City of Norwalk
Everything You Need to Know About SB-684 Development in Norwalk
Property development in California is becoming easier thanks to changes in land use laws. These updates make it quicker to get approvals, and they allow developers to delay certain payments until construction is complete 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," making it easier to approve projects with up to 10 homes on smaller urban lots. Starting July 1, 2024, cities like Norwalk will be required to accept projects that follow these new guidelines.
What is SB-684 and how does it affect properties in Norwalk?
SB-684 also known as Senate Bill 684 streamlines the approval process for small housing developments in California, particularly for projects with up to 10 units on urban lots less than 5 acres. Local officials should make decisions within 60 days, bypassing public hearings and discretionary reviews. Some regulations, including those from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), do not apply.
What can homeowners build under SB-684 in Norwalk?
What are the lot limitations under SB-684?
In Norwalk, properties can be as large as 5 acres, with up to 10 lots allowed. Each lot should be at least 600 square feet.
What is the size limitation for the new units?
New residential units under SB-684 in Norwalk are limited to a maximum size of 1,750 square feet.
What are the setbacks?
Buildings should be set back a minimum of 4 feet from both the side and rear property lines.
What is the parking requirement under SB-684?
Each unit requires one off-street parking space unless 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?
Who and which properties qualify for SB-684?
Which zoning districts are eligible for SB-684?
In Norwalk, SB-684 applies to both multi-family or vacant lots within single-family zoning districts.
How Does SB-1123 or Senate Bill 1123 Impact SB-684?
SB-684 was originally aimed at streamlining the approval process for up to 10 smaller homes in areas designated for multi-family use. SB-1123 enhances this by extending these guidelines to vacant lots in single-family neighborhoods as well. This adjustment promotes affordable housing opportunities by enabling the construction of up to 10 homes on unoccupied lots close to vital community amenities, fostering affordable homeownership in locations where such development was previously restricted.
Do the environmental requirements or overlays on the lot restrict the property development under SB-684?
Development may be restricted by environmental regulations. Properties identified as wetlands, agricultural zones, prime farmland, or hazardous waste sites generally cannot be subdivided unless they are designated for residential use or comply with state safety standards.
Additionally, areas under conservation agreements or designated as wildlife habitats are typically restricted to preserve the environment and species.
Can you build in high-risk CEQA zones?
In Norwalk, construction is not permitted in Very High Fire Severity Zones as defined by state maps or the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Building near active earthquake fault lines is also limited unless strict safety measures are in place.
For flood zones, development is allowed if it adheres to floodplain management standards or federal flood control regulations. Projects in floodways must obtain no-rise certification to ensure they do not increase flood risks.
Is it allowed to demolish an affordable unit?
No, SB-684 does not allow the demolition of affordable housing units. Projects must avoid demolishing or altering housing protected by agreements or regulations that ensure affordability for low, very low, or extremely low-income individuals.
What are the restrictions on ownership and development after completing a project under SB-684?
Are the rights of current tenants protected?
Yes, the rights of current tenants are protected. SB-684 prohibits projects from demolishing or altering:
- Residential units with rent or price controls in Norwalk.
- Residences that had tenants within the last 5 years, even if they are now vacant or have been 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 process streamlines development by following clear, predefined guidelines. Unlike more subjective approaches, ministerial approval relies on specific criteria, removing the need for CEQA evaluations, discretionary reviews, or public hearings. This approach accelerates the approval process by avoiding personal judgments and simplifying the steps involved.
What are objective standards?
Objective standards are specific, consistent rules used to assess projects. They are based on fixed criteria rather than personal opinions, providing a dependable framework for both developers and officials. These standards ensure that evaluations are consistent and predictable, offering homeowners clear guidelines for assessing their projects.
How much does the permit cost?
The fees for Planning and Building permits vary based on how many homes and lots are part of a project. Starting May 20, 2024, a new rule (SB-937) will enable developers to delay some payments until they obtain their occupancy certificate. This change is intended to lower initial costs, making it easier for projects to stay financially feasible and reach their goals.
What are the steps to get the permits?
To secure permits under SB-684 in Norwalk, take these steps:
- Confirm Eligibility: Ensure the property is appropriately zoned, under 5 acres, and meets all necessary criteria.
Check zoning eligibility for your property instantly.
- Submit a Tentative Map Application: File an application for a tentative map, indicating it’s for SB-684.
- Review Process: City officials in Norwalk will review your application within 60 days. If denied, you’ll receive feedback. If no response is given within 60 days, the application is automatically approved.
- Apply for Final Map Approval: After the tentative map is approved, apply for final map approval.
- Submit for Building Permits: Apply for building permits before the final map is recorded, provided all required conditions are met.
- Fulfill Approval Conditions: Complete all required conditions and 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 Norwalk City?
In Norwalk, SB-684 and SB-9 have different effects on unit sizes, setbacks, lot sizes, density, and development areas. This comparison outlines how each law impacts these aspects and their influence 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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