The City Council voted unanimously June 19 to adopt an ordinance to implement Senate Bill 9, a State law that provides for multiple units and lot splits on property zoned for a single dwelling — all without a public hearing.
The ordinance amends the Municipal Code and Local Coastal Program to provide objective standards for SB 9-related projects. To become effective, the ordinance requires final review and certification by the California Coastal Commission.
In tailoring the local ordinance, Councilmembers set standards to mitigate impacts on the character of neighborhoods zoned for one dwelling per lot.
For example, new units must match the color, finishes and architectural features of one another and those of existing units on subdivided sites; projects must comply with Floor Area Ratio and Lot Coverage designations of the underlying Zone; patios must not be permitted in yards that are four feet or less from the property line; new units shall not be located in conflict with public scenic views that are designated in the Local Coastal Program, and skylights shall be tinted to prevent the escape of light from inside the unit.
The local ordinance includes affordability requirements.
Enacted in January 2022 in response to the housing crisis, SB 9 allows qualifying properties to be developed with up to four units on a lot zoned for a single dwelling unit.
Under SB 9, developers can subdivide a lot zoned for one dwelling lot into two parcels to accommodate up to two residential structures on each new parcel.
Open SB 9 webpage