What is SB-684 and how does it affect properties in Walnut?

Senate Bill 684, also known as SB-684 simplifies getting approval for small housing projects in California. It applies to developments of up to 10 units on city lots smaller than 5 acres. Local officials should approve these projects within 60 days and do not need to hold public hearings or do detailed reviews. The law also removes some regulations, including parts of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

What can homeowners build under SB-684 in Walnut?

What are the lot limitations under SB-684?

Under SB-684 in Walnut, properties can be up to 5 acres in size. Each property can be divided into a maximum of 10 lots, with each lot requiring to be at least 600 square feet.

What is the size limitation for the new units?

For new residential units, SB-684 limits the size to a maximum of 1,750 square feet.

What are the setbacks?

Residential units should be set back 4 feet from both the side and rear property lines.

What is the parking requirement under SB-684?

Each unit must have one off-street parking space under SB-684 unless the property is within half a mile of a major transit stop or in a well-connected transit area.

How many units can you have on your property following SB-684 restrictions?

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Who and which properties qualify for SB-684?

Which zoning districts are eligible for SB-684?

In Walnut, SB-684 applies to both multi-family housing and vacant lots within single-family residential zoning areas.

How Does SB-1123 or Senate Bill 1123 Impact SB-684?

Senate Bill 1123 extends the rules set by SB-684 by allowing the construction of as many as 10 small residences, not only in multi-family zones but also on vacant lots in single-family areas. This change strengthens efforts to create affordable housing and increases opportunities for homeownership in areas that previously enforced stricter regulations.

Do the environmental requirements or overlays on the lot restrict the property development under SB-684?

Under SB-684, certain environmental conditions can limit property development:

• Prime Farmland: Land classified as prime or important farmland and protected by local agricultural rules cannot be divided unless it's designated for residential use.
• Wetlands: Land identified as wetlands by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service cannot be developed.
• Hazardous Waste Sites: Properties listed as hazardous waste sites or recognized by the Department of Toxic Substances Control cannot be developed unless they are confirmed suitable for residential use by state or local agencies.
• Conservation Land: Land protected by conservation plans or other measures cannot be developed.
• Habitat for Protected Species: Land that provides habitat for protected species under state or federal laws is not eligible for development.
• Land Under Conservation Easement: Properties with conservation easements cannot be developed.

Can you build in high-risk CEQA zones?

Maybe. Building in high-risk CEQA zones in Walnut comes with specific restrictions:

Fire Hazard Zones: Construction is not allowed in areas marked as very high fire risk by state maps or the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Earthquake Fault Zones: Building on active earthquake fault lines is not allowed unless the project meets strict safety standards and building codes.

Flood Zones: Construction is allowed in flood-prone areas only if the site is approved for floodplain management or meets federal flood control standards.

Floodways: Building in floodways requires a no-rise certification to ensure the project does not increase flooding risk.

Is it allowed to demolish an affordable unit?

No, SB-684 does not allow the demolition of affordable housing units. Projects cannot remove or alter homes that are protected by agreements or rules designed to keep them 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, SB-684 secured the rights of existing tenants by stopping projects from demolishing or altering:

• Residential units with rent or price controls in Walnut.
• Homes that had tenants within the past 5 years, even if they are now vacant or 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 process is required. This means decisions are made based on established rules rather than individual judgment, so there's no need for CEQA reviews, discretionary reviews, or public hearings. This makes the process faster and simpler.

What are objective standards?

Objective standards are specific, consistent rules for evaluating projects. They are based on set criteria rather than personal opinions, ensuring that evaluations are consistent and predictable. This provides clear guidelines for homeowners and developers.

How much does the permit cost?

The cost of planning and building permits is based on the total number of lots and housing units included in a project. Starting May 20, 2024, the recently passed SB-937 will allow developers to postpone some fees until they receive an occupancy certificate, helping to reduce initial costs.

What are the steps to get the permits?

To get permits under SB-684 in Walnut City, follow these steps:

• Check Eligibility: Ensure your property is properly zoned, does not surpass 5 acres, and meets all required criteria.

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• Submit Tentative Map Application: Apply for a tentative map and make it clear that it is for SB-684.
• Review Process: The City of Walnut will review your application within 60 days. If it is denied, you will get feedback. If no decision is made within 60 days, your application is automatically approved.
• File Final Map Application: Once your tentative map is approved, submit your final map application.
• Apply for Building Permits: Apply for building permits separately. These may be issued before the final map is recorded if specific conditions are met.
• Fulfill Approval Conditions: Meet all requirements for the tentative map and record the final map to complete 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 Walnut City?

In Walnut City, SB-684 and SB-9 impact building practices in different ways. They vary in aspects such as the size of units, required setbacks, lot dimensions, density, and the areas where construction is allowed. This comparison highlights how each regulation uniquely affects construction projects.

Apply SB-684 rules to your property to see what you can build, the cost, and return.

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