City of Rosemead
Everything You Need to Know About SB-684 Development in Rosemead
California is streamlining property development by updating its land use laws. These changes make the approval process faster and let developers hold off on some payments until the project is finished or the building is ready for residents. The new SB-684 law supports the development of "middle housing" by making it easier to get approval for projects with up to 10 homes on smaller lots in urban areas. Beginning July 1, 2024, cities like Rosemead will be required to approve projects that follow these new rules.
What is SB-684 and how does it affect properties in Rosemead?
SB-684 or Senate Bill 684 streamlines the approval process for small housing developments in California. It covers projects with up to 10 units on urban parcels under 5 acres. Local authorities must approve these projects within 60 days, bypassing public hearings and discretionary reviews. Certain regulations, such as the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), do not apply.
The current status of SB-684
Because SB-684 is relatively new and not well-known, many people might be unfamiliar with it, which could create challenges due to limited resources and understanding.
CityStructure contacted the city's planning department, and on August 28, 2024, Lina Do, Rosemead’s assistant planner, clarified to the CityStructure team when we reached out to her that:
"SB-684 has not been added to the City of Rosemead’s Municipal Code. Applicants should follow state regulations."
To overcome these challenges, it is important to thoroughly understand the state requirements and how to apply them effectively. Offering clear guidance on navigating these regulations will help applicants make the most of SB-684.
What can homeowners build under SB-684 in Rosemead?
What are the lot limitations under SB-684?
SB-684 covers lots up to 5 acres, allowing them to be split into up to 10 parcels. Each parcel is required to be at least 600 square feet.
What is the size limitation for the new units?
In Rosemead, new housing units under SB-684 are limited to 1,750 square feet.
What are the setbacks?
A setback of up to 4 feet is required from the side and rear property lines.
What is the parking requirement under SB-684?
SB-684 requires one off-street parking space per unit, but this can be waived if the property is within half a mile of a major transit stop or a high-quality 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 areas zoned for multi-family housing and vacant lots within single-family neighborhoods.
How Does SB-1123 or Senate Bill 1123 Impact SB-684?
Initially, SB-684 aimed to simplify the approval process for constructing up to 10 small homes in multi-family districts. With SB-1123, these provisions have now been broadened to include vacant lots in single-family zones. This revision encourages the development of affordable housing by allowing the construction of up to 10 residences on these vacant lots located near important community resources, increasing the chances for affordable homeownership in areas that had previously imposed restrictions on such projects.
Do the environmental requirements or overlays on the lot restrict the property development under SB-684?
Yes, environmental rules can limit development. Land classified as prime farmland, wetlands, and hazardous waste sites unless it has been cleared for residential use or agricultural areas cannot be subdivided. Properties under conservation agreements, or those identified as habitats for protected species, are also off-limits to development. These rules safeguard key lands and wildlife.
Can you build in high-risk CEQA zones?
It depends. Building in high-risk CEQA zones comes with specific restrictions:
- Fire Hazard Zones: Construction isn’t allowed in areas designated as high fire risk on state maps or by the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
- Earthquake Fault Zones: Projects can’t be built on active fault lines unless they follow earthquake safety codes.
- Flood Zones: Development in flood-prone areas is limited unless it passes floodplain management or federal flood control guidelines.
- Floodways: Building in floodways requires certification proving the project won’t increase flood risks.
Is it allowed to demolish an affordable unit?
No, affordable units protected by covenants, ordinances, or laws to keep rents low for low-income households cannot be 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. Tenant rights are protected, meaning housing developments cannot demolish or alter units with rent or price restrictions established by Rosemead City. This protection extends to homes occupied by tenants within the last five years, regardless of whether they’ve since been vacated or demolished. Additionally, properties taken off the rental market under the Ellis Act within the past 15 years are not eligible for such changes.
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 certain projects to go through a ministerial approval process, where local authorities decide on applications based on clear guidelines, without the need for public hearings or discretionary reviews. This streamlined approach is available for developments that meet particular conditions, such as a limited number of residential units and adherence to zoning and density rules.
What are objective standards?
Objective standards refer to specific guidelines established by local governments that outline the design and construction of housing projects. These standards cover aspects like zoning, subdivision, and design requirements. However, they cannot be overly restrictive, preventing projects from meeting density requirements or requiring extra measures, such as larger setbacks or covered parking, beyond what is generally outlined in building codes.
How much does the permit cost?
The expenses associated with planning and building permits are defined by the total number of lots and residential units in a project. Starting May 20, 2024, under a new law (SB-937), developers will be able to postpone certain fees until they obtain an occupancy certificate. This modification lowers upfront costs, supporting the financial feasibility of projects and facilitating their progression toward completion.
What are the steps to get the permits?
Here’s how to secure permits under SB 684 in Rosemead City:
- Verify Eligibility
Ensure your property is properly zoned, under 5 acres, and complies with other requirements.
Check zoning eligibility for your property instantly.
- Submit Tentative Map Application
Apply for a tentative map, making it clear it's for SB-684. - Review Process
Rosemead City will review the application and respond within 60 days. If denied, feedback is provided. If no action is taken within 60 days, the application is automatically approved. - File Final Map Application
Once the tentative map is approved, submit a final map application. - Apply for Building Permits
Apply for building permits, which can be issued before the final map is recorded if specific conditions are met. - Complete Conditions
Meet all the approval conditions and record the final map to finalize the subdivision.
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 Rosemead City?
This comparison outlines the differences between SB-684 and SB-9 in Rosemead City. It covers how each policy affects unit sizes, setbacks, lot sizes, numbers, density, and development locations, providing insight into their impact on local development.
Apply SB-684 rules to your property to see what you can build, the cost, and return.
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