City of Del Mar
Everything You Need to Know About SB-684 Development in Del Mar
Starting July 1, 2024, Del Mar will be required to process projects under the new SB-684 land use law in California. This law is part of a broader effort to increase housing density on properties, streamline the permitting process, and allow developers to delay permit fee payments until the project is complete or a certificate of occupancy is issued. In line with the growing trend of promoting middle housing across the U.S., SB-684 enables quicker approval for residential projects with up to 10 units on urban lots of less than 5 acres.
What is SB-684 and how does it affect properties in Del Mar?
SB-684 is a new law in California created to make it simpler and quicker to approve small housing projects. It allows up to 10 homes to be built on urban lots smaller than 5 acres. Local governments should review and decide on these projects within 60 days, without the need for public hearings or extra evaluations. The law also removes California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements, speeding up the overall approval process.
The current status of SB-684
The CityStructure team reached out to Del Mar'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 Del Mar?
What are the lot limitations under SB-684?
Under SB-684, properties can be up to 5 acres in size. If the lot is split, each new lot should be at least 600 square feet.
What is the size limitation for the new units?
In Del Mar, homes built under SB-684 can be up to 1,750 square feet in size.
What are the setbacks?
New buildings should be set back at least 4 feet from the side and rear property lines.
What is the parking requirement under SB-684?
Each unit should have one parking space in Del Mar 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?
SB-684 in Del Mar applies to areas where multi-family homes are allowed, as well as vacant lots in single-family home zones.
How Does SB-1123 or Senate Bill 1123 Impact SB-684?
SB-1123 expands SB-684 by allowing up to 10 homes on vacant lots in single-family zones, particularly those near important community services. This change aims to boost affordable housing and promote homeownership in areas with fewer options.
Do the environmental requirements or overlays on the lot restrict the property development under SB-684?
Yes, environmental factors may restrict development under SB-684. Areas with hazardous waste, wetlands, or prime agricultural land are typically off-limits unless safety standards are met. Land with conservation agreements or wildlife habitats is generally protected from development.
Can you build in high-risk CEQA zones?
Building is possible in high-risk CEQA zones, but under strict guidelines:
(A) No construction in areas with very high fire risk.
(B) Building on active earthquake fault lines is only allowed if safety standards are followed.
(C) Flood zone development should comply with federal flood safety regulations.
(D) Projects in floodways should be certified to ensure they won’t worsen flood risks.
Is it allowed to demolish an affordable unit?
No, affordable housing units cannot be demolished in Del Mar under SB-684. This law protects homes that are designated as affordable 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 Del Mar.
- 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?
For developments under SB-684, a ministerial approval permit is required. This permit speeds up the process by allowing local officials to review projects based on clear rules, without discretionary reviews or public hearings. If your project meets specific criteria, such as the number of units and zoning rules, it can get approved more quickly.
What are objective standards?
Objective standards are clear guidelines set by local authorities for building and designing homes. They include details on zoning, lot sizes, and design features. These standards are designed to be easy to follow and not overly strict, helping projects meet density goals without requiring extra setbacks or more parking than usual.
How much does the permit cost?
Permit costs for Planning and Building vary based on the number of lots and units involved in the project. Starting May 20, 2024, a new law (SB-937) allows developers to delay some fees until they obtain an occupancy certificate. This change reduces initial costs, helping projects stay financially feasible and meet their goals.
What are the steps to get the permits?
To get permits under SB-684 in Del Mar, follow these steps:
1. Confirm Eligibility
Verify that your property is properly zoned, is less than 5 acres, and meets all required criteria.
Check zoning eligibility for your property instantly.
2. File a Tentative Map Application
Submit your application for a tentative map, indicating that it's for SB-684.
3. Review Process
Del Mar officials will review your application within 60 days. If it's denied, you'll get feedback. If there's no response within 60 days, your application is automatically approved.
4. Apply for Final Map Approval
Once your tentative map is approved, apply for approval of the final map.
5. Apply for Building Permits
You can apply for building permits before the final map is officially recorded, provided you meet certain conditions.
6. Fulfill Approval Conditions
Complete all required conditions and then record the final map to finish 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 Del Mar City?
SB-684 and SB-9 in Lemon Grove differ in several ways, such as setback requirements, maximum lot and unit sizes, and the specific zoning areas where new developments can be located.
Apply SB-684 rules to your property to see what you can build, the cost, and return.
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