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

SB-684 also known as Senate Bill 684 streamlines the approval process for small housing developments across California. It applies to projects with up to 10 units on urban lots under 5 acres. In Paramount, this gives local officials 60 days to approve or deny applications without requiring public hearings or discretionary reviews. Some regulations, like those under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), are also not required.

The current status of SB-684

The CityStructure team reached out to Paramount's planning department on August 27, 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 Paramount?

What are the lot limitations under SB-684?

In Paramount, SB-684 allows properties up to 5 acres to be divided into a maximum of 10 lots, with each lot required to be at least 600 square feet in size.

What is the size limitation for the new units?

In Paramount, new residential units built under SB-684 can be no larger than 1,750 square feet.

What are the setbacks?

A minimum setback of 4 feet is required from both the side and rear property lines.

What is the parking requirement under SB-684?

Under SB-684 in Paramount, each unit should have one off-street parking space, unless the property is within half a mile of a major transit hub or a frequently serviced 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 Paramount, SB-684 applies to zones designated for both multi-family or vacant lots within single-family.

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

Originally, SB-684 aimed to streamline approvals for building up to 10 smaller residences in multi-family zones. Now, with SB-1123, this framework extends to vacant lots within single-family zones as well. This adjustment promotes affordable housing by enabling up to 10 homes on empty lots near key community amenities, fostering affordable homeownership in areas where such developments were previously restricted.

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

Yes, environmental rules can limit development under SB-684. Land identified as wetlands, agricultural zones, prime farmland, or hazardous waste sites usually cannot be divided unless it’s designated for residential use or complies with state safety guidelines. Similarly, land protected by conservation agreements or marked as wildlife habitats is generally restricted to safeguard important areas and species.

Can you build in high-risk CEQA zones?

It varies. In high-risk CEQA areas, construction might be allowed but with certain restrictions. In Paramount, building is not allowed in Very High Fire Severity Zones, according to state maps or the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Areas near active fault lines in earthquake zones restrict building unless strict safety measures are met.

For flood zones, development is allowed only if it follows floodplain management or federal flood control regulations. Any projects within floodways should have certification confirming they will not increase flood risks.

Is it allowed to demolish an affordable unit?

No, demolishing affordable units in Paramount is prohibited under SB-684. Development projects should ensure they don’t demolish or alter housing that is secured by agreements or regulations meant to keep it 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, current tenant rights are protected. Under SB-684, projects cannot include demolishing or modifying:

• Housing units with rent or price controls set by Paramount.
• Homes that housed tenants in the past 5 years, even if those units are now vacant or demolished.
• Properties where the Ellis Act was used to take rental units off the market within the last 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 developments under SB-684, a ministerial approval permit is required. This permit speeds up the process by allowing local officials to review projects based on clear rules, without discretionary reviews or public hearings. If your project meets specific criteria, such as the number of units and zoning rules, it can get approved more quickly.

What are objective standards?

Objective standards are clear guidelines set by local authorities for building and designing homes. They include details on zoning, lot sizes, and design features. These standards are designed to be easy to follow and not overly strict, helping projects meet density goals without requiring extra setbacks or more parking than usual.

How much does the permit cost?

Permit costs for Planning and Building vary based on the number of lots and units involved in the project. Starting May 20, 2024, a new law (SB-937) allows developers to delay some fees until they obtain an occupancy certificate. This change reduces initial costs, helping projects stay financially feasible and meet their goals.

What are the steps to get the permits?

To get permits under SB-684 in Paramount, follow these steps:

• Confirm Eligibility
  Verify that your property is properly zoned, is less than 5 acres, and meets all required criteria.

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• File a Tentative Map Application
  Submit your application for a tentative map, indicating that it's for SB-684.
• Review Process
  Paramount officials will review your application within 60 days. If it's denied, you'll get feedback. If there's no response within 60 days, your application is automatically approved.
• Apply for Final Map Approval
  Once your tentative map is approved, apply for approval of the final map.
• Apply for Building Permits
  You can apply for building permits before the final map is officially recorded, provided you meet certain conditions.
• Fulfill Approval Conditions
  Complete all required conditions and then record the final map to finish 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 Paramount City?

In Paramount, SB-684 and SB-9 affect unit sizes, setbacks, lot dimensions, density, and development areas in different ways. This analysis reviews how each law impacts these factors and their effects 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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Resources

Paramount Municipal Code