SB9 Explainer - San Diego Area

This post focuses on how SB9 impacts the San Diego area.  There are two references that helps understand how SB9 will impact the San Diego area.    Please review City of San Diego presentation below and review The Terner report below.  Some of the information was extracted specifically for the San Diego market.

California recently approved legislation to allow the addition of a second dwelling and a lot-split on a property zoned for single family dwellings.  Known as SB9 will go into effect in 2022.  Local building departments will need to incorporate these state mandates into the local zoning ordinance

Please note these references are not formalized.  The Terner report was released prior to final approval of SB9, and the City of San Diego presentation has not been adopted.  Please use this information for planning and budgeting purposes.   

We are actively monitoring SB9 progress for the San Diego area.  So, stay tuned.

 City of San Diego SB9 Presentation - Dec. 21'

At-a-Glance

• Examples of SB9
• Zero setbacks for single story units, 4' for 2-story or more
• Development Improvement Fee (DIF) New 2nd unit Free others will pay DIF
• Off-Street parking requirements
• Canopy Tree Requirement

Terner Study of SB9

The Terner Center for Housing Innovation at UC Berkeley conducted an analysis of SB9 in July, 2021.  The study evaluating the impact and viability of SB 9 in 50 metropolitan areas in Calif.  SB9 could create over 700,000 new homes that meet market feasibility.   The study looks at the feasibility of that ranges from addition of one dwelling to total of four dwellings.

SB9 Feasibility Funnel

At-a-Glance

• Lots with ADUs not eligible
• Owner-Occupancy for min. of 3 years
• Min. of 40% lot split
• Not allowed in historic districts, high fire zones, and rural areas
• Side & rear setbacks of 4' are allowed
• Anti-displacement of renter's limitations
• Same person cannot lot-split adjacent lots

Terner analysis SB9 for San Diego County