What is SB-684 and how does it affect properties in Sacramento City?

SB-684 makes it easier and quicker to get approval for small housing projects in California. It applies to developments of 10 or fewer units on urban lots that are less than 5 acres. Local agencies have to approve these projects within 60 days without holding public hearings or doing detailed reviews. Plus, some regulations, including parts of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), don’t apply to these projects.

What can homeowners build under SB-684 in Sacramento City?

What are the lot limitations under SB-684?

Under SB-684, properties should be no larger than 5 acres. You can split these properties into up to 10 parcels, with each parcel requiring to be at least 600 square feet.

What is the size limitation for the new units?

For new housing units under SB-684 in Lakewood, the largest size permitted is 1,750 square feet.

What are the setbacks?

Residential units should be set back 4 feet from both the side and rear property lines.

What is the parking requirement under SB-684?

Under SB-684, each unit is required to have 1 off-street parking space. However, if the property is within half a mile of a major transit stop or is located in a well-connected transit area, this parking requirement might be waived.

Who and which properties qualify for SB-684?

Which zoning districts are eligible for SB-684?

SB-684 applies to single-family and multi-family residential zoning areas in Sacramento City.

Do the environmental requirements or overlays on the lot restrict the property development under SB-684?

Under SB-684, certain environmental factors can restrict property development:

• Prime Farmland: Land classified as prime or important farmland and protected by local rules cannot be divided unless it’s for residential use.
• Wetlands: Land recognized as wetlands by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service cannot be developed.
• Hazardous Waste Sites: Development is not allowed on properties listed as hazardous waste sites or recognized by the Department of Toxic Substances Control until it’s confirmed suitable for residential use by state or local agencies.
• Conservation Land: Land protected by conservation plans or other measures cannot be developed.
• Habitat for Protected Species: Land serving as habitat for protected species under state or federal laws is not eligible for development.
• Land Under Conservation Easement: Properties with conservation easements cannot be developed.

Can you build in high-risk CEQA zones?

Possibly. Building in high-risk CEQA zones in Sacramento City comes with specific restrictions:

• Fire Hazard Zones: Areas marked as very high fire risk by state maps or the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection are off-limits for construction.
• Earthquake Fault Zones: You cannot build on active earthquake fault lines unless the project meets strict safety and building standards.
• Flood Zones: Construction is allowed in flood-prone areas only if the property has been approved for floodplain management or meets federal flood control standards.
• Floodways: A no-rise certification is required to make sure the project doesn’t increase flooding risk.

Is it allowed to demolish an affordable unit?

No, SB-684 does not permit the demolition of affordable housing units. You cannot remove or alter homes that are protected by agreements or rules designed to keep them affordable for people with low, very low, or extremely low incomes.

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 current tenants are secured. Housing projects cannot demolish or change units that have rent controls or price limits set by the City of Sacramento. This protection extends to homes that had tenants within the last 5 years, even if they are now vacant or demolished. Additionally, properties that were taken off the rental market using the Ellis Act in the past 15 years are also protected from these changes.

How do you get permits for a project under SB-684?

What type of permit applies to a development under SB-684?

For projects under SB-684, a ministerial approval process is a requirement. This means decisions are made based on clear rules rather than personal judgment, so there’s no need for CEQA reviews, discretionary reviews, or public hearings. This makes the process faster and more straightforward.

What are objective standards?

Objective standards are clear, consistent rules for assessing projects. They are based on specific criteria rather than personal opinions, ensuring evaluations are consistent and predictable. This provides straightforward guidelines for homeowners and developers.

What are the steps to get the permits?

To get permits under SB 684 in Sacramento City, follow these steps:

1. Check Eligibility

Ensure your property is correctly zoned, does not surpass 5 acres, and meets all other requirements.

2. Submit Tentative Map Application

Apply for a tentative map, clearly indicating that it's for SB-684.

3. Review Process

The City of Sacramento will review your application and decide within 60 days. If it's denied, you'll receive feedback. If no decision is made within 60 days, the application is automatically approved.

4. File Final Map Application

After the tentative map is approved, submit the final map application.

5. Apply for Building Permits

Apply for building permits separately. These permits can be issued before the final map is recorded if specific conditions are met.

6. Fulfill Approval Conditions

Meet all conditions required for the tentative map and record the final map to finish the subdivision

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 Sacramento City?

Here’s a comparison of SB-684 and SB-9 in Sacramento City. This overview highlights how each policy affects factors like unit sizes, setbacks, lot sizes, and numbers, density, and allowable development areas. It provides insight into how these regulations influence development within the city.