City of Lemon Grove
Everything You Need to Know About SB-684 Development in Lemon Grove
Starting July 1, 2024, Lemon Grove will need to follow the new SB-684 law when processing housing projects. This law is part of a larger effort to allow more homes on smaller properties, make the approval process quicker, and give developers the option to delay paying permit fees until their projects are completed or when people can move in. In line with a national trend for more middle housing, SB-684 speeds up the approval process for residential projects with up to 10 homes on urban lots under 5 acres.
What is SB-684 and how does it affect properties in Lemon Grove?
SB-684 is a new California law created to make it easier and faster to approve small housing projects. It allows up to 10 homes to be built on urban properties that are less than 5 acres. Local governments have 60 days to review and approve these projects without needing public hearings or lengthy evaluations. The law also removes California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) regulations, which helps speed up the approval process even more.
The current status of SB-684
The CityStructure team reached out to Lemon Grove's planning department 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 Lemon Grove?
What are the lot limitations under SB-684?
Under SB-684, properties can be as large as 5 acres. If the land is divided, each new lot should be at least 600 square feet.
What is the size limitation for the new units?
In Lemon Grove, homes built under this law can be up to 1,750 square feet in size.
What are the setbacks?
Setbacks require at least 4 feet from the side and rear property lines.
What is the parking requirement under SB-684?
Each home needs one parking space in Lemon Grove unless it is located within half a mile of major transit hubs or areas with good public transportation.
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 in Lemon Grove applies to areas where multi-family homes are allowed, as well as vacant lots in single-family home zones.
How Does SB-1123 or Senate Bill 1123 Impact SB-684?
SB-1123 expands SB-684 by allowing up to 10 homes on vacant lots in single-family zones, especially those near important community services. This change aims to increase affordable housing and support homeownership in areas with limited options.
Do the environmental requirements or overlays on the lot restrict the property development under SB-684?
Yes, certain environmental factors can limit development under SB-684. Properties with hazardous waste, wetlands, or important farmland are usually off-limits unless specific safety rules are followed. Land that has conservation agreements or is a wildlife habitat is generally protected from development.
Can you build in high-risk CEQA zones?
Building is allowed in high-risk CEQA zones, but strict rules must be followed:
(A) Construction is not allowed in areas with very high fire risk.
(B) Building on earthquake fault lines is only allowed if safety measures are met.
(C) Flood zone developments should follow federal flood safety rules.
(D) Projects in floodways should be certified to ensure they won’t increase flood risks.
Is it allowed to demolish an affordable unit?
No, affordable housing units cannot be demolished in Lemon Grove under SB-684. The law protects homes that provide affordable options for 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 tenants' rights are protected. New development projects cannot involve demolishing or altering:
1. Homes that have rent or price controls set by the City of Lemon Grove.
2. Properties that were rented within the last 5 years, even if they are currently vacant or have been demolished.
3. Properties that removed rental units from the market under the Ellis Act 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?
Under SB-684, a ministerial approval permit is required. This type of permit allows local authorities to approve projects quickly because they follow clear rules, with no need for public hearings or extra reviews. If the project meets certain requirements, such as the number of units and zoning rules, it can be approved more easily.
What are objective standards?
Objective standards are simple, clear guidelines set by local governments for building homes. These rules cover zoning, lot sizes, and design features. They are designed to be straightforward to follow, allowing projects to meet density objectives without adding unnecessary requirements like extra setbacks or parking spaces.
How much does the permit cost?
The cost of permits for Planning and Building depends on the size and number of lots and units in the project. Starting May 20, 2024, a new law (SB-937) will let developers delay certain fees until they receive an occupancy certificate. This helps lower initial costs and keeps projects more affordable.
What are the steps to get the permits?
To get permits under SB-684 in Lemon Grove, follow these steps:
1. Confirm Eligibility: Check that your property is in the right zone, is under 5 acres, and meets all the necessary criteria.
Check zoning eligibility for your property instantly.
2. Submit a Tentative Map Application: Submit your application for a tentative map, specifying that it’s under SB-684.
3. Review Process: Lemon Grove officials will review your application within 60 days. If it's denied, you'll receive feedback. If there's no response within 60 days, your application will be automatically approved.
4. Apply for Final Map Approval: After the tentative map is approved, apply for the final map approval.
5. Apply for Building Permits: You can apply for building permits even before the final map is officially recorded, as long as you meet certain conditions.
6. Complete Approval Requirements: Meet 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 Lemon Grove City?
To understand the differences between SB-684 and SB-9 in Lemon Grove, this table looks at how each law affects factors such as unit sizes, setbacks, lot dimensions, density, and development areas, offering a detailed comparison of their impact on local construction projects.
Apply SB-684 rules to your property to see what you can build, the cost, and return.
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