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Everything You Need to Know About SB-684 Development in Baldwin Park
California’s updated land use laws aim to allow more housing units per property, simplifying approvals and letting developers defer some fees until construction is done. The new SB-684 law, part of a broader push for "middle housing," enables easier approvals for projects of up to 10 units on urban lots under 5 acres. Starting July 1, 2024, cities like Baldwin Park will begin processing these applications, creating new urban development opportunities. SB-684 could help developers turn eligible parcels into affordable communities, providing flexible options for rentals or sales in desirable locations.
What is SB-684 and how does it affect properties in Baldwin Park?
Senate Bill 684 or SB-684 is a California law that makes it easier to get approval for small housing projects. This law covers developments with up to 10 units on urban properties smaller than 5 acres. Local authorities should decide on these projects within 60 days, avoiding lengthy public hearings and reviews. Moreover, certain regulations, like those from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), are not applicable.
The current status of SB-684
As SB-684 is still recent and not widely recognized, many people may lack a clear understanding of its requirements. This can create challenges for applicants who may have limited resources or understanding of how to comply with the law effectively.
CityStructure reached out to Baldwin Park's planning department, and on August 28, 2024, Jesus Astorga-Rios, an assistant planner, provided clarification to the team:
"At current, the City of Baldwin Park has not adopted any ordinance implementing Senate Bill 684 into our local codes and regulations. If a property or project intends to file under the provisions allowable under Senate Bill 684, City Staff will review and defer to the restrictions and procedures noted in the relevant Government Code sections.”
To overcome these challenges, it's important to understand the state's requirements and how to apply them. Having clear instructions on how to follow these rules will help applicants take full advantage of SB-684.
What can homeowners build under SB-684 in Baldwin Park?
What are the lot limitations under SB-684?
SB-684 applies to lots that are up to 5 acres in size, allowing them to be divided into a maximum of 10 parcels. Each of these parcels should be at least 600 square feet in area.
What is the size limitation for the new units?
In Baldwin Park, new housing units allowed under SB-684 cannot be larger than 1,750 square feet.
What are the setbacks?
Setbacks of up to 4 feet are required from both the side and rear property lines.
What is the parking requirement under SB-684?
SB-684 requires each unit to have one off-street parking space. However, this requirement might not apply if the property is within half a mile of a major transit stop or a well-connected transit area.
How many units can you have on your property following SB-684 restrictions?
Who and which properties qualify for SB-684?
Which zoning districts are eligible for SB-684?
SB-684 is applicable to zones designated for either multi-family or vacant lots within single-family zoning areas.
How Does SB-1123 or Senate Bill 1123 Impact SB-684?
SB-1123 improves the rules created by SB-684. While SB-684 focused on simplifying the approval process for up to 10 small homes in multi-family zones, SB-1123 extends these benefits to vacant lots in single-family neighborhoods. This change opens up more chances for affordable housing by allowing the construction of up to 10 homes on suitable vacant lots close to important community services, promoting affordable homeownership in areas that were previously restricted.
Do the environmental requirements or overlays on the lot restrict the property development under SB-684?
Yes, environmental regulations can restrict development. Land designated as prime farmland, wetlands, or hazardous waste sites cannot be subdivided unless it has been approved for residential use. Additionally, properties with conservation agreements or those serving as habitats for protected species are also excluded from development. These regulations are in place to protect important land and wildlife.
Can you build in high-risk CEQA zones?
It varies. Building in high-risk CEQA zones is subject to certain restrictions:
Fire Hazard Zones
Construction is prohibited in areas marked as high fire risk by state maps or the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Earthquake Fault Zones
Projects cannot be built on active earthquake fault lines unless they adhere to strict earthquake safety standards.
Flood Zones
Development in areas prone to flooding is restricted unless it meets floodplain management or federal flood control standards.
Floodways
Building in floodways requires a certification to ensure the project does not elevate flood risks.
Is it allowed to demolish an affordable unit?
No, affordable units that are secured by agreements, regulations, or laws designed to maintain low rents for low-income residents cannot be demolished or modified.
What are the restrictions on ownership and development after completing a project under SB-684?
Are the rights of current tenants protected?
Yes, tenant rights are protected, so new housing projects cannot demolish or modify units that have rent or price restrictions set by Baldwin Park City. This protection also covers homes that were occupied within the last 5 years, even if they are now empty or have been demolished. Properties that have been removed from the rental market under the Ellis Act in the past 15 years are also exempt from such changes.
How do you get permits for a project under SB-684?
What type of permit applies to a development under SB-684?
SB-684 grants certain projects to use a ministerial approval process, where local officials make decisions based on set guidelines without holding public hearings or extra reviews. This easier process is available for developments that meet specific requirements, such as the number of housing units and zoning laws.
What are objective standards?
Objective standards are specific rules created by local authorities that explain how housing projects should be designed and constructed. These rules cover aspects like zoning, land use, and design details. However, they shouldn’t be so strict that they prevent a project from meeting density targets or add extra requirements, like larger setbacks or covered parking, beyond regular building codes.
How much does the permit cost?
The fees for Planning and Building permits can differ significantly depending on how many lots and units you plan to construct. As of May 20, 2024, a new law (Senate Bill SB-937) allows builders to postpone some fees until they get a certificate of occupancy for their project. This change can reduce costs, making it easier for more projects to be affordable and successful.
What are the steps to get the permits?
To get permits under SB-684 in Baldwin Park City, follow these steps:
1. Check Eligibility
Confirm that your property is correctly zoned, is less than 5 acres, and meets all other criteria.
Check zoning eligibility for your property instantly.
2. Submit Tentative Map Application
File an application for a tentative map, specifying that it pertains to SB-684.
3. Review Process
Baldwin Park City will review your application and decide within 60 days. If the application is denied, you will receive feedback. If there is no decision within 60 days, the application is automatically approved.
4. Submit Final Map Application
After receiving approval for the tentative map, apply for the final map.
5. Apply for Building Permits
Apply for building permits, which may be granted before the final map is recorded, provided certain conditions are met.
6. Fulfill Conditions
Complete all required conditions and record the final map to finalize 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 Baldwin Park City?
This comparison looks at SB-684 and SB-9 in Baldwin Park City, highlighting their effects on things like the size of housing units, space required between buildings, lot sizes and numbers, how many homes can be built in an area, and where construction can take place. The goal is to make it clear how these laws influence local building projects.
Apply SB-684 rules to your property to see what you can build, the cost, and return.
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