Temple City
Everything You Need to Know About SB-684 Development in Temple City
Applying SB-684 in Temple City could offer significant benefits. The bill can lead to more compact communities, which may help people live closer to their workplaces, reduce freeway congestion, and cut down on commute times. Additionally, smaller homes generally use less energy for heating and cooling, which can lower overall energy use. These developments can also take advantage of existing utilities and infrastructure, resulting in cost savings.
What is SB-684 and how does it affect properties in Temple City?
Senate Bill 684, also known as SB-684 streamlines the approval process for smaller housing projects in California. It is designed for developments that have up to 10 units and are on urban lots of less than 5 acres. Local authorities must decide on these projects within 60 days, bypassing public hearings and discretionary reviews. Moreover, certain regulations, including those under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), are not applicable.
The current status of SB-684
SB-684 is a relatively new law that not many people are familiar with, making it difficult for many to navigate due to limited information and resources.
CityStructure contacted Temple City’s planning department, and on August 29, 2024, the city clarified to the CityStructure team when we reached out to them, that "The City has retained a consultant to update its subdivision regulations. The update aims to create a streamlined process for subdivisions and incorporate the provisions under SB 684. At this moment, we do not yet have an ordinance or details to provide. We anticipate that the update will be completed within the next few months. Please keep an eye on the public hearing notices as we post them on the website, or contact us for progress updates."
To make the most of SB-684, it’s important to understand the state’s guidelines and how to follow them correctly. Clear, simple instructions will help applicants fully benefit from the law.
What can homeowners build under SB-684 in Temple?
What are the lot limitations under SB-684?
Under SB-684, properties can be up to 5 acres in size and can be split into a maximum of 10 parcels. Each parcel should be a minimum of 600 square feet.
What is the size limitation for the new units?
New housing units under SB-684 in Temple can have a maximum size of 1,750 square feet.
What are the setbacks?
Setbacks are required to 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 Temple, each unit is generally required to have one off-street parking space. However, this rule can be waived if the property is within half a mile of a major transit stop or a well-served 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 designated for multi-family housing and vacant lots within single-family housing.
How Does SB-1123 or Senate Bill 1123 Impact SB-684?
Senate Bill 1123 broadens the regulations of SB-684 by allowing the building of up to 10 small homes in not only multi-family districts but also on vacant lots in single-family neighborhoods. This modification supports affordable housing initiatives and enhances chances for homeownership in regions that once had more stringent rules.
Do the environmental requirements or overlays on the lot restrict the property development under SB-684?
Yes, environmental regulations can limit property development under SB-684. Land classified as prime farmland, wetlands, or used for agriculture, as well as hazardous waste sites, cannot be subdivided unless they are approved for residential use or meet state safety standards. Properties under conservation agreements or serving as habitats for protected species are also off-limits for development. These rules help safeguard important land and wildlife.
Can you build in high-risk CEQA zones?
Possibly. Building in high-risk CEQA zones is subject to several restrictions:
Fire Hazard Zones
Construction is prohibited in areas marked as high fire risk by state maps or the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Earthquake Fault Zones
Projects cannot be built on active fault lines unless they follow earthquake safety regulations.
Flood Zones
Construction in flood-prone areas is limited unless it complies with floodplain management or federal flood control standards.
Floodways
Development in floodways requires certification to confirm it won’t increase flood risks.
Is it allowed to demolish an affordable unit?
No, affordable housing units that are protected by covenants, ordinances, or laws to keep rents low for low-income families cannot be demolished or modified.
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 existing tenants are protected. Housing projects cannot demolish or modify units that have rent or price restrictions set by Temple City. This protection extends to homes rented in the past 5 years, regardless of their current status or whether they have been demolished. It also applies to properties removed from the rental market under the Ellis Act 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 projects under SB-684, certain developments may be eligible for a straightforward approval process. Local officials assess these applications based on clear criteria, eliminating the need for public hearings or discretionary reviews. This efficient process is available for projects that meet specific conditions, such as a designated number of residential units and adherence to zoning and density rules.
What are objective standards?
Objective standards are precise regulations established by local authorities that outline the design and construction requirements for housing projects. These rules cover aspects like zoning, land subdivision, and architectural features. They should be clear enough to guide projects without imposing excessive restrictions that would obstruct meeting density goals or adding extra requirements like larger setbacks or more parking than typically needed by building codes.
How much does the permit cost?
The costs for planning and building permits are determined by the overall number of lots and residential units involved in a project. Beginning May 20, 2024, the newly passed SB-937 will enable developers to delay certain fees until they obtain an occupancy certificate, which will help lower initial expenses.
What are the steps to get the permits?
To successfully get permits under SB-684 in Temple City, you need to follow these steps:
1. Verify Eligibility
Ensure your property is properly zoned, under 5 acres in size, and meets all required criteria.
Check zoning eligibility for your property instantly.
2. File Tentative Map Application
Submit an application for a tentative map, indicating that it’s for SB-684.
3. Review Phase
Temple City will assess your application and make a decision within 60 days. If your application is denied, they will give you feedback. If there is no decision within 60 days, your application will be considered approved.
4. Submit Final Map Application
Once the tentative map is approved, apply for the final map.
5. Apply for Building Permits
File for building permits. These can be issued before the final map is recorded if certain conditions are met.
6. Complete Approval Conditions
Satisfy all conditions required for approval and 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 Temple City?
This analysis highlights the differences between SB-684 and SB-9 in Temple City. It explores how the two sets of rules affect various factors, including unit sizes, necessary setbacks, lot sizes and counts, density, and designated development zones, offering a thorough insight into their implications for local growth.
Apply SB-684 rules to your property to see what you can build, the cost, and return.
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