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What is SB-423 and how homeowners can benefit from SB-423 in San Francisco City?
SB-423 and SB-684 are two important laws impacting homeowners in San Francisco, each with different regulations on massing, unit size, setbacks, and more. Understanding the differences between these laws can help homeowners make informed decisions about how to best develop their properties.
How do SB-684 and SB-423 differ in San Francisco City?
Massing Limitations
Unit Size
SB-684: The total floor area of the new housing units on the lot being divided will not be more than 1,750 square feet.
SB-423: The size of the residential area should be at least 2/3 of the total project area for the mixed-use development.
Setback
SB-684: Rear and side yard setbacks are 4 feet. However, no setback is needed for existing structures or structures built in the same place and size as existing ones.
Lot Restriction
Lot Size
SB-684: The lot is up to 5 acres in size and the new parcels are at least 600 square feet each. Additionally, urban lot split is not allowed.
SB-423: At least 75% of the perimeter should be developed for urban uses.
Number of Lots
SB-684: According to the state regulation, 10 parcels or fewer are required for the project.
Unit Density
Number of Units
SB-684: 10 or fewer residential units.
SB-423: At least 2 residential units are needed. The maximum number of units is 10 for projects that follow San Francisco’s affordable housing rules. For projects with 11 or more units, at least 10% should be affordable to households earning 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for rentals or 80% of the AMI for ownership.
Number of Parking
SB-684: Each new unit needs 1 parking space, which can be uncovered or open. However, if the parcel is within half a mile of a high-quality transit stop, no parking is required.
SB-423: According to the state regulation, parking requirements for multifamily developments are waived in the following cases:
- The development is within half a mile of public transit.
- The development is in a significant historic district.
- On-street parking permits are required but not available to the development’s occupants.
- There is a car share vehicle within one block of the development.
If none of these conditions apply, the local government cannot require more than 1 parking space per unit for streamlined developments.
Development Location
SB-684: The parcel is located in one of the multi-family residential zones.
SB-423: The development should be located in an area zoned for residential use or residential mixed-use development.