Experts Weigh in on SB 9, Duplexes, and Lot Splits
SB 9 is certainly one of the hottest topics right now in small housing, as homeowners and local jurisdictions work to put it into practice. Casita Coalition was lucky to host some of the State’s foremost experts on SB 9 for a webinar discussion that produced new insights for all.
We were delighted to welcome SB 9 author and Senate pro Tempore Senator Toni G. Atkins for opening remarks. Senator Atkins remarked that SB 9 is a critical part of the solution to addressing California’s housing crisis from multiple perspectives - a crisis so large that one single solution isn’t possible. She noted that while the implementation of SB 9 has been complicated, she is grateful for ongoing partnerships with HCD and Attorney General Rob Bonta, who have both been enormously helpful in making sure municipalities comply with SB 9. Senator Atkins concluded her remarks by reminding the group that change doesn’t happen overnight, and it is the job of housing advocates to move forward with every solution we can.
Senator Atkins’ remarks were followed by a detailed and information-packed presentation from Kevin Ashe, an attorney with Holland & Knight, who focused on breaking down the legal specifics of SB 9 and its applications. Kevin’s presentation covered important definitions, rules local agencies must follow, qualifying and disqualifying conditions for an SB 9 project, and more. He also went over some of the issues he has observed occurring with SB 9 implementation, including cities misunderstanding the relationship between SB 9 projects and ADUs, “caps” at 800 square feet, minimum lot “width and depth” requirements, and of course, the infamous Woodside mountain lion argument. Kevin’s presentation wrapped up with some wisdom on how to submit a successful SB 9 adaptation, and how to respond when faced with resistance from your local jurisdiction.
Muhammad Alameldin, a Policy Associate with the Terner Center for Housing Innovation, took up the torch from Kevin with his presentation on how SB 9 is being implemented and interpreted by cities. He presented some of Terner Center’s research, which examined 10 cities with SB 9 ordinances, no two of which were alike. Seven of the ordinances had specific objective standards that make it more difficult to implement SB 9 projects, including a square footage cap, excessive easements, LEED platinum certification requirements, and high impact fees. He recommended that local governments meet homeowners halfway and generate interest in SB 9 projects by using HCD’s technical assistance, providing homeowners with free checklists and project timelines, creating pre-approved designs, and working with nonprofits that can help homeowners in turn. At the State level, Muhammad suggested legislators introduce new bills to clarify aspects of SB 9, increase financing options, perform annual progress reports to track development and ramp up enforcement, and do more to help small builders.
The Q&A portion brought in the voices of Casita Coalition members who are currently working on SB 9 projects - Sam Schneider from Homestead and Erik Preston from Villa Homes - as well as Casita Coalition staff. Sam and Erik both noted that SB 9 is new and flexible, so it can be implemented creatively, but there is some uncertainty because cities are still sorting through implementation issues, and there are many complex processes going on at once. However, they did note that implementation is happening, slowly but surely.
SB 9 will only be an effective solution to California’s housing crisis if it is well-implemented, which is why Casita Coalition (and many other organizations) has worked to bring the public as much information about it as possible. Download our SB 9 Guidebook for Homeowners and our SB 9 Guidance for Professionals to learn more about how you can help implement SB 9. A recording of the webinar is also available to watch on our YouTube channel.
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Member News & Events
June 28th - Real World ADU Stories Webinar from Napa Sonoma ADU
Homeowners in Napa & Sonoma counties - this webinar is for you! Join a roundtable conversation with local homeowners who have recently completed real-world ADU builds in Napa and Sonoma Counties with help from the nonprofit Napa Sonoma ADU Center.
Your Weekly Dose of ADU Finance with the Stowers Team
Join Meredith Stowers & team from CrossCountry Mortgage for a virtual 30 minute talk every week on how to finance and build an ADU.
Prefab Accessory Dwelling Units Are Coming to the North Bay
Multiple Casita Coalition members quoted in this article, including Abodu and Napa Sonoma ADU Center!
HCD is currently seeking a Housing Policy Specialist. To learn more or apply, click here.
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