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Everything You Need to Know About SB-684 Development in Lakewood
In the U.S., there's an increasing focus on "middle housing," and California is updating its laws to support this trend. The new SB-684 law makes it simpler to get approval for residential projects with 10 or fewer units on urban lots under 5 acres. It also speeds up the permitting process and lets developers delay certain fees until the project is completed or the occupancy certificate is issued. Starting July 1, 2024, cities like Lakewood will be required to accept projects under SB-684.
What is SB-684 and how does it affect properties in Lakewood?
SB-684 (Senate Bill 684) simplifies and speeds up the approval process for small housing projects in California. It applies to developments with 10 or fewer units on urban lots smaller than 5 acres. Local agencies must approve these projects within 60 days, without requiring public hearings or in-depth reviews. Additionally, projects are exempt from some regulations, including parts of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
The current status of SB-684
It is more difficult to navigate SB-684 because it’s a new law that many people are not familiar with, and there are limited resources available to help.
CityStructure contacted the city's planning department, and on November 8, 2024, Paul Kuykendall, Lakewood’s senior planner, clarified to the CityStructure team when we reached out to him, that:
"Lakewood has not yet amended its municipal code to reflect SB 684. However, project submissions will be reviewed in accordance with the requirements of SB 684, including ministerial review of residential subdivisions resulting in 10 or fewer parcels and where the project will have not more than 10 units."
In this case, implementing this bill requires compliance with state regulations.
To take full advantage of this law for your property, it’s important to have a clear grasp of the state's rules. Having easy-to-understand information will ensure you can make the most of the benefits it provides.
What can homeowners build under SB-684 in Lakewood?
What are the lot limitations under SB-684?
According to SB-684, properties should not be larger than 5 acres. You can divide these lots into up to 10 parcels, with each parcel required 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 maximum size allowed is 1,750 square feet.
What are the setbacks?
Residential units should have a setback of 4 feet from both the side and rear property lines.
What is the parking requirement under SB-684?
SB-684 requires one off-street parking space per unit. However, if the property is within half a mile of a major transit stop or in a well-connected transit area, this parking requirement may not apply.
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 applies to multi-family and vacant lots within single-family zoning areas in Lakewood.
How Does SB-1123 or Senate Bill 1123 Impact SB-684?
Senate Bill 1123 enhances the capabilities of SB-684 by allowing the development of up to 10 homes on vacant lots meant for single-family homes. This alteration aims to increase the availability of affordable housing and create additional opportunities for individuals seeking to purchase homes in areas that previously limited construction to multi-family developments.
Do the environmental requirements or overlays on the lot restrict the property development under SB-684?
Under SB-684, certain environmental conditions can limit property development:
- Prime Farmland: Land designated as prime or vital farmland and protected by local agricultural standards cannot be divided unless it is used for residential purposes.
- Wetlands: Land designated as wetlands by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service cannot be developed.
- Hazardous Waste Sites: Development is not allowed on properties designated as hazardous waste sites or approved by the Department of Toxic Substances Control until state or local authorities certify that the land is appropriate for residential use.
- Conservation Land: Development is not allowed on land protected by conservation plans or other measures.
- Habitat for Protected Species: Land designated as habitat for protected species under state or federal legislation is not eligible for development.
- Land Under Conservation Easement: Conservation easements prevent property development.
Can you build in high-risk CEQA zones?
Possibly. Building in high-risk CEQA zones in Lakewood imposes specific restrictions:
- Fire Hazard Zones: State maps or the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection designate areas with a very high fire risk as no construction zones.
- Earthquake Fault Zones: Building on active earthquake fault lines is not allowed unless the project passes stringent safety and building requirements.
- Flood Zones: Construction in flood-prone locations is allowed only if the property has been approved for floodplain management or meets federal flood control criteria.
- Floodways: To ensure that the project does not raise the risk of flooding, it is required to obtain a no-rise certification.
Is it allowed to demolish an affordable unit?
No, SB-684 prohibits demolishing affordable housing units. It is not allowed to remove or modify homes that are protected by agreements or regulations meant to ensure they remain 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, tenants' rights are protected. Housing projects cannot demolish or alter units with rent controls or price limits set by the City of Lakewood. This also includes homes that had tenants within the last 5 years, even if they are now vacant or demolished. Properties that were removed from the rental market using the Ellis Act in the past 15 years are also protected from such changes.
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 process is required. This means decisions are based on established rules rather than personal judgment, so no CEQA reviews, discretionary reviews, or public hearings are required. This streamlines and speeds up the process.
What are objective standards?
Objective standards are specific, consistent rules used to evaluate projects. They rely on set criteria instead of personal opinions, ensuring evaluations are uniform and predictable. This offers clear guidelines for homeowners and developers.
How much does the permit cost?
The fees for Planning and Building permits differ based on how many homes and lots you intend to construct. As of May 20, 2024, a new law (SB-937) will enable builders to defer certain payments until they obtain their occupancy certificate. This adjustment is designed to reduce upfront expenses, making it easier for more projects to remain financially viable and achieve their goals.
What are the steps to get the permits?
To get permits under SB 684 in Lakewood City, follow these steps:
1. Check Eligibility
Ensure your property is correctly zoned, the lot should not be larger than 5 acres, and meets all other requirements.
Check zoning eligibility for your property instantly.
2. Submit Tentative Map Application
Apply for a tentative map, clearly indicating that it's for SB-684.
3. Review Process
The City of Lakewood 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 Lakewood City?
Here’s a comparison of SB-684 and SB-9 in Lakewood City. This summary details how each policy impacts aspects such as unit sizes, setbacks, lot dimensions and quantities, unit density, and where development can occur. It offers an understanding of how these regulations shape development within the city.
Apply SB-684 rules to your property to see what you can build, the cost, and return.
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