City of Monterey Park
Everything You Need to Know About SB-684 Development in Monterey Park
Beginning July 1, 2024, cities like Monterey Park will need to handle applications for projects that meet the requirements of SB-684. This law is part of California’s push to encourage more “middle housing” by allowing up to 10 units on urban lots under 5 acres. SB-684 streamlines the approval process allows more units on each property, and gives developers the option to postpone permit fees until the project is finished or the property is ready for occupancy.
What is SB-684 and how does it affect properties in Monterey Park?
SB-684 also known as Senate Bill 684 streamlines the approval process for small-scale housing developments in California, targeting projects of up to 10 units on urban lots under 5 acres. Local officials should make decisions within 60 days, bypassing public hearings and discretionary reviews. This legislation exempts certain regulations, including those from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
What can homeowners build under SB-684 in Monterey Park?
What are the lot limitations under SB-684?
In Monterey Park, SB-684 allows properties to be up to 5 acres in size, with a limit of 10 lots per property. Each lot should be no smaller than 600 square feet.
What is the size limitation for the new units?
Under SB-684 in Monterey Park, new residential units are restricted to a maximum size of 1,750 square feet.
What are the setbacks?
Buildings should maintain a setback of at least 4 feet from both the 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.
Who and which properties qualify for SB-684?
Which zoning districts are eligible for SB-684?
In Monterey Park, 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 expands SB-684 by allowing up to 10 homes on vacant lots designated for single-family use. This change aims to increase affordable housing options and offer more choices to buyers in areas that were previously limited only to multi-family housing.
Do the environmental requirements or overlays on the lot restrict the property development under SB-684?
Under SB-684, environmental regulations can impact property development. Generally, properties deemed wetlands, agricultural zones, prime farmland, or hazardous waste sites are not eligible for subdivision unless they are specifically designated for residential use or follow the state safety standards.
Additionally, areas safeguarded by conservation agreements or identified as wildlife habitats are often restricted to preserve the environment and wildlife.
Can you build in high-risk CEQA zones?
Possibly. In Monterey Park, construction is restricted in Very High Fire Severity Zones, according to state maps or the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Building near active earthquake fault lines is also limited unless stringent safety measures are enforced.
However, development in flood zones is allowed if it complies with floodplain management standards or federal flood control regulations. Projects located in floodways should obtain no-rise certification to prevent an increase in flood risk.
Is it allowed to demolish an affordable unit?
No, SB-684 prohibits the demolition of affordable housing units. Projects should avoid demolishing or altering housing that is protected by agreements or regulations ensuring affordability 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 ensures the rights of current tenants are protected by preventing projects from demolishing or altering:
- Homes with rent or price controls in Monterey Park.
- Residences that had tenants in the past 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 permit simplifies the development process by following established guidelines. Unlike subjective methods, ministerial approval is based on specific criteria, removing the need for CEQA assessments, discretionary reviews, or public hearings, and accelerating 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 associated with Planning and Building permits depend on the total number of homes and lots involved in a project. Beginning May 20, 2024, a new regulation (SB-937) will allow developers to postpone certain payments until they receive their occupancy certificate. This adjustment aims to reduce upfront expenses, helping projects maintain financial viability and achieve their objectives.
What are the steps to get the permits?
To secure permits under SB-684 in Monterey Park, take these steps:
- Verify Eligibility: Check that your property is properly zoned, under 5 acres, and meets all relevant criteria.
Check if your property is eligible for SB-684
- File a Tentative Map Application: Submit an application for a tentative map, specifying that it is for SB-684.
- Review Process: Monterey Park 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 Monterey Park City?
In Monterey Park, SB-684 and SB-9 have different effects on unit sizes, setbacks, lot sizes, density, and areas available for development. This comparison highlights how each regulation uniquely influences local construction projects.
Find out what you can build, the budget, and the ROI for your property following SB-684
Related Articles
ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Monterey Park
All You Need to Know About Building on Properties in Monterey Park Under SB-9
How to get your permits fast or the benefits of using SB-423 in Monterey Park
How to Make My ADU a Profitable Investment in Monterey Park?
What are the requirements to build ADU in Monterey Park?
Resources