Senate Bill 9 (SB 9), the California Housing Opportunity and More Efficiency (HOME) Act, is a landmark California state law passed in January 2022. This legislation represents a significant step forward in addressing California's housing crisis by creating new opportunities for property owners to increase housing supply and diversify housing options in their communities.

Key Benefits of SB9

• Split single-family lots into two separate parcels
• Streamlined ministerial review process
• Potential to increase property value
• Opportunity to create new housing units
• Faster approval process compared to traditional subdivisions

Under SB9, property owners can transform their single-family lots into two new parcels through an Urban Lot Split. This process is ministerial, meaning it's typically much faster than traditional subdivision processes. It presents an excellent opportunity for homeowners to maximize their property's potential by converting unused space into valuable new lots that can be sold as vacant land or developed with new homes.

For a comprehensive overview of SB9, we recommend reviewing the Association of Bay Area Governments' detailed guide.

While SB9 is a state law, implementation varies by city, with each municipality having its own specific requirements and processes. Our team has extensive experience navigating these local variations and has successfully completed SB9 lot split projects across the Bay Area, including:

Our expertise ensures a smooth process from initial consultation to final approval. We handle all aspects of the SB9 lot split process, including:

• Initial property assessment
• Documentation preparation
• City-specific requirements compliance
• Permit processing
• Project management

What are the basic requirements for SB9 lot splitting?

Properties must be in a single-family zone, meet minimum lot size requirements, and comply with local development standards. The property owner must also commit to living in one of the units for at least three years.

How long does the SB9 process take?

While SB9 is designed to be faster than traditional subdivisions, the timeline varies by city. Typically, the process can take 3-6 months from application to approval.

What are the costs involved?

Costs typically include application fees, survey work, engineering plans, and potential infrastructure improvements. Each city has its own fee structure, and costs can vary based on project specifics.

Can I build multiple units on each lot?

Yes, SB9 allows for up to two units on each new lot, potentially creating up to four units total from the original property.