City of Lawndale
Everything You Need to Know About SB-684 Development in Lawndale
In the U.S., there's a push to build more "middle housing," and California is updating its rules to make this easier. The new SB-684 law simplifies the approval process for residential projects with up to 10 units on smaller urban lots (under 5 acres). It also speeds up the permitting process and allows developers to delay certain payments until the project is finished or the building is ready to be occupied. Starting July 1, 2024, cities like Lawndale will need to accept projects that follow the SB-684 guidelines.
What is SB-684 and how does it affect properties in Lawndale?
SB-684 (Senate Bill 684) aims to accelerate the approval process for small housing projects in California, specifically those with a maximum of 10 units on urban parcels smaller than 5 acres. In Lawndale, local officials are given a 60-day period to either approve or reject development applications, eliminating the need for public hearings or discretionary reviews. Certain rules, such as those outlined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), are also waived in some cases, easing restrictions on housing development in the city.
The current status of SB-684
The CityStructure team reached out to Lawndale's planning department on August 29, 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 Lawndale?
What are the lot limitations under SB-684?
Under SB-684, properties in Lawndale that are up to 5 acres can be split into as many as 10 lots. Each of these lots should have a minimum size of 600 square feet.
What is the size limitation for the new units?
In Lawndale, homes constructed under SB-684 cannot surpass 1,750 square feet in size.
What are the setbacks?
A minimum distance of 4 feet should be maintained from the side and rear property lines.
What is the parking requirement under SB-684?
Under SB-684 in Lawndale, each unit is required to provide one off-street parking space unless the property is located within half a mile of a major transit hub or an area with frequent transit services.
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 Lawndale, SB-684 applies to areas zoned 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 the scope of SB-684 by enabling the construction of as many as 10 houses on empty lots designated for single-family use. This change seeks to improve access to affordable housing and provide more options for buyers in neighborhoods that used to restrict buildings to multi-family units.
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. Landmarked as wetlands, agricultural zones, prime farmland, or hazardous waste sites typically cannot be split unless it’s zoned for residential use or meets state safety rules. Additionally, areas under conservation agreements or identified as wildlife habitats are usually off-limits to protect these environments and species.
Can you build in high-risk CEQA zones?
It depends. In high-risk CEQA zones, construction might be allowed but with some limitations. In Lawndale, building is prohibited in Very High Fire Severity Zones as identified by state maps or the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Areas close to active earthquake fault lines restrict construction unless strict safety standards are followed.
For flood zones, development can proceed only if it complies with floodplain management rules or federal flood control regulations. Projects in floodways require certification to ensure they will not raise flood risks.
Is it allowed to demolish an affordable unit?
No, under SB-684, you cannot demolish affordable housing units in Lawndale. Development projects should ensure they do not destroy or change housing that is protected by agreements or rules designed to keep it 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, existing tenant rights are protected. Under SB-684, projects cannot involve demolishing or altering:
- Housing units with rent or price controls set by Lawndale.
- Homes that had tenants in the past 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 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 projects under SB-684, a ministerial approval permit is required. This permit streamlines the process by allowing local officials to review projects based on clear rules, without the need for discretionary reviews or public hearings. If a project meets specific criteria, such as the number of units and zoning regulations, it can be approved more quickly.
What are objective standards?
Objective standards are specific guidelines established by local authorities for constructing and designing homes. They cover aspects like zoning, lot sizes, and design features. These standards are intended to be straightforward and not overly restrictive, assisting projects in achieving density goals without needing additional setbacks or extra parking spaces.
How much does the permit cost?
The expenses related to Planning and Building permits vary depending on the number of homes and lots you plan to build. Starting May 20, 2024, a new regulation (SB-937) will allow developers to delay certain payments until they receive their occupancy certificate. This change aims to lower initial costs, helping more projects stay financially feasible and reach their objectives.
What are the steps to get the permits?
To get permits under SB-684 in Lawndale, follow these steps:
- Check Eligibility
Ensure that the property is correctly zoned, is under 5 acres, and meets all necessary criteria.
Check zoning eligibility for your property instantly.
- Submit Tentative Map Application
File an application for a tentative map, specifying that it’s for SB-684. - Review Process
Lawndale officials will review the application within 60 days. If it's denied, feedback will be provided. If there is no response within 60 days, the application is automatically approved. - Apply for Final Map Approval
After the tentative map is approved, apply for the final map approval. - Apply for Building Permits
Apply for building permits before the final map is officially recorded, as long as certain conditions are met. - Meet Approval Conditions
Complete all required conditions and then record the final map to finalize 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 Lawndale City?
In Lawndale, SB-684 and SB-9 influence unit sizes, setbacks, lot dimensions, density, and development areas differently. This comparison examines how each law affects these aspects and their implications for local construction projects.
Apply SB-684 rules to your property to see what you can build, the cost, and return.
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