City of Lynwood
Everything You Need to Know About SB-684 Development in Lynwood
California is updating its land use laws to make it easier to build more homes on one property, speed up the approval process, and allow developers to delay paying certain fees until the project is done or the building is ready for people to move in. The new SB-684 law is part of a nationwide effort to encourage "middle housing" and makes it easier to approve projects with up to 10 homes on smaller urban lots. Starting July 1, 2024, cities like Lynwood will have to accept projects that follow these new rules.
What is SB-684 and how does it affect properties in Lynwood?
SB-684 or Senate Bill 684 simplifies the approval process for small housing projects in California, specifically for developments with up to 10 units on urban lots of less than 5 acres. Local authorities are expected to make decisions within 60 days without the need for public hearings or discretionary reviews. Certain regulations, such as those from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), do not apply.
The current status of SB-684
The CityStructure team reached out to Lynwood's planning department on September 7, 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 Lynwood?
What are the lot limitations under SB-684?
In Lynwood, properties can be as large as 5 acres, with a maximum of 10 lots allowed. Each lot should be at least 600 square feet.
What is the size limitation for the new units?
New residential units in Lynwood under SB-684 cannot surpass 1,750 square feet in size.
What are the setbacks?
Buildings are required to be set back at least 4 feet from both side and rear property lines.
What is the parking requirement under SB-684?
Each unit has one off-street parking space unless the property is 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?
Who and which properties qualify for SB-684?
Which zoning districts are eligible for SB-684?
SB-684 applies to both multi-family or vacant lots within single-family zoning areas in Lynwood.
How Does SB-1123 or Senate Bill 1123 Impact SB-684?
Senate Bill 1123 broadens the scope of SB-684 by enabling the construction of up to 10 homes on vacant lots that were designated for single-family residences. This change aims to enhance access to affordable housing and offer more options for potential buyers in areas that used to limit development to multi-family units.
Do the environmental requirements or overlays on the lot restrict the property development under SB-684?
Environmental regulations may limit property development under SB-684. Properties classified as wetlands, agricultural zones, prime farmland, or hazardous waste sites usually cannot be subdivided unless they are designated for residential use or meet state safety standards.
Furthermore, areas protected by conservation agreements or recognized as wildlife habitats are often restricted to protect the environment and wildlife.
Can you build in high-risk CEQA zones?
Maybe. In Lynwood, building is not allowed in Very High Fire Severity Zones as defined by state maps or the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Construction near active earthquake fault lines is also restricted unless strict safety measures are implemented.
Development in flood zones is permitted if it meets floodplain management standards or federal flood control regulations. Projects in floodways need to secure no-rise certification to ensure they do not increase flood risks.
Is it allowed to demolish an affordable unit?
No, SB-684 does not permit the destruction of affordable housing units. Projects need to ensure that housing protected by agreements or regulations guaranteeing affordability for low, very low, or extremely low-income individuals is not 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, SB-684 ensures that the rights of existing tenants are secured. It prevents projects from demolishing or changing:
- Homes with rent or price controls in Lynwood.
- Residences that had tenants within the last 5 years, regardless of their current status as vacant or demolished.
- Properties where the Ellis Act has been used to remove rental units from the market within 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 process streamlines development by following predefined guidelines. Unlike subjective methods, ministerial approval is based on specific criteria, which eliminates the requirement for CEQA evaluations, discretionary reviews, or public hearings. This approach speeds up the approval process by avoiding personal judgments and simplifying the necessary steps.
What are objective standards?
Objective standards are clear and consistent rules for evaluating projects. They rely on set criteria rather than personal opinions, creating a reliable framework for developers and officials. These standards ensure evaluations are uniform and predictable, giving homeowners straightforward guidelines for their projects.
How much does the permit cost?
The fees for Planning and Building permits vary based on the number of homes and lots you plan to construct. Starting May 20, 2024, a new law (SB-937) will allow developers to delay specific fees until they receive their occupancy certificate. This change aims to lower initial costs, making it easier for a wider range of projects to stay financially viable and achieve their objectives.
What are the steps to get the permits?
To secure permits under SB-684 in Lynwood, take these steps:
- Verify Eligibility: Check that your property is properly zoned, under 5 acres, and meets all relevant criteria.
Check zoning eligibility for your property instantly.
- File a Tentative Map Application: Submit an application for a tentative map, specifying that it is for SB-684.
- Review Process: Lynwood city officials will review your application within 60 days. If the application is denied, you will get feedback. If there is no response within 60 days, the application will be considered approved.
- Apply for Final Map Approval: Once your tentative map is approved, submit an application for final map approval.
- Apply for Building Permits: Before recording the final map, apply for building permits, assuming all conditions have been met.
- Meet Approval Conditions: Satisfy all necessary conditions 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 Lynwood City?
In Lynwood, SB-684 and SB-9 influence unit sizes, setbacks, lot dimensions, density, and development areas differently. This comparison details the different effects each regulation has on local construction projects.
