SB 9 eligible? Checking Zoning and Urbanized Area for Lots for SB 9

[@WIREassociates]

More SB 9 questions answered in this top SB 9 playlist 👉 kzbin.info/aero/PLFldeLc-ci4_ZB8ghScFwvY-hYzOWEn_7 😀👍

[@kristintran9748]

I’ve hired a firm to draft up my ADU plans and finally got approved after loosing $4k to an drafter who draft up plans that doesn’t meet local code. A big lesson learned! I very interested in learning the process of how to split the lot. Very informative video!

[@WIREassociates]

Oh no, so sorry to hear that on the original plans! Lot split is relatively easy compared to that...I'll keep the content coming!

[@zeevorlov7106]

I have a lot located at Mulholand Coridor - 13.500 sq,ft. I plan to divide it into two lots and build a house on each lot. Permitted area for construction according to the slob analysis is 3500 sq.fit First house on a first lot will be bigger - approximately 2800 sq.ft For the second house on the second lot left only 700 sq.ft Questions: 1. Is there are any options to add additional square footage to the second house which is 700 sq.ft only and exseed the permitted area of 3500 sq,ft. 2. Can I also add 1200 SF allowed for guest house as ADU and make it $1900 ? 3. or can I add to the 700 sq,ft aloowed 800 sq.ft as a second unit. Thank you

[@WIREassociates]

You should ask for clarification on that permitted square footags. Each lot should have similar permitted square footage, since SB 9 requires a minumum of 60-40 split.

[@ajsajs7451]

Great content! One question though. What happens if a lot is empty, does it count as a duplex if I am going to build fresh and have enough land?

[@WIREassociates]

Yes, theoretically vacant land should qualify as well for the lot split and duplex conversions...you'll need to discuss the owner occupancy affidavit with the local municipality since there isn't a current structure to live in as owner occupant when the lot is split.

[@larrytran4746]

Thanks for the question! I want to buy an empty lot that is in LA. It is zoned for LARA (residential agriculture). I looked at the code and for sure it is single family. However there is a minimum lot size. The minimum is 20k sq ft. My lot is only 27k sq ft. Divide that by 2 via sb9 results in the parcels less than the mimumum. Is that ok?

[@WIREassociates]

This overrides the minimum lot size requirements for a lot split. As long as the split is at least 60/40 and the residential single family lot is 2400 sqft or bigger, you should be able to use the SB 9 standards to subdivide.

[@CaptainCaveman1170]

Absolutely fabulous video and you have an excellent way of explaining these things to the viewers. As someone who has been on both sides of the "counter" many times, I commend you for saying that they "could be wrong", because yes, they are often wrong! (I'm likely guilty myself) The guy/gal doing counter duty that day is probably the recent grad so you DO have to come well armed with your info, and take down names/dates of visits (not that it'll matter much as there is zero accountability for false/misstated info). To be fair, some of the municipal codes were already a little "up to interpretation" before all these laws passed so I imagine now it's just an all around crapshoot as to what rules you get stuck with. Time will solidify some things, hopefully! Either way, I would advise people to start their ADU's and SB-9 projects ASAP, lest another Governor turn it all around (at least partially) in a few years when the parking complaints start to pile up. But I'm personally wholly in favor of it just as written, despite being a very conservative fellow. This is an excellent way to alleviate housing shortages/family dislocations AND provide retirement income for some house-rich oldsters. P.S. Two tips from someone fairly in the know: 1). DON'T hire any of these ALL-IN-ONE ADU companies! Do a little bit of the management work yourself by farming out each phase (design/engineering/demolition/construction/electrical/finishes) to different entities. You might still get ripped off, but the other way you will definitely get ripped off, and me personally I'd rather get ripped off by three/four/five people than have the same amount of theft go to just one company! 2). The one thing that many people don't know is that for tiny projects like ADU's and even up to say a two story residences, you can find a draftsman/woman or architectural designers (who maybe are still working on their ARE exam and license) to do the plans for much cheaper than an established architectural firm with an office, secretary, etc. You're also likely to find someone who cares a bit more for your design too than a company that just pumps out the plans. BTW This video deserves WAY more views! (Maybe once the law kicks in it'll show up in searches?).

[@WIREassociates]

Thanks so much, J! And thanks for sharing all this great advice and insight! Maybe I need to get you in a video one of these days...😀

[@CaptainCaveman1170]

@@WIREassociates Sorry for the lengthy comment (and for all my evangelising) but there is A LOT to this subject and I just don't think people have fully caught on to the gravitas of these laws yet. I expected more people to be at least talking about it (fighting about it) on my local Nextdoor app by now, but so far the conversations have been pretty limited. Perhaps the floodgates will open in the new year? Or maybe they will never open at all seeing as the cost to build anything nowadays is just so prohibitive for many...or at least prohibitive to those who can't do math ;-). Either way, this can really be a life-changing law for some clever people, and I'm thankful you explained it so well. Definitely do a refresher/updater in early January!

[@WIREassociates]

@@CaptainCaveman1170 Don't even think of apologizing, it is good stuff! 😀 And I'm there with you on how there will be some great uses with this. I'll keep the content coming...and wasn't joking, maybe we can get you on one of these.

[@CaptainCaveman1170]

@@WIREassociates Appreciate the thought very much! I am in the architecture/construction field, and am more knowledgeable than most, but don't consider myself enough of a "all-around" expert (yet), however if someone were to hold an ADU discussion roundtable or something like that, I'd definitely want to give my opinions. I'm currently wrapping up construction supervision of a garage conversion ADU in Long Beach and have designed/worked on others. The issue least thought/worked out by everyone...how to handle the utilities!

[@VictorGonzalez-oj3bn]

getting ripped off by 4-5 companies rather than 1? increasing the risk of having a total disaster for your project. What about people that do not have experience or knowledge of construction and construction management ? Hiring and vetting certain contractors and making sure everyone on your property is bonded and insured? Making sure timelines are being met? focusing on your day to day job/life... WHILE taking up project management with 4-5 different people? If you have the know how, patience and ability to do so.. yes follow this guys advice. IT IS NOT EASY

[@elliotrosales5890]

I need help/guidance. A brief summary: I live in Southern Whittier California, precisely as your example in an area called "unincorporated" that belongs to LA County. I have a construction project that I want to carry out taking advantage of the SB9 law, splitting my property into two parts to build another main house and its respective ADU, taking advantage of the fact that I have the required space in the back of the lot. At the beginning of this year I found out about this new law, and I immediately sent an email to the Department of Regional Planning (DRP) to ask about the requirements, they asked me to inform other people giving me other email addresses, I did it and their answer was that my area does not qualify because it is Zone A1 (Light Agricultural) and they gave me a reference to the Local document that they have. I investigated that document from LA County, which indicates that SB9 only applies to Zones R1-RA, but strangely it does not mention anything about Zone A1, it does NOT say that Zone A1 does not qualify. I pointed it out to them, but they still said no. The A1 Zones are very extensive, and this area where my property is, is totally urbanized and these are places that MUST be considered by applying this law. Now I've done some more research, and in other counties and cities, Zones A1 DO Qualify! Like the city of Los Angeles for example. The question is: Why is LA County not agreeing to enforce California SB9 in my area, zone A1? All requirements in my Zone apply according to Senate Bill No. 9 It is not an area at risk of flooding, fire or invasion of protected species. It is not an area where construction puts public health or safety at risk. It is not an area that has historically important buildings. It is not a prime farming area, or of state importance. There are no adverse impacts with the construction project. I can only see reasons that this zone must qualify! I would like to know if you can guide me to find a way to convince DRP that they need to reasonably modify their memo, and revise it to accept A1 zones respecting the New California SB9 Law. I really hope you can help me out with this. =) Thank you!

[@WIREassociates]

Hello Elliot, yes I am aware of the A-1 zoning...I did a video on a listing I sold in this zone 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZfRXpSedqujra8 And yes, I agree that A-1 should be eligible because the zoning code says that it's only eligible for single family homes. And they include A-1 design standards under "residential" here 👉 planning.lacounty.gov/luz/summary/category/residential_zones I would recommend reaching out to a local legislator to discuss...whether it's a council member or higher and voice your concerns. Additionally, California now has a Housing Accountability Department that should be able to help, visit this link and scroll to the bottom to find a place to report 👉 www.hcd.ca.gov/community-development/accountability-enforcement.shtml

[@elliotrosales5890]

@@WIREassociates Awesome! This information is what I was looking for, I will contact them to explain my concerns. Thank you!

[@dchonj]

Question. In a lot split with existing house, can the owner sell the lot with the existing house first and build a new house as primary residence? Will this comply with SB9 rule for 3 years residency after lot split is approved.

[@WIREassociates]

Great question and one that you'll need to work out with the local planning commission when signing the affidavit. I don't see a reason this couldn't be added to the affidavit, if that's your plan.

[@donle9323]

I have a 10000 sqft parcel and I'm planning to split in 2 halves where I would like to put 2 SFR homes each with 2800 sqft of living space. I've heard something about the 800 sqft per unit restrictions and that would kill this project instantly. What are your thoughts?

[@WIREassociates]

Sounds like the perfect parcel. My interpretation is that 800 sqft is the minimum size of the structure and that you'll be able to build bigger. It'll be interesting to see how this starts to roll out in the new year...

[@re4all119]

Great video, whats the link/URL to the map you used?

[@WIREassociates]

Urbanized Area or Urban Cluster, as designated by the United States Census Bureau 👉 www.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?layers=432bb9246fdd467c88136e6ffeac2762

[@WowHomes1]

@@WIREassociates Ty so much for your quick reply. Great videos. I called two planning departments and tax assessors today, they really dont have a plan to enforce the 3 year item though. Also, is your understanding that the owner can use SB9 and be the owner for 3 years if its not owner occupy? In essence, can an income property owner build a second home, split the lot and sell it? How about splitting, building two homes on that lot and sell it to an LLC also owned by the same people? So could the owner of one income property get four out of the same old parcel?

[@misssantiago8198]

Is this the same as subdivision? We acquire a AR-1 2 acre vacant lot. We want to split it. We wanted to split one acre and then the other acre into 4. Does this lot qualify into SB-9?

[@WIREassociates]

If a lot is eligible for subdividing without SB 9, do that first. Then you'll choose one of the parcels for SB 9 split.

[@pvilla24]

Hi. My lot is zoned RS 1-7. Is this okay for the sb9 split? I don't know the difference between RS 1 and RS 1-7. Thanks!

[@WIREassociates]

The short answer is maybe, but it will depend on what your local zoning code says. What area is this in?

[@peterbedford2610]

Solid info. Thanks

[@WIREassociates]

Thanks! More content coming...

[@natevidales6664]

So SB9 does not qualify in rural areas?

[@WIREassociates]

No it does not, only HUD designated urban areas. Definitely use the search function in the description because I was surprised by areas that DO qualify...

[@AngelicaTjAdventures]

thanks for the info

[@WIREassociates]

Thanks for watching!

[@ravihitesh]

Can I talk to you?

[@WIREassociates]

Absolutely 👉 www.wireassociates.com/contact/