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Everything You Need to Know About SB-684 Development in Imperial Beach
California’s revised housing regulations now make it simpler to build multiple homes on a single lot. These updates streamline the approval process and allow developers to delay some fees until after the project is complete. SB-684 promotes the creation of smaller housing options, like apartment buildings, by easing approval for developments with up to 10 units on urban lots under 5 acres. Starting July 1, 2024, cities like Imperial Beach will begin accepting applications for projects under this law, creating opportunities for more urban development. The goal is to transform qualifying properties into affordable housing with adaptable options for leasing or selling in desirable areas.
What is SB-684 and how does it affect properties in Imperial Beach?
Senate Bill 684, or SB-684, makes it easier to get approval for small housing projects in California. It applies to developments with up to 10 units on urban lots less than 5 acres. Local officials should decide on these projects within 60 days and not need to hold public hearings or do detailed reviews. This law also exempts some regulations, including those from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
The current status of SB-684
The CityStructure team reached out to Imperial Beach's planning department on September 7, 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 Imperial Beach?
What are the lot limitations under SB-684?
In Imperial Beach, SB-684 allows properties to be up to 5 acres in size. Each property can have a maximum of 10 lots, and each lot has to be at least 600 square feet.
What is the size limitation for the new units?
In Imperial Beach, SB-684 limits new residential units to a maximum size of 1,750 square feet.
What are the setbacks?
Buildings should be set back a minimum of 4 feet from the side and rear property lines.
What is the parking requirement under SB-684?
Under SB-684, every unit requires one off-street parking space, unless 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 Imperial Beach, SB-684 applies to both multi-family housing and vacant lots within single-family areas.
How Does SB-1123 or Senate Bill 1123 Impact SB-684?
Senate Bill 1123 extends the reach of SB-684 by allowing the construction of as many as 10 small houses not only in multi-family areas but also on vacant lots in single-family neighborhoods. This adjustment promotes the growth of affordable housing and boosts opportunities for homeownership in areas that previously enforced stricter regulations.
Do the environmental requirements or overlays on the lot restrict the property development under SB-684?
Under SB-684, environmental rules can affect property development. You cannot subdivide properties classified as wetlands, agricultural areas, prime farmland, or hazardous waste sites unless they are marked for residential use or meet state safety standards.
Additionally, areas protected by conservation agreements known as wildlife habitats often have restrictions to protect the environment.
Can you build in high-risk CEQA zones?
Depends. High-risk CEQA zones in Imperial Beach, building is not allowed in Very High Fire Severity Zones as shown on state maps or by the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Construction near active earthquake fault lines is also restricted unless strict safety measures are in place.
However, building in flood zones is allowed if it follows floodplain management rules or federal flood control standards. Projects in floodways need to get no-rise certification to make sure they don’t increase flood risks.
Is it allowed to demolish an affordable unit?
No, SB-684 does not allow the demolition of affordable housing units. Projects should not demolish or change homes that are protected by agreements or rules that guarantee they remain affordable for low, very low, or extremely 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, SB-684 protects the rights of current tenants by preventing projects from demolishing or altering:
- Homes with rent or price controls in Imperial Beach.
- Residences that had tenants within the last 5 years, even if they are now vacant or demolished.
- Properties where the Ellis Act was used to remove rental units from the market in 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 residential projects under SB-684, ministerial approval is a requirement. This type of permit streamlines the process by following set guidelines. Instead of relying on personal opinions, ministerial approval is based on clear criteria. This means you do not have to go through CEQA assessments, discretionary reviews, or public hearings, which speeds up the approval process by following straightforward rules.
What are objective standards?
Objective standards are clear and consistent rules for assessing projects. They use fixed criteria instead of personal opinions, which helps create a reliable system for developers and officials. This method ensures evaluations are uniform and predictable, giving homeowners clear guidelines for their projects.
How much does the permit cost?
The costs for planning and building permits vary according to the number of lots and residential units in a project. Starting May 20, 2024, new legislation (SB-937) will allow developers to postpone some fees until they receive an occupancy certificate, which could help lower initial costs.
What are the steps to get the permits?
To get permits under SB-684 in Imperial Beach, follow these steps:
- Verify Eligibility: Make sure your property is zoned correctly, is less than 5 acres, and meets all the requirements.
Check zoning eligibility for your property instantly.
- File a Tentative Map Application: Submit an application for a tentative map, noting that it is for SB-684.
- Review Process: City officials will review your application within 60 days. If they deny it, you’ll get feedback. If there’s no response in 60 days, your application is considered approved.
- Apply for Final Map Approval: After your tentative map is approved, apply for final map approval.
- Apply for Building Permits: Before you record the final map, apply for building permits, provided all conditions are met.
- Meet Approval Conditions: Fulfill all required conditions and 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 Imperial Beach City?
In Imperial Beach, SB-684 and SB-9 affect things differently, including the size of units, setbacks, lot sizes, density, and the areas where development is allowed. This comparison shows how each rule impacts construction projects in its way.
Apply SB-684 rules to your property to see what you can build, the cost, and return.
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