California has some new housing laws that will begin in 2025. Here are some of the changes taking place beginning in January.
- SB450 - This law will change the way neighborhoods could look. This bill makes it easier to build duplexes and split lots into single family zones, and aims to streamline such approvals. SB450 is an update to SB9. When SB9 passed city ordinances could still make it difficult for people to build. SB450 now requires local governments to drop zoning requirements, which will essentially make it easier for homeowners to subdivide into as many as four lots. It will also require local governments to respond to applications within 60 days, as well as bar governments from denying a split lot based on its impact on the physical environment. This will also limit agencies ability to impose unique development standards.
- SB1395 - This law is known as the Interim Housing Act and has to do with tiny homes, making it easier for cities to build housing for the homeless. SB 1395 changes the local permitting process imposing state-mandated local programs to address homelessness with interim housing. It will essentially allow cities to build shelters in areas without neighborhood pushback.
- AB2347 - This law gives tenants 10 business days to respond to an eviction notice, expanding from the five days tenants have now. This allows tenants more time to prepare and seek legal counsel. This is an effort to help decrease homelessness but could also have a significant impact on small landlords.
- AB2243 - This is an update to 2022’s AB2011, which legalized housing in commercial zones (housing allowed at malls). Regional malls up to 100 acres are now eligible to build housing (previously it was limited to sites up to 20 acres). Projects are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
The summary above does not represent an opinion by Imagine Marin on the new laws, merely an overview of what is taking place.
