“Buried Treasure in Your Own Back Yard”

The intent of this bill is to address the mounting housing crisis in California. It allows for two different procedures in a residential area zoned “single-family.”

• Splitting a lot into two parcels, which can be developed and/or sold independently.
• Conversion of a single-family house into a duplex, or by adding an additional single-family house to the same lot.

This act is similar to the Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) ruling; however, SB9 overrides existing density limits in single-family zones.

Advantages of this act are that SB9 waives the normally required discretional reviews and/or public hearings; a homeowner can

build two homes on a parcel in a single-family zone; and/or the homeowner can subdivide a lot into two lots that can be smaller

than the required minimum size. Therefore, this bill can allow up to 4 residences where 1 was allowed before.

If you are wondering if your property qualifies, contact the California State online information document at SB 9: The California

HOME Act | Focus. The Alameda County Overview may be reached at https://www.citystructure.com/blog/how-sb-9-applies-to-

lots-in-alameda-county.

There are many rules and regulations attached to this act. This is where Greenwood & Moore’s civil engineering and land

surveying team can help you!

We can provide topographical and boundary surveys, grading and draining plans, tentative maps, stormwater and utility requirements, ADA requirements, etc.

If you have questions or require additional information, contact Greenwood & Moore.