Read:  Implementation of Senate Bill 9 (2021) – Two-Unit Development and Urban Lot Splits, February 10, 2022 

Senate Bill (SB) 9 took effect on January 1, 2022. The state legislation provides for a ministerial process, without discretionary review or a public hearing, to approve Two-Unit Developments as well as lot split Parcel Maps (called Urban Lot Splits) meeting certain criteria on lots zoned for single-family residential. The bill adds two sections to the Government Code, sections 65852.21 and 66411.7, and amends provisions of the State Subdivision Map Act relating to the expiration of subdivision maps (Section 66452.6).

This memorandum describes the state law and its implementation by the Department of City Planning (DCP), Department of Building and Safety (DBS) and the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) in the City of Los Angeles. The first section summarizes common eligibility criteria, while the second describes the individual standards that apply to the Two-Unit and Urban Lot Split provisions. The final section describes the application process for submitting an SB 9 project.

Please note that the memo summarizes the provisions of SB 9 for reference and discussion only and does not include many applicable planning and building regulations that will also apply to SB 9 projects. In addition, other departments or agencies may have other requirements or procedures not described herein.