City of Coronado
Everything You Need to Know About SB-684 Development in Coronado
Starting July 1, 2024, Coronado, along with other California cities, will need to process applications under SB-684. This law simplifies how quickly residential projects with up to 10 units can get approved on urban properties smaller than 5 acres. The goal is to make the building process faster and give developers the option to postpone paying some fees until their projects are finished, following the growing trend in the U.S. for more mid-sized housing.
What is SB-684 and how does it affect properties in Coronado?
SB-684 is a new law in California that makes it easier and faster to approve small housing projects. It allows the construction of up to 10 homes on urban lots that are less than 5 acres. Local governments have 60 days to review and make a decision on these projects without needing public meetings or additional reviews. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is also removed, helping speed up the approval process.
The current status of SB-684
The CityStructure team reached out to Coronado's planning department on November 4, 2024, 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 Coronado?
What are the lot limitations under SB-684?
SB-684 applies to properties that are up to 5 acres. If a lot is divided, each new lot should be at least 600 square feet.
What is the size limitation for the new units?
In Coronado, homes built under SB-684 can be as large as 1,750 square feet.
What are the setbacks?
New buildings should be at least 4 feet away from the side and rear property lines.
What is the parking requirement under SB-684?
Each unit should have one parking space in Coronado unless it's located within half a mile of major transit areas or areas with good public transportation.
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 Coronado, SB-684 applies to areas where multi-family housing is allowed, as well as vacant lots in zones intended for single-family homes.
How Does SB-1123 or Senate Bill 1123 Impact SB-684?
While SB-684 focuses on making approvals easier for small homes in multi-family areas, SB-1123 expands this to allow up to 10 homes on vacant lots in single-family zones, especially those near important community services. This change is meant to help increase affordable housing and support homeownership in places with limited options.
Do the environmental requirements or overlays on the lot restrict the property development under SB-684?
Yes, certain environmental factors can limit development. Areas with hazardous waste, wetlands, or prime agricultural land are usually off-limits unless they meet specific safety requirements or are approved for housing. Additionally, land with conservation agreements or that serves as a wildlife habitat is typically protected from development to preserve the environment.
Can you build in high-risk CEQA zones?
Yes, but only under strict conditions. In Coronado, building in high-risk CEQA zones is allowed as long as:
(A) Construction is prohibited in areas marked as very high fire risk.
(B) Building on active earthquake fault lines is allowed only if safety standards are met.
(C) Flood zone development should follow federal flood safety rules.
(D) Any projects in floodways should have certification proving they won't increase flood risks.
Is it allowed to demolish an affordable unit?
No, affordable housing units cannot be demolished in Coronado. Development under SB-684 should prevent the demolition of homes that are legally protected to maintain affordable rents for low-income residents.
What are the restrictions on ownership and development after completing a project under SB-684?
Are the rights of current tenants protected?
Yes, existing tenants' rights are protected. New development projects cannot involve demolishing or altering:
- Homes with rent or price controls set by the City of Coronado.
- Properties that have been rented in the last 5 years, even if they are currently empty or have been torn down.
- Properties that removed rental units from the market under the Ellis Act within 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?
Under SB-684, a ministerial permit is required. This type of permit allows local authorities to approve projects quickly based on clear rules, without the need for public hearings or lengthy reviews. As long as the project meets requirements like unit limits and zoning laws, it can be approved faster.
What are objective standards?
Objective standards are straightforward, predefined rules set by local governments for building homes. They address things like zoning, lot splits, and design requirements without adding extra conditions, such as increased setbacks or additional parking beyond what’s typically needed.
How much does the permit cost?
The cost of the permit depends on the size of the project, such as the number of units and the lot size. Starting May 20, 2024, SB-937 will allow developers to delay certain impact fees until the project is finished and ready to use, helping ease financial pressures.
What are the steps to get the permits?
To secure permits under SB-684 in Coronado, follow these steps:
1. Check Eligibility
Ensure your property meets zoning requirements, is smaller than 5 acres, and satisfies other necessary conditions.
Check zoning eligibility for your property instantly.
2. Submit a Tentative Map Application
Begin by submitting your tentative map application, clearly indicating that it’s for an SB-684 project.
3. City Review
The City of Coronado will review your application and provide feedback within 60 days. If the application is rejected, they will explain the reasons and suggest changes. If no response is given within this period, the application will be automatically approved.
4. Request Final Map Approval
After your tentative map is approved, you can move forward with requesting approval for the final map.
5. Apply for Building Permits
You can apply for building permits before the final map is officially recorded, as long as you meet the required conditions.
6. Complete Requirements and Finalize the Map
Make sure all requirements are met and the final map is officially recorded 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 Coronado City?
To compare SB-684 and SB-9 in Coronado, this analysis highlights the differences between the two laws regarding unit sizes, setbacks, lot dimensions, density, and development zones. It offers a detailed examination of their respective impacts on local construction projects.
Apply SB-684 rules to your property to see what you can build, the cost, and return.
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