Design Scenarios for Properties Developed under SB-9

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  Also, it's important to understand the scale of the costs for building duplexes on your property. Development Analysis 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.

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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. A Development Analysis will give you for the dimensions for such expansion with detached ADU and a rough estimates of the costs for this type of project.

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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, the Development Analysis for your property can give you for the dimensions for such expansion and rough estimates of the costs for this type of project.

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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 can give you the dimensions and rough estimate of the costs for this type of project.

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Homeowners start with a Feasibility Study

Feasibility studies help you figure out if a project SB9 is the right thing to do to reach your goals. This is what you need to do before paying a lot of money and wasting time:

1. Check if your property is located in one of the qualified zones by searching your address here
2. Understand the type of development you could build on your property considering your lot size and the existing building(s). Being allowed to build per zoning and have enough room to add building area on your lot, are two different things. This needs to be calculated;
3. Choose the location of the new building(s) for each development option;
4. Check if the calculated size of the new building(s) is enough for you to:
   • get the ROI from renting or sale it
   • host family and friends
   • afford to build
   • give you the market value to cover the construction costs
5. You can do all these things on your own or get it right away with your Development Analysis.

Once you have all these figured out, it's time to look for a team to help you complete the project. Going through these 5 Steps before deciding to move on with your project, it'll help you have a focused conversation with an architect, contractor and with your lender. Choosing a realistic path, it'll make you and your team have a positive experience going through this project.  

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