Senate Bill 9

SB 9 Eligibility

Two-unit developments and lot splits approved under SB 9 will need to meet the following criteria:

The site is zoned for single-family
The site is wholly within the boundaries of an urbanized area or urban cluster
The site is not a designated historic landmark or located in a local or state historic district
The project will not alter or demolish
- existing affordable housing
- rent-controlled housing
- housing that was withdrawn from rent in the last 15 years
- housing occupied by a tenant in the last 3 years

Two-Unit Developments

SB 9 defines two-unit (duplex) development as the construction of two (2) new units or the addition of one new unit to an existing unit on a single-family zoned lot for a maximum of (2) units. The following criteria apply for the development of duplexes:

Duplex development will not demolish more than 25% of the existing exterior walls of an existing dwelling
One parking space is required per unit
Dwelling units created under SB 9 may not be used as short-term rentals.

Urban Lot Splits

Under SB 9, lots may be split to allow two (2) dwelling units on each new lot for a total of up to four (4) units on a single-family zoned lot. Lot splits approved under SB 9 will need to meet the following criteria:

The lot is in an "urbanized area." These areas can be seen through the Gridics Zoning platform.
The lot must be zoned Residential single-family (RS).
The parcel must not be located in a Very-High Fire Hazard Zone. These zones are on the Gridics Zoning platform.
The lot split must result in 2 lots of approximately equal size (40/60 minimum)
Each lot must be at least 1,200 square feet
The lot to be split cannot have been previously split under SB 9
Neither the lot owner nor anyone acting "in concert with" the owner can perform lot splits on adjacent lots
Land use on lots must be residential only
Applicant must sign an affidavit stating that they intend to live in one of the units for three years unless
- The applicant is a qualified non-profit or community land trust

Applying for a Urban Lot Split or Duplex

To apply for a Duplex:

Submit a Building Permit, and the permit will be processed normally.

Building Permit: e-Permits | Placer County, CA (civicplus.com)

To apply for an Urban Lot Split:

Submit a Universal Application and follow all the appropriate steps laid out in the County's Urban Lot Split Step List.

Universal Application: https://www.placer.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/37225/Universal-Application-Form
Urban Lot Split Step List: https://www.placer.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/57704/SB-9-Application-Instructions

We recommend Individuals interested in an urban lot split contact our Housing Team to set up a time to go over your proposal before you submit your application.

Senate Bill 9

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