City of Hawthorne
Everything You Need to Know About SB-684 Development in Hawthorne
Homes can now be built more easily on a single property due to California’s updated housing rules. These changes speed up the approval process and allow developers to push back certain fees until construction is done. SB-684 promotes the creation of "middle housing," such as small apartment buildings, by making it easier to approve projects with up to 10 homes on urban lots under 5 acres. Starting July 1, 2024, cities like Hawthorne will start accepting applications under SB-684, creating more opportunities for urban development. The law aims to turn eligible properties into affordable housing with flexible options for renting or selling in popular areas.
What is SB-684 and how does it affect properties in Hawthorne?
Senate Bill 684 (SB-684) streamlines the approval process for smaller housing projects in California. It applies to developments of up to 10 units on urban parcels less than 5 acres. Local authorities should approve these projects within 60 days, bypassing public hearings and in-depth reviews. Certain regulations, such as those under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), do not apply.
The current status of SB-684
The CityStructure team reached out to Hawthorne's planning department on August 27, 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 Hawthorne?
What are the lot limitations under SB-684?
SB-684 applies to properties that are 5 acres or smaller. These lots can be divided into up to 10 parcels, with each new parcel needing to be at least 600 square feet in size.
What is the size limitation for the new units?
Under SB 684 in Hawthorne, new housing units are limited to a maximum size of 1,750 square feet.
What are the setbacks?
The minimum required setback from the property line is 4 feet for both the side and rear yards.
What is the parking requirement under SB-684?
SB-684 requires one off-street parking space per unit in Hawthorne. This requirement might be waived if the property is within half a mile of a major transit stop or a well-connected transit area.
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 Hawthorne, SB-684 applies to zoning areas designated for multi-family and vacant lots within single-family zoning areas.
How Does SB-1123 or Senate Bill 1123 Impact SB-684?
Senate Bill 1123 expands on SB-684 by allowing the construction of up to 10 homes on vacant lots that were previously designated for single-family homes. This change is intended to create more affordable housing options and provide more opportunities for people to own homes in areas that used to allow only multifamily lot
Do the environmental requirements or overlays on the lot restrict the property development under SB-684?
Yes, environmental regulations can restrict development under SB-684. Land classified as prime farmland, wetlands, agricultural zones, or hazardous waste sites generally cannot be subdivided unless it is zoned for residential use or meets specific safety standards set by state agencies. Additionally, properties under conservation agreements or serving as habitats for protected species are usually excluded from development. These restrictions are in place to preserve significant land and wildlife.
Can you build in high-risk CEQA zones?
Possibly. Building in high-risk CEQA zones in Hawthorne is subject to specific conditions:
- Fire Hazard Areas: Construction is prohibited in areas designated as Very High Fire Severity Zones according to state maps or the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
- Earthquake Fault Zones: Development is not allowed on active fault lines unless it adheres to strict seismic safety codes.
- Flood Zones: Building is restricted in flood-prone areas unless the site meets floodplain management standards or federal flood control criteria.
- Floodways: Development in floodways requires certification proving that the project will not increase flood risks.
Is it allowed to demolish an affordable unit?
No. Demolishing an affordable unit is not allowed. Existing housing that is protected by laws or agreements ensuring affordability for low, very low, or extremely low-income households cannot be demolished or altered as part of the development.
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 secured. The development cannot include the demolition or alteration of:
- Housing units with rent or price controls set by the City of Hawthorne.
- Homes that have been occupied by tenants within the past 5 years, even if they have been demolished or are currently vacant.
- Properties where the Ellis Act has been used to withdraw rental units from the market in the last 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 process applies. This means that the project is evaluated and either approved or denied based on straightforward, predetermined rules, without the need for public hearings or discretionary reviews. This streamlined approval process is available for projects that meet certain requirements, such as a specified number of residential units and adherence to zoning and density regulations.
What are objective standards?
Objective standards are precise and straightforward regulations established by local authorities to guide the design and development of housing projects. These guidelines cover zoning, land division, and design aspects. They are intended to be clear and practical, ensuring that they do not impose excessive restrictions that could hinder the development of projects meeting specific density targets or demand extra requirements, such as increased setbacks or additional parking, beyond standard building codes.
How much does the permit cost?
Permit fees for Planning and Building depend on how many lots and homes you plan to build. Starting May 20, 2024, a new law (Senate Bill SB-937) will let builders delay some fee payments until they receive their occupancy certificate. This change aims to lower initial costs, making it easier for more projects to stay within budget and succeed.
What are the steps to get the permits?
To secure permits under SB 684 in Hawthorne City, follow these steps:
- Confirm Eligibility
Verify that your property is correctly zoned, is no larger than 5 acres, and fulfills all necessary criteria.
Check zoning eligibility for your property instantly.
- Submit Tentative Map Application
Apply for a tentative map, specifying that it pertains to SB 684. - Review Process
The City of Hawthorne will evaluate your application and decide within 60 days. If your application is denied, you’ll receive feedback. - Submit Final Map Application
Once your tentative map is approved, apply for the final map. - Request Building Permits
Apply separately for building permits. Permits may be issued before the final map is officially recorded, provided certain conditions are met. - Fulfill Approval Conditions
Complete all required conditions for the tentative map and record the final map 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 Hawthorne City?
This comparison shows how SB-684 and SB-9 affect Hawthorne City. It highlights differences in unit sizes, setbacks, lot sizes, the number of units allowed, and development areas, helping to clarify their impact on local building practices.
Apply SB-684 rules to your property to see what you can build, the cost, and return.
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