What is SB-684 and how does it affect properties in Long Beach?

SB-684 (Senate Bill 684) simplifies the approval process for small housing projects in California. It applies to developments with up to 10 units on urban lots smaller than 5 acres. Local officials are required to decide on these projects within 60 days, without the need for public hearings or discretionary reviews. Additionally, some regulations, like the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), are waived.

The current status of SB-684

SB-684 is a recent law that many people are still learning about, which can make it challenging to understand and use, especially with few resources available for help. CityStructure contacted the city's planning department, and on August 29, 2024, Gopi Shah, a city staff for Long Beach, clarified to the CityStructure team when we reached out to her, that:

"We do not have a local ordinance and it has not been adopted into our Long Beach Municipal Code yet. If your applicant believes they qualify, they can follow state regulations and submit for plan check."

To make the most of this law for your property, it’s important to understand the state’s rules clearly. Simple and clear information will allow you to fully take advantage of the law’s benefits.

What can homeowners build under SB-684 in Long Beach?

What are the lot limitations under SB-684?

SB-684 applies to properties up to 5 acres, allowing them to be divided into as many as 10 parcels. Each parcel needs to be at least 600 square feet.

What is the size limitation for the new units?

New housing units under SB-684 in Long Beach can have a maximum size of 1,750 square feet.

What are the setbacks?

Setbacks require a minimum of 4 feet from both the side and rear property lines.

What is the parking requirement under SB-684?

SB-684 in Long Beach requires one off-street parking space per unit, but this requirement can be waived if the property is located within half a mile of a major transit stop or a high-quality transit area.

How many units can you have on your property following SB-684 restrictions?

Please enter a valid address

Who and which properties qualify for SB-684?

Which zoning districts are eligible for SB-684?

SB-684 applies to zones intended for multi-family or vacant lots within single-family zoning areas.

How Does SB-1123 or Senate Bill 1123 Impact SB-684?

Senate Bill 1123 expands upon SB-684 by allowing the building of as many as 10 houses on vacant lots that were intended for single-family homes. This change seeks to improve access to affordable housing and increase options for potential buyers in neighborhoods that previously restricted construction to multi-family units.

Do the environmental requirements or overlays on the lot restrict the property development under SB-684?

Yes, some environmental rules can limit development. You cannot divide land that is prime farmland, wetlands, or designated as hazardous waste unless it meets residential use requirements or safety regulations. Land that is part of conservation plans or serves as a protected wildlife habitat also cannot be developed.

Can you build in high-risk CEQA zones?

It varies. Construction in high-risk CEQA zones has several limitations:

• Fire Hazard Zones: No construction in areas marked as high fire risk.
• Earthquake Fault Zones: No building on active faults unless safety standards are met.
• Flood Zones: Limited construction unless it follows flood management rules.
• Floodways: Requires certification to ensure it won’t increase flooding risks.

Is it allowed to demolish an affordable unit?

No, units designated as affordable housing and protected by covenants, ordinances, or laws that ensure low rents for low-income families cannot be demolished or altered.

What are the restrictions on ownership and development after completing a project under SB-684?

Are the rights of current tenants protected?

Yes, current tenant rights are secured. Housing projects cannot demolish or alter units with rent or price restrictions established by Long Beach City. This protection includes homes that were rented within the last 5 years, even if they are no longer occupied or have been demolished. Additionally, properties taken off the rental market under the Ellis Act in the past 15 years are also covered by these restrictions.

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, some projects may qualify for a ministerial approval process. The local officials review applications based on straightforward criteria without requiring public hearings or discretionary reviews. This streamlined method applies to projects that comply with specific conditions, including a set number of residential units and alignment with zoning and density regulations.

What are objective standards?

Objective standards are detailed rules set by local authorities that specify how housing projects should be designed and built. These guidelines address factors such as zoning, land division, and architectural details. They should not be overly limiting in that they hinder a project’s ability to meet density requirements or impose additional measures, such as increased setbacks or additional parking, beyond what is usually required by building codes.

How much does the permit cost?

The fees associated with Planning and Building permits vary according to the number of homes and lots you plan to develop. Starting May 20, 2024, a new regulation (SB-937) will allow developers to delay certain payments until they secure their occupancy certificate. This change aims to lower initial costs, helping a wider range of projects stay financially viable and reach their objectives.

What are the steps to get the permits?

To secure permits under SB-684 in Long Beach City, follow these steps:

Confirm Eligibility

• Check that your property is appropriately zoned, is less than 5 acres, and meets all necessary criteria.

Check zoning eligibility for your property instantly.

Please enter a valid address

Submit Tentative Map Application

• File an application for a tentative map, specifying that it pertains to SB-684.

Review Process

• The City of Long Beach will evaluate your application and issue a decision within 60 days. If rejected, they will provide feedback. If there’s no decision within the 60-day period, the application is deemed approved.

Submit Final Map Application

• After receiving approval for the tentative map, apply for the final map.

Apply for Building Permits

• Submit applications for building permits. These can be granted before the final map is recorded, provided certain conditions are satisfied.

Fulfill Approval Conditions

• Complete all required conditions for approval 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 Long Beach City?

This comparison breaks down the differences between SB-684 and SB-9 in Long Beach. It details how each regulation influences factors like unit dimensions, setbacks, lot sizes and quantities, density, and permitted development areas, offering a clear view of their effects on local development.

Apply SB-684 rules to your property to see what you can build, the cost, and return.

Please enter a valid address