that maintain affordable rents 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 current tenants are protected. New development cannot involve demolishing or altering:

• Homes with rent or price controls set by the City of Avalon.
• Properties that were rented out at any point in the last 5 years, even if they are now vacant or have been demolished.
• Properties where the Ellis Act was used to remove rental units from 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 need a ministerial permit. This type of permit allows local officials to review applications based on clear, established rules, which means there’s no need for public hearings or lengthy approvals. This speeds up the process for projects that meet requirements like the number of units and zoning regulations.

What are objective standards?

Objective standards are clear and simple rules set by local governments for designing and constructing housing. They include guidelines for zoning, dividing lots, and overall design. These standards are meant to be straightforward and do not add extra requirements, like needing larger setbacks or more parking than usual.

How much does the permit cost?

The cost of Planning and Building permits can vary based on the number of lots and units in the project. Starting May 20, 2024, a new law (SB-937) allows builders to postpone certain impact fees until after the project is finished and ready for occupancy, which can lower financing costs and make projects more affordable.

What are the steps to get the permits?

To get permits under SB-684 in Avalon, follow these steps:

1. Check Eligibility: Make sure your property meets zoning rules, is less than 5 acres, and satisfies other necessary criteria.

Check zoning eligibility for your property instantly.

Please enter a valid address

2. Submit a Tentative Map Application: Start by submitting your application for a tentative map, making sure to indicate that it’s for an SB-684 project.

3. City Review: The City of Avalon will look over your application and get back to you within 60 days. If they deny it, they will explain why and give you feedback. If they don’t respond within 60 days, your application will be automatically approved.

4. Request Final Map Approval: Once your tentative map is approved, you can ask 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 you meet certain conditions.

6. Complete Requirements and Record the Final Map: Make sure to finish any remaining requirements and record the final map to officially wrap up 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 Avalon City?

This comparison examines how SB-684 and SB-9 affect aspects such as the size of units, setbacks, lot sizes, limits on the number of units, and the areas where new developments can be built in Avalon.

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

Please enter a valid address

Related Articles

ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Avalon

All You Need to Know About Building on Properties in Avalon Under SB-9

How to get your permits fast or the benefits of using SB-423 in Avalon

How to Make My ADU a Profitable Investment in Avalon?

What are the requirements to build ADU in Avalon?

More articles ...

Resources

Avalon Municipal Code