City of Carson
Everything You Need to Know About SB-684 Development in Carson
The land use laws in California are undergoing significant updates to increase the number of housing units allowed on each property. These changes are created to speed up the permitting process and allow developers to postpone paying permit fees until their projects are finished or they receive occupancy certificates. In alignment with the national trend promoting middle housing, the new SB-684 law streamlines the approval process for residential projects with up to 10 units on urban lots smaller than 5 acres. Starting July 1, 2024, cities, including Carson, should accept applications submitted under SB-684.
What is SB-684 and how does it affect properties in Carson?
SB-684 is a new California law aimed at simplifying the approval process for small residential projects across the state. It targets developments that can have a maximum of 10 housing units on urban properties that are smaller than 5 acres. Local authorities have 2 months to make decisions on these applications, and they don’t need to hold public hearings or conduct extra reviews. Additionally, some environmental regulations, like those under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), do not apply to these projects, further accelerating the approval process.
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 5, 2024, Richard Garcia, Carson’s assistant planner, clarified to the CityStructure team when we reached out to him, that:
"If the proposed project follows all the requirements of the municipal code; the city will to its best capability possible streamline projects."
In this case, implementing this bill requires compliance with state regulations.
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 Carson?
What are the lot limitations under SB-684?
SB-684 applies to properties that can be up to 5 acres. If a lot is divided, each new lot has to be at least 600 square feet.
What is the size limitation for the new units?
In Carson, units developed under SB-684 can be a maximum of 1,750 square feet.
What are the setbacks?
New buildings should be set back a minimum of 4 feet from the side and rear property lines.
What is the parking requirement under SB-684?
In Carson, each housing unit should provide one off-street parking space, except for locations within half a mile of major transit stations or well-served public transport areas.
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 Carson, SB-684 applies to multi-family properties and vacant lots in zones designated for single-family homes.
How Does SB-1123 or Senate Bill 1123 Impact SB-684?
SB-684 was created to simplify the process for approving small starter homes in multi-family neighborhoods. SB-1123 expands these regulations to allow for the construction of up to 10 homes on vacant lots in single-family zones, particularly close to essential community services. This change aims to increase affordable housing availability and make homeownership easier in previously challenging areas.
Do the environmental requirements or overlays on the lot restrict the property development under SB-684?
Yes, environmental factors can restrict what can be built. Lots that are hazardous waste sites, wetlands, agricultural land, or prime farmland usually cannot be divided unless they are approved for residential use or meet state safety standards.
Additionally, properties that are protected by conservation agreements or identified as wildlife habitats are generally not allowed to be developed to safeguard important land and wildlife.
Can you build in high-risk CEQA zones?
Yes, but you should follow specific rules. In Carson, construction in high-risk CEQA areas is permitted under certain conditions:
- Building is not allowed in Very High Fire Severity Zones, as indicated by state maps or the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
- Construction on active fault lines is limited in earthquake zones and is only allowed if strict safety standards are followed.
- Building in flood zones is restricted and should comply with federal flood control regulations.
- Projects in floodways need certification to ensure they won’t increase the risk of flooding.
Is it allowed to demolish an affordable unit?
No, in Carson, demolishing affordable housing units is not allowed. Development cannot involve removing or altering homes that are protected by laws or agreements that ensure rents remain affordable for 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 construction cannot involve demolishing or altering:
- Homes that have rent or price restrictions established by the City of Carson.
- Properties that were rented out at any point in the last 5 years, even if they are currently vacant or have been removed.
- Properties that used the Ellis Act to remove rental units from the market within 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?
Projects under SB-684 need a specific type of permit: ministerial permit. This permit allows local authorities to process applications based on clear, set rules, so there’s no need for public hearings or long approval terms. This helps speed up the process for projects that follow the established guidelines, including the number of units and zoning requirements.
What are objective standards?
Objective standards are simple, clear rules created by local governments for building homes. They include guidelines for zoning, dividing lots, and design. These standards are meant to be easy to understand and do not add extra requirements, such as larger setbacks from property lines or more parking spaces than usual.
How much does the permit cost?
The cost of Planning and Building permits can vary based on how many lots and units your project includes. Starting May 20, 2024, a new law (SB-937) will allow builders to postpone some impact fees until the project is finished and ready for people to move in, which can make financing cheaper and projects more affordable.
What are the steps to get the permits?
To secure permits under SB-684 in Bell, follow these steps:
1. Check Eligibility
Make sure your property follows zoning rules, is less than 5 acres in size, and meets any other requirements.
Check zoning eligibility for your property instantly.
2. Submit a Tentative Map Application
Start by sending in your application for a tentative map, making it clear that it's intended for an SB-684 project.
3. City Review
The City of Carson will evaluate your application and get back to you within 60 days. If your application is rejected, they will explain why and give you some guidance. If they don’t respond in that timeframe, your application will be considered automatically approved.
4. Request Final Map Approval
Once your tentative map gets approved, you can ask for approval of the final map.
5. Apply for Building Permits
You can seek building permits even if the final map isn’t officially recorded yet, provided you meet certain conditions.
6. Finish Requirements and Record the Final Map
Make sure to complete any outstanding requirements and officially record the final map to 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 Carson City?
This comparison looks at how SB-684 and SB-9 affect different aspects such as unit density, unit sizes, dimensions of the lots, setbacks, and where new developments can be built in Carson.
Apply SB-684 rules to your property to see what you can build, the cost, and return.
Related Articles
ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Carson
All You Need to Know About Building on Properties in Carson Under SB-9
How to get your permits fast or the benefits of using SB-423 in Carson
How to Make My ADU a Profitable Investment in Carson?