City of Santee
Everything You Need to Know About SB-684 Development in Santee
Beginning July 1, 2024, Santee will be required to comply with the new SB-684 law for housing projects. This law is part of a broader program to increase housing density on smaller properties, streamline the approval process, and allow developers to postpone permit fees until the project is finished or ready for occupancy. In line with a national effort for more middle housing, SB-684 accelerates the approval process for residential developments with up to 10 homes on urban lots of less than 5 acres.
What is SB-684 and how does it affect properties in Santee?
SB-684 is a recent California law aimed at simplifying and accelerating the approval of smaller housing developments. It permits the construction of up to 10 homes on urban parcels under 5 acres. Local authorities have a 60-day timeframe to review and approve these projects, bypassing public hearings and extensive evaluations. The law also exempts these projects from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements, expediting the approval process.
The current status of SB-684
The CityStructure team reached out to Santee's planning department 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 Santee?
What are the lot limitations under SB-684?
SB-684 allows properties up to 5 acres. For any lot divisions, each resulting lot must be at least 600 square feet.
What is the size limitation for the new units?
In Santee, homes built under this law can be a maximum of 1,750 square feet.
What are the setbacks?
Setbacks should be at least 4 feet from the side and rear property boundaries.
What is the parking requirement under SB-684?
Each home requires one parking space in Santee unless it is within half a mile of major transit hubs or well-served public transportation areas.
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 Santee, SB-684 applies to areas allowing multi-family homes, as well as vacant lots within single-family residential zones.
How Does SB-1123 or Senate Bill 1123 Impact SB-684?
SB-1123 broadens SB-684 by allowing up to 10 homes on vacant lots in single-family zones, particularly near essential community services. This adjustment aims to boost affordable housing and homeownership opportunities in areas with limited availability.
Do the environmental requirements or overlays on the lot restrict the property development under SB-684?
Yes, specific environmental factors can restrict development under SB-684. Properties with hazardous waste, wetlands, or significant farmland are generally restricted unless they meet specific safety standards. Land with conservation agreements or wildlife habitats is typically protected from development.
Can you build in high-risk CEQA zones?
It depends. Construction is allowed in high-risk CEQA zones under strict conditions:
(A) No construction in areas with very high fire risks.
(B) Building on earthquake fault lines is allowed only with required safety precautions.
(C) Developments in flood zones should comply with federal flood safety guidelines.
(D) Projects in floodways should be certified to ensure they don’t increase flood hazards.
Is it allowed to demolish an affordable unit?
No, SB-684 protects affordable housing units from demolition in Santee, maintaining housing options for 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, existing tenants' rights are protected. New development projects cannot involve demolishing or altering:
1. Housing units with rent or price controls set by the City of Santee.
2. Properties rented within the past 5 years, even if they’re now vacant or were previously demolished.
3. Properties that withdrew rental units from the market under the Ellis Act 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?
A ministerial approval permit is required under SB-684, allowing local authorities to approve projects efficiently through established rules without public hearings or additional reviews. Projects meeting specific requirements, like unit density and zoning compliance, can be approved more smoothly.
What are objective standards?
Objective standards are clear, straightforward guidelines set by local governments for housing development. These rules include aspects like zoning, lot sizes, and design elements, making it easier to achieve density objectives without added requirements like additional setbacks or parking spaces.
How much does the permit cost?
Permit costs for Planning and Building vary based on the project’s lot size and number of units. Starting May 20, 2024, SB-937 allows developers to defer certain fees until they obtain an occupancy certificate, reducing initial costs and making projects more affordable.
What are the steps to get the permits?
To get permits under SB-684 in Santee, follow these steps:
1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure your property is in the appropriate zone, under 5 acres, and meets all necessary criteria.
Check zoning eligibility for your property instantly.
2. Submit a Tentative Map Application: File your application for a tentative map, indicating it falls under SB-684.
3. Review Process: Officials in Santee will review your application within 60 days. If denied, they will provide feedback. If no response is given within 60 days, your application is automatically approved.
4. Request Final Map Approval: Once the tentative map is approved, proceed with applying for final map approval.
5. Submit Building Permit Applications: You may apply for building permits prior to the official recording of the final map, provided certain conditions are met.
6. Meet Approval Requirements: Complete all required conditions, then record the final map to conclude 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 Santee City?
This table provides a detailed comparison of SB-684 and SB-9 in Santee, examining how each law influences factors like unit sizes, setbacks, lot dimensions, density, and allowed development areas, highlighting their different impacts 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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