In 2021 California Governor Gavin Newson signed two new zoning bills intended to help pave the way for more available housing. While both SB 9 and SB 10 were written to address the state’s affordable housing crisis, both have proven to be extremely controversial with property owners throughout the state.
The bills allow owners to build duplexes on single-family lots, divide parcels into as many as four units and create the opportunity for more small apartment complexes to be built in neighborhoods zoned for single-family homes.
The passage of SB 9 will significantly increase the construction of ADUs throughout the Los Angeles area, allowing homeowners to create housing options for those in need, as well as rental income for themselves.
SB 10 allows for the revision of zoning laws to a maximum of 10 residential units if they are located within half a mile from public transportation like a bus terminal or train line or an urban infill neighborhood.
More than 240 cities in California have written to the Governor in opposition of the bills citing that neither guarantees the construction of affordable housing and that they undermine local planning authorities’ ability to regulate new development.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on both SB9 and SB10 and how you think both will affect your community.