SB 9 Projects: Completed and Pending in California

California’s Senate Bill 9 (SB 9), enacted in 2021, addresses the state’s housing shortage by allowing homeowners to split single-family lots and build up to four units. This blog highlights completed and pending SB 9 projects, along with challenges faced.

Completed Projects

Los Angeles: Duplexes and fourplexes in neighborhoods like Eagle Rock increase housing while maintaining community character.

San Diego: Sustainable duplexes and ADUs with solar and energy-efficient designs are now housing residents.

Bay Area: Affordable units in Oakland and San Jose provide housing near job hubs.

Pending Projects

Sacramento: Applications focus on mixed-income housing.

Orange County: Efforts continue despite neighborhood resistance.

Santa Clara County: Developers work through zoning challenges to build multi-unit homes.

Challenges

Permitting Delays: Varied local processes slow progress.

Community Concerns: Density and neighborhood changes face opposition.

Infrastructure: Some areas lack capacity for added housing.

Looking Ahead

SB 9 is key to expanding California’s housing options. Collaboration among developers, communities, and governments will help overcome obstacles and deliver affordable homes.

Sources:

• California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) – SB 9 Guidelines

• Local city planning department reports (Los Angeles, San Diego, Bay Area, Sacramento, Orange County, Santa Clara County)

• California Legislative Information – SB 9 Bill Text