City of Burbank
Everything You Need to Know About SB-684 Development in Burbank
California has introduced new housing rules to simplify building multiple homes on one property. These changes streamline the approval process and let builders wait to pay some fees until after construction is complete. SB-684 focuses on promoting "middle housing," like smaller apartment buildings, by making it easier to approve projects with up to 10 homes on urban lots smaller than 5 acres. Starting July 1, 2024, cities such as Burbank will accept applications under SB-684, offering more opportunities for urban development. The law could help transform eligible properties into affordable communities with flexible options for renting or selling in high-demand areas.
What is SB-684 and how does it affect properties in Burbank?
SB-684, or Senate Bill 684, streamlines the approval process for smaller housing developments in California, specifically for projects with up to 10 units on urban lots under 5 acres. Local authorities should make decisions within 60 days without public hearings, or extensive reviews, including those from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), do not apply.
The current status of SB-684
Since SB-684 is relatively new and not widely known, many people may be unfamiliar with it, and applicants could face challenges due to limited resources and understanding.
CityStructure contacted the city's planning department, and on November 6, 2024, Johana Valencia, Burbank’s assistant planner, clarified to the CityStructure team when we reached out to her, that:
"At this time the City has not adopted an ordinance."
Understanding state requirements and applying them fully can help handle these challenges. Clear guidance on navigating these rules will help applicants maximize SB-684.
What can homeowners build under SB-684 in Burbank?
What are the lot limitations under SB-684?
SB-684 applies to properties up to 5 acres in size and allows them to be split into a maximum of 10 lots. Each lot should be a minimum of 600 square feet.
What is the size limitation for the new units?
In Burbank, under SB-684, new residential units are limited to a maximum size of 1,750 square feet.
What are the setbacks?
Setbacks require a minimum of 4 feet from both the side and rear property boundaries.
What is the parking requirement under SB-684?
In Burbank, SB-684 requires each unit to have one off-street parking space. This requirement may be denied if the property is within half a mile of a major transit stop or a well-served 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?
In Burbank, SB-684 is applicable to zones designated for multi-family zones and to vacant lots in single-family home areas.
How Does SB-1123 or Senate Bill 1123 Impact SB-684?
SB-1123 broadens the scope of SB-684. While SB-684 focuses on simplifying the approval process for up to 10 smaller housing units in multi-family zones, SB-1123 extends this to include empty lots in single-family neighborhoods. This adjustment promotes affordable housing by allowing the building of up to 10 homes on these vacant lots near community resources, enabling homeownership in areas that were previously limited to single-family homes.
Do the environmental requirements or overlays on the lot restrict the property development under SB-684?
Yes, environmental regulations can limit property development. Land designated as prime farmland, wetlands, agricultural zones, or hazardous waste sites usually cannot be subdivided unless it is designated for residential use or complies with state safety standards. Furthermore, properties under conservation agreements or serving as habitats for protected species are typically off-limits for development. These rules are designed to preserve important land and wildlife.
Can you build in high-risk CEQA zones?
Possibly. Developing in high-risk CEQA zones comes with specific limitations:
- Fire Hazard Zones: Building is restricted in areas identified as high fire risk by state maps or the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
- Earthquake Fault Zones: Construction on active fault lines is not permitted unless it adheres to strict earthquake safety regulations.
- Flood Zones: Development in flood-prone areas is restricted unless it meets floodplain management or federal flood control standards.
- Floodways: Building in floodways requires certification to ensure that it won't heighten flood risks.
Is it allowed to demolish an affordable unit?
No, in Burbank, you cannot demolish or alter affordable housing units that are secured by agreements, regulations, or laws designed to keep rents affordable for low-income families.
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. Projects cannot demolish or alter units that have rent or price controls set by Burbank City. This protection extends to homes rented in the past 5 years, regardless of their current status, whether vacant or demolished. It also covers properties removed from the rental market under the Ellis Act in the last 15 years.
How do you get permits for a project under SB-684?
What type of permit applies to a development under SB-684?
SB-684 enables some projects to use a ministerial approval process. This means local officials assess applications based on straightforward guidelines, avoiding public hearings and discretionary reviews. This streamlined process is available for developments that satisfy certain criteria, including a set number of residential units and adherence to zoning and density regulations.
What are objective standards?
Objective standards are clear guidelines established by local officials to govern the design and development of housing projects. They cover aspects such as zoning, property division, and design features. These standards are designed to be simple and not too limiting, so projects can meet density targets without needing to meet additional requirements, such as larger setbacks or more parking, beyond what is usually required by standard building codes.
How much does the permit cost?
The costs for Planning and Building permits can vary depending on how many lots and units you plan to build. Starting on May 20, 2024, a new law (Senate Bill SB-937) will allow builders to postpone some payments until they receive a certificate of occupancy for their project. This change is intended to help reduce costs, making it easier for more projects to stay within budget and be successful.
What are the steps to get the permits?
To obtain permits under SB-684 in Burbank, follow these steps:
- Confirm Eligibility
Check that your property is correctly zoned, is less than 5 acres, and meets all requirements.
Check zoning eligibility for your property instantly.
- Submit Tentative Map Application
File an application for a tentative map, noting that it is intended for SB-684. - Review Process
The City of Burbank will evaluate your application and decide within 60 days. If the application is denied, you will receive feedback. If no decision is made within this period, the application is automatically approved. - File Final Map Application
Once the tentative map is approved, apply for the final map. - Apply for Building Permits
Apply for building permits, which may be issued before the final map is officially recorded, provided specific conditions are met. - Fulfill Approval Conditions
Complete all necessary conditions and record the final map to finalize the subdivision.
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 Burbank City?
This comparison examines SB-684 and SB-9 in Burbank, focusing on how each regulation impacts unit sizes, setbacks, lot sizes, and permissible development areas. It offers an in-depth view of how these policies shape local development.
Apply SB-684 rules to your property to see what you can build, the cost, and return.
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