City of Cerritos
Everything You Need to Know About SB-684 Development in Cerritos
Land use laws in California are being significantly updated to allow more housing units on each property. These changes are created to speed up the permitting process and allow developers to delay paying permit fees until their projects are completed. In line 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 Cerritos, will be required to accept applications submitted under SB-684.
What is SB-684 and how does it affect properties in Cerritos?
SB-684 is a recent law in California created to make it easier to get approvals for small housing developments throughout the state. This law applies to projects that can include up to 10 residential units on urban lots that are less than 5 acres in size. Local governments have 60 days to review these applications and make a decision without needing to hold public hearings or perform additional evaluations. Furthermore, certain environmental rules, such as those related to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), don’t apply to these developments, which helps speed up the approval process even more.
The current status of SB-684
The CityStructure team reached out to Cerritos' planning department 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 Cerritos?
What are the lot limitations under SB-684?
SB-684 applies to properties that can be as large as 5 acres. If you split a lot, each resulting lot should be at least 600 square feet in size.
What is the size limitation for the new units?
In Cerritos, new units built under SB-684 can be up to 1,750 square feet.
What are the setbacks?
New constructions should have a minimum setback of 4 feet from the sides and rear of the property.
What is the parking requirement under SB-684?
In Cerritos, each housing unit should have one off-street parking spot, unless it is located within half a mile of major transit hubs or areas with good public transportation options.
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 Cerritos, SB-684 applies to multi-family housing and vacant lots located in areas intended for single-family homes.
How Does SB-1123 or Senate Bill 1123 Impact SB-684?
SB-684 was introduced to make it easier to get approvals for small starter homes in multi-family zones. SB-1123 broadens these rules, allowing up to 10 houses to be built on vacant lots in single-family areas, especially those near important community services. This change aims to improve access to affordable housing and help more people own homes in places where it has been difficult before.
Do the environmental requirements or overlays on the lot restrict the property development under SB-684?
Yes, environmental considerations can restrict development. Lots that are hazardous waste sites, wetlands, agricultural land, or prime farmland generally cannot be subdivided unless they are designated for residential use or comply with state safety guidelines.
Additionally, areas protected by conservation agreements or designated as wildlife habitats are typically off-limits for development to protect vital land and species.
Can you build in high-risk CEQA zones?
Yes, but there are specific regulations to follow. In Cerritos, building in high-risk CEQA zones is allowed with certain conditions:
- Construction is prohibited in Very High Fire Severity Zones, as identified by state maps or the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
- Building on active fault lines is restricted in earthquake zones and is only allowed if strict safety guidelines are followed.
- Development in flood zones is limited and should comply with federal flood control regulations.
- Projects located in floodways require certification to ensure they don’t increase the risk of flooding.
Is it allowed to demolish an affordable unit?
No, in Cerritos, the demolition of affordable housing units is prohibited. Development cannot involve the destruction or alteration of homes protected by laws or agreements that keep rents 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:
- Houses that have rent or price controls set by the City of Cerritos.
- Properties that were rented in the past 5 years, regardless of whether they are now empty or have been demolished.
- Properties that used the Ellis Act 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?
For developments under SB-684, a ministerial permit is necessary. This type of permit allows local officials to handle applications according to straightforward and predefined rules, eliminating the need for public meetings or lengthy waiting periods. As a result, projects that meet the established criteria, such as the allowed number of units and zoning regulations, can move through the approval process more quickly.
What are objective standards?
Objective standards are clear and simple rules set by local governments for constructing homes. They cover aspects like zoning, lot divisions, and design specifications. These guidelines are designed to be easily understood and don’t impose additional requirements, such as larger setbacks from property lines or more parking spaces than typically required.
How much does the permit cost?
The fees for Planning and Building permits depend on the number of lots and units in your project. Starting May 20, 2024, a new law (SB-937) will let builders delay certain impact fees until their projects are completed and ready for occupancy, which can help lower financing costs and make projects more budget-friendly.
What are the steps to get the permits?
To secure permits under SB-684 in Cerritos, follow these steps:
1. Verify Eligibility
Ensure your property complies with zoning laws, is under 5 acres in size, and meets other necessary criteria.
Check zoning eligibility for your property instantly.
2. Submit a Tentative Map Application
Begin by submitting your application for a tentative map, clearly indicating that it is for an SB-684 project.
3. City Review
The City of Cerritos will review your application and respond within 60 days. If your application is denied, they will explain the reasons and provide some advice. If you don’t hear back within that period, your application will automatically be approved.
4. Request Final Map Approval
After your tentative map is approved, you can request approval for the final map.
5. Apply for Building Permits
You can apply for building permits even if the final map isn’t officially on record yet, as long as you meet specific conditions.
6. Complete Requirements and Record the Final Map
Ensure that you finish any remaining requirements and officially 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 Cerritos City?
This comparison highlights the differences between SB-684 and SB-9 regarding setbacks, unit sizes, lot sizes, and the locations suitable for new construction in Cerritos.
Apply SB-684 rules to your property to see what you can build, the cost, and return.
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