City of Torrance
All You Need to Know About Building on Properties in Torrance Under SB-9
Understanding SB-9 in different California cities reveals why some areas, like Torrance, have not adopted it. This review highlights the local challenges and issues that have stopped SB-9 from being implemented and shows how these factors affect housing development and local management.
What is SB-9 and how does it apply to the properties in various cities in California?
What is SB-9?
SB-9, also known as Senate Bill 9, requires administrative approval for certain housing projects within single-family zones. These projects can include the development of up to two primary units on a single parcel or the division of a single parcel into two separate lots, both of which are typically reserved for single-family homes. This legislation aims to streamline the process of creating additional housing units, allowing for the potential construction of up to four units within the space typically occupied by one single-family dwelling.
Urban Lot Split vs Two-Unit Development under SB-9
Urban Lot Split
Urban lot splitting divides a single property into two separate lots in areas designated for single-family homes.
Two-Unit Development
A two-unit development involves constructing two separate residential buildings on a single lot that is designated for single-family use.
Why is SB 9 not applicable in Torrance?
The HOME Act (California Senate Bill 9), aimed at boosting affordable housing by allowing more homes on single-family zoned land in Torrance, faced a setback in the Superior Court of California on April 22, 2024. The court ruled that the Act failed to meet California constitutional standards in ensuring affordable housing effectively.
Introduced by Senator Toni Atkins and passed in 2021, the HOME Act sought to expedite the subdivision of residential lots through a streamlined "ministerial review" process. This approach aimed to remove subjective judgment from officials and relied on clear, objective standards to facilitate project approvals.
However, challenges from five cities including Whittier, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Carson, and Del Mar argued that the Act infringed upon their local control over land use and zoning. These cities, known as charter cities, asserted their authority over local affairs.
The court sided with the cities, emphasizing that while promoting affordable housing statewide is crucial, the HOME Act's design lacked sufficient guarantees to ensure affordable housing outcomes. The ruling impacts more than 120 charter cities in California, limiting the state's ability to enforce the HOME Act. The California Attorney General's potential appeal and the broader implications of this decision are closely monitored.
Understanding SB-450 and Its Impact on SB-9
SB-9 was created to settle zoning laws in California, allowing homeowners to divide their single-family lots and build duplexes. However, many local governments have passed regulations that hinder the full potential of SB-9, limiting the increase in housing options.
SB-450 aims to strengthen SB-9 by providing clear guidelines and empowering state agencies to enforce its provisions. This legislation prevents local governments from imposing subjective standards on SB-9 projects that contradict existing zoning laws. Moreover, it requires local authorities to respond to SB-9 applications within 60 days, or the application is automatically approved. Additionally, SB-450 prohibits local governments from denying lot split applications based on environmental factors, allowing homeowners to proceed with their developments.
For Torrance residents, SB-450 represents a substantial step forward in streamlining the process of building additional housing units under SB-9.
SB-9 is not the only regulation that lets you add value to a property.
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