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

SB-684 or Senate Bill 684 simplifies the approval process for smaller housing developments in California. It applies to projects with up to 10 units on urban lots of less than 5 acres. Local officials are required to make decisions on these projects within 60 days, without holding public hearings or discretionary reviews. Some regulations, including those from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), are also excluded.

The current status of SB-684

The CityStructure team reached out to Pasadena's planning department on August 29, 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 Pasadena?

What are the lot limitations under SB-684?

SB-684 applies to properties that are 5 acres or smaller, allowing them to be split into up to 10 lots. Each lot should be at least 600 square feet in size.

What is the size limitation for the new units?

In Pasadena, SB-684 limits new residential units to under 1,750 square feet.

What are the setbacks?

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

What is the parking requirement under SB-684?

In Pasadena, SB-684 requires that each unit should have one off-street parking space. This requirement may not apply if 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?

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Who and which properties qualify for SB-684?

Which zoning districts are eligible for SB-684?

In Pasadena, SB-684 is applicable to areas designated for multi-family or vacant lots within single-family zoning districts.

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

SB-684 was initially created to simplify the approval process for building up to 10 small residences in multi-family areas. SB-1123 now expands these provisions to allow the same development on vacant lots in single-family zones. This update supports affordable housing by allowing up to 10 homes on empty lots located close to essential community resources, increasing affordable homeownership options in areas that previously had development limitations.

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

Yes, environmental rules can limit property development. Land classified as prime farmland, wetlands, agricultural zones, or hazardous waste sites usually cannot be subdivided unless it's zoned for residential use or meets state safety standards. Additionally, properties under conservation agreements or serving as habitats for protected species are generally not eligible for development. These measures are in place to protect important land and wildlife.

Can you build in high-risk CEQA zones?

It depends. There are specific restrictions for building in high-risk CEQA areas:

Fire Hazard Zones

Construction is restricted in areas identified as high fire risk by state maps or the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Earthquake Fault Zones

Building on active fault lines is not allowed unless it meets rigorous earthquake safety standards.

Flood Zones

Development is limited in flood-prone areas unless it adheres to floodplain management or federal flood control standards.

Floodways

Building in floodways requires certification to ensure it won’t raise flood risk.

Is it allowed to demolish an affordable unit?

No, in Pasadena, demolishing or altering affordable housing units is not allowed if they are protected by agreements, laws, or regulations that keep rents affordable for low-income families.

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. Projects cannot demolish or modify units that have rent or price controls set by Pasadena City. This protection covers homes rented within the last 5 years, whether they are still occupied, vacant, or even demolished. It also includes properties removed from the rental market under the Ellis Act 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?

SB-684 allows projects to use a "ministerial approval" process, which means local officials approve applications based on straightforward, clear rules without public hearings or extra reviews. This faster process is available for projects that meet specific requirements, such as having a set number of housing units and following zoning and density rules.

What are objective standards?

Objective standards are straightforward rules set by local authorities to guide the design and construction of housing projects. These standards address things like zoning, property division, and design elements. They’re designed to be simple and flexible, helping projects meet density goals without needing extra features, like larger setbacks or additional parking, beyond what standard building codes usually require.

How much does the permit cost?

The cost of Planning and Building permits depends on the total number of lots and units in a project. Beginning on May 20, 2024, under a new law (SB-937), developers can defer certain fees until they receive an occupancy certificate. This adjustment lowers upfront expenses, supporting the financial stability of projects and helping them reach completion.

What are the steps to get the permits?

To secure permits under SB-684 in Pasadena, follow these steps:

1. Confirm Eligibility Check that your property is properly zoned, is under 5 acres, and meets all the required criteria.

Check zoning eligibility for your property instantly.

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2. Submit Tentative Map Application Apply for a tentative map, indicating it’s for SB-684.

3. Review Process The City of Pasadena will assess your application and make a decision within 60 days. If the application is denied, you’ll receive feedback. If no decision is made by the end of this period, the application is automatically approved.

4. File Final Map Application Once the tentative map is approved, submit your final map application.

5. Apply for Building Permits Request building permits, which can be granted before the final map is officially recorded, as long as specific conditions are met.

6. Fulfill Approval Conditions Complete all necessary requirements 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 Pasadena City?

This comparison looks at how SB-684 and SB-9 influence different aspects of development in Pasadena, like unit sizes, setbacks, lot sizes, and areas where building is allowed. It offers a detailed look at how these regulations affect construction locally.

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

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