SB 9 – HOME Act

WHAT IS SENATE BILL (SB) 9?

Senate Bill (SB) 9 (Chapter 162, Statutes of 2021) provides for a ministerial approval process for a housing development that meets specific requirements in a single family zone. SB 9 facilitates the creation of up to TWO primary dwelling units in the lot area typically used for one single-family home and/or the subdivision of one single family parcel into two. SB 9 also contains additional eligibility criteria addressing environmental site constraints (e.g., wetlands, wildfire risk, etc.), anti-displacement measures for renters and low-income households, and the protection of historic structures and districts. 

Please refer to the SB 9 Handout and Checklist below for more details. 

WHAT ZONING IS ELIGIBLE FOR SB 9?

SB 9 is only applicable to parcels within the R-LD Single-Family Residential Zone. 

HOW TO APPLY FOR SB 9?

STEP 1: Applicant shall submit the completed SB 9 application packet (including but not limited to: SB 9 checklist, SB 9 owner affidavit, SB 9 tenancy affidavit, project plans, grant deed) for a preliminary review. The Planning Division may request additional items from the applicant to assist with the project review. A tentative parcel map will be required upon submittal if an urban lot split is proposed. 

STEP 2: After the completion of the SB 9 preliminary review with Planning, the applicant will be advised to notarize the owner and tenancy affidavits (if applicable to project) prior to submitting to the Building Division for building permit. 

STEP 3: The applicant shall submit the approved SB 9 project packet to the Building Division as part of the Building Permit application. It is highly recommended that applicants speak with the Building Division to check for the required submittal document prior to building permit submittal. 

QUESTIONS?

For additional information regarding SB 9, please visit cityofepa.org/planning. If you need assistance in determining if your lot can utilize SB 9 for development of additional units or a lot split, please contact the Planning Division at planning@cityofepa.org, or by calling 650-853-3189.