There are many scenarios in which a property could be developed based on the existing conditions on site as well as following SB-9 guidelines. Below are just a few scenarios. Contact us if you'd like to learn more or for you can quickly check if your lot is eligible for SB-9.
Existing property
1 lot & 1 unit
In the urban areas, a typical lot size is 125' x 25' that has a single family house with two levels already built on it. Usually, there is a garage at the lower level and no ADU. The size of the house footprint varies but for this example, we're showing a 50' x 25' footprint house on this lot.
Scenario 1
Lot Split & Duplex/lot : 2 lots & 4 units
This is one of the most exciting scenario allowed under SB-9. Basically, you could transform one property with one unit into 2 properties with four units total. As exciting as it could be, it requires significant funding. You might want to look here for available programs that help you achieve such an ambitious project.
In this scenario, the lot is split 60/40 into 1,700 sqft and 1,300 sqft lots. The access to the rear building is granted though a 5' wide easement. On each lot could be build a duplex with a size range from 800 sqft - 1,000 sqft. These sizes are generic, but you can find out more accurate dimensions with New House report. Also, it's important to understand the scale of the costs for building duplexes on your property. New House report helps you with your feasibility study as well.
Now, what you could do with the new units developed under SB-9? You could rent them for long term (more then 30 days) or sell at least 3 of them.
First, start by checking how the zoning regulations influence the value of your property.
Scenario 2
Duplex + ADU : 1 lot & 2 units & 1 detached ADU
This is a more accessible scenario allowed under SB-9. In this scenario, you keep the lot as it is, add one unit to the existing house and build a detached ADU in the rear yard. Even though this scenario is less financially demanding, you might still want to look here for available programs that help you achieve such project.
In this scenario, the primary structure expand vertically with one more floor to accommodate two units on a 1,125 sqft footprint building. Following the 4' setbacks from property lines and a 35' courtyard between buildings, you could have as large as 442 sqft footprint on two levels. That's a large enough ADU for a two bedroom and one bath unit. Value Added report can give you for the dimensions for such expansion with detached ADU and a rough estimates of the costs for this type of project.
Scenario 3
Duplex + ADU : 1 lot & 2 units & 1 attached ADU
This is the most accessible scenario allowed under SB-9. Basically, if you have an existing garage, you can transform it in an ADU and add one more regular unit to the existing house. The challenges in this scenario is that you'd have to make interior changes of the existing unit in order to create an access path to the second regular unit. Make sure you check here for available programs that might help you complete such project.
In this scenario, you'd have a vertical addition for the second unit of approx. 1,100 sqft or a two bedroom and two bathroom unit. If this is a scenario more appropriate for you, Value Added report can give you for the dimensions for such expansion and rough estimates of the costs for this type of project.
California offers the option go through a streamlined permit process if the homeowners add more units on their single-family property. You can out if your project is eligible for the streamline permitting process under Senate Bill 9 (SB9) and how much you could build on the property by going through this check list.
How to get permits fast?
Scenario 4
Lot Split with One-unit/lot and Duplex/lot : 2 lots & 3 units
This scenario looks at splitting the lot and build a new duplex building. This is also a financially intensive project but it's more manageable if someone lives in the existing single family house. In this scenario, the lot is split 50/50 but allows a 5' wide easement for egress purposes. The New House report can give you the dimensions and rough estimate of the costs for this type of project.
If you are uncertain which scenario works for your property, both New House and Value Added reports will give you multiple design options for each scenario along with costs estimates. Best is to start with our Free assessment for your property.
