What is SB-684 and how does it affect properties in Los Angeles City?

Senate Bill 684, or SB-684, simplifies the approval process for small housing projects in California. It applies to developments of up to 10 units on urban lots smaller than 5 acres. Local officials are required to make decisions on these projects within 60 days, bypassing public hearings and extensive reviews. Additionally, this law exempts certain regulations, including some under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

The current status of SB-684

The CityStructure team reached out to Los Angeles City'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 Los Angeles City?

What are the lot limitations under SB-684?

In Los Angeles City, SB-684 allows properties to be up to 5 acres in size, with a maximum of 10 lots allowed per property. Each lot is required to be at least 600 square feet.

What is the size limitation for the new units?

Under SB-684 in Los Angeles City, new residential units cannot surpass 1,750 square feet in size.

What are the setbacks?

Buildings should be set back at least 4 feet from both side and rear property lines.

What is the parking requirement under SB-684?

For each unit, one off-street parking space is necessary, except if the property is located 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?

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Who and which properties qualify for SB-684?

Which zoning districts are eligible for SB-684?

In Los Angeles City, SB-684 applies to both multi-family or vacant lots within single-family zoning areas.

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

Senate Bill 1123 enhances the provisions of SB-684 by allowing the construction of up to 10 residences on designated single-family vacant lots. This revision aims to boost the availability of affordable housing and provide more opportunities for prospective homeowners in areas that previously limited buildings to multi-family properties.

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

Yes, under SB-684, environmental rules can affect property development. Properties classified as wetlands, agricultural areas, prime farmland, or hazardous waste sites cannot be subdivided unless they are specifically set for residential use or meet state safety standards.

Moreover, areas protected by conservation agreements or recognized as wildlife habitats often have restrictions to protect the environment and wildlife.

Can you build in high-risk CEQA zones?

Maybe. In Los Angeles City, construction is not allowed in Very High Fire Severity Zones, based on state maps or the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Building close to active earthquake fault lines is also restricted unless strict safety measures are followed.

However, building in flood zones is allowed if it meets floodplain management standards or federal flood control rules. Projects in floodways are required to get a no-rise certification to ensure they don’t increase the risk of flooding.

Is it allowed to demolish an affordable unit?

No, SB-684 prevents the demolition of affordable housing units. Projects should not demolish or change any housing that is protected by agreements or rules guaranteeing it remains 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. It stops projects from demolishing or changing:

• Homes with rent or price controls in Los Angeles City.
• 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 required. This type of permit simplifies the process by following set guidelines. Unlike approaches that involve personal opinions, ministerial approval is based on specific criteria, so you don't need CEQA assessments, discretionary reviews, or public hearings. This speeds up the process by focusing on clear rules.

What are objective standards?

Objective standards are specific and consistent rules used to evaluate projects. They rely on fixed criteria rather than personal opinions, creating a dependable framework for developers and officials. This approach ensures evaluations are consistent and predictable, providing homeowners with straightforward guidelines for their projects.

How much does the permit cost?

The costs for Planning and Building permits depend on how many homes and lots you intend to build. Beginning on May 20, 2024, a new law (SB-937) will permit developers to postpone certain fees until they obtain their occupancy certificate. This adjustment is designed to reduce upfront expenses, enabling a broader array of projects to remain financially feasible and meet their goals.

What are the steps to get the permits?

To get permits under SB-684 in Los Angeles City, follow these steps:

• Check Eligibility: Make sure your property is zoned correctly, is under 5 acres, and meets all necessary criteria.

Check zoning eligibility for your property instantly.

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• Submit Tentative Map Application: File an application for a tentative map and indicate that it’s for SB-684.
• Review Process: City officials in Los Angeles will review your application within 60 days. If denied, you’ll receive feedback. If there’s no response within 60 days, your application is automatically approved.
• Apply for Final Map Approval: After the tentative map is approved, apply for final map approval.
• Apply for Building Permits: Before finalizing the map, apply for building permits, provided all conditions are met.
• Complete Approval Conditions: Meet all the required conditions and record the final map to finalize 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 Los Angeles City?

In Los Angeles City, SB-684 and SB-9 impact things like unit sizes, setbacks, lot sizes, density, and development areas differently. This comparison shows how each rule affects local construction projects in its own way.

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

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