City of South Pasadena
Everything You Need to Know About SB-684 Development in South Pasadena
To help meet the increasing need for "middle housing," California has updated its land use laws. These changes make it easier to add more homes to a property, speed up approvals, and allow developers to delay paying permit fees until the project is finished or the building is ready for people to move in. The new SB-684 law simplifies the approval process for projects with up to 10 homes on urban lots smaller than 5 acres. Starting July 1, 2024, cities like South Pasadena will be required to accept applications for projects that follow these updated rules.
What is SB-684 and how does it affect properties in South Pasadena?
Senate Bill 684, also known as SB-684 simplifies the approval process for small housing projects across California. It applies to developments with up to 10 units on urban lots smaller than 5 acres. In South Pasadena, this means local officials should make decisions on applications within 60 days, without requiring public hearings or additional reviews. Certain regulations, like those under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), may also not apply in specific cases.
What can homeowners build under SB-684 in South Pasadena?
What are the lot limitations under SB-684?
Under SB-684, Properties can be up to 5 acres and divided into a maximum of 10 lots. Each lot should be at least 600 square feet.
What is the size limitation for the new units?
In South Pasadena, new residential units built under SB-684 cannot be larger than 1,750 square feet.
What are the setbacks?
Setbacks should be at least 4 feet from both the side and rear property lines.
What is the parking requirement under SB-684?
Under SB-684 in South Pasadena, you should provide one off-street parking space for each unit. However, if the property is within half a mile of a major transit hub or a well-served transit area, this requirement does not apply.
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 South Pasadena, SB-684 applies to areas zoned for both multi-family housing and vacant lots within single-family housing
How Does SB-1123 or Senate Bill 1123 Impact SB-684?
Senate Bill 1123 expands the provisions of SB-684 by allowing the construction of up to 10 small residences not only in multi-family districts but also on vacant lots within single-family areas. This change promotes affordable housing efforts and increases opportunities for homeownership in areas that previously had stricter regulations.
Do the environmental requirements or overlays on the lot restrict the property development under SB-684?
Yes. Environmental factors can restrict development under SB-684. Properties classified as wetlands, agricultural zones, prime farmland, or hazardous waste sites are generally ineligible for subdivision unless marked for residential use or meeting state safety regulations. Similarly, land under conservation agreements or designated as wildlife habitats is typically off-limits to preserve key areas and species.
Can you build in high-risk CEQA zones?
It depends. For high-risk CEQA zones, construction may be possible but comes with specific limitations. In South Pasadena, building is prohibited in Very High Fire Severity Zones, as identified by state maps or the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Active fault lines in earthquake fault zones restrict building unless strict safety standards are followed.
Flood zones impose further restrictions, where development is only allowed if it complies with floodplain management or federal flood control rules. Projects within floodways require certification to confirm they will not elevate flood risk.
Is it allowed to demolish an affordable unit?
No, demolishing affordable units in South Pasadena is not allowed under SB-684. Development projects should avoid removing or changing housing protected by agreements or laws designed 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, the rights of current tenants are protected. Under SB-684, projects cannot involve demolishing or altering:
- Housing units with rent or price controls set by the City of South Pasadena.
- Homes that had tenants within the past 5 years, even if the units are now empty or have been demolished.
- Properties where the Ellis Act was used to remove rental units from the market in 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 type of permit simplifies the review process by allowing local officials to evaluate projects based on set rules, bypassing discretionary reviews or public hearings. If a project meets certain criteria, like the number of units and zoning or density rules, it can get faster approval.
What are objective standards?
Objective standards are straightforward guidelines set by local authorities for designing and building housing. They cover things like zoning, lot sizes, and design features. These guidelines are meant to be clear and not overly strict, allowing projects to meet density goals without requiring larger setbacks or additional parking beyond what is normally needed.
How much does the permit cost?
The expenses for planning and building permits are influenced by the total number of lots and residential units in a project. Starting May 20, 2024, the recently enacted SB-937 will allow developers to postpone specific fees until they secure an occupancy certificate, aiding in the reduction of upfront costs.
What are the steps to get the permits?
To get permits under SB-684 in South Pasadena, follow these steps:
- Confirm Eligibility
Make sure your property is properly zoned, is less than 5 acres, and meets all the required criteria.
Check zoning eligibility for your property instantly.
- File a Tentative Map Application
Submit a tentative map application, making it clear that it’s for SB-684. - Review Process
South Pasadena officials will review your application within 60 days. If your application is denied, you’ll receive feedback. If you don’t get a response within this time, your application is automatically approved. - Apply for Final Map Approval
Once your tentative map is approved, apply for final map approval. - Apply for Building Permits
You can apply for building permits before the final map is recorded, as long as you meet certain conditions. - Fulfill Approval Conditions
Complete all required conditions and then 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 South Pasadena City?
To compare SB-684 and SB-9 in South Pasadena, this analysis examines how each law impacts things like unit sizes, setbacks, lot sizes, density, and allowable development areas. It looks closely at how these laws affect local construction projects.
