Housing Streamlining
In recent years, several legislative actions have been introduced to streamline the review process for housing developments. While not exhaustive, the list below highlights key legislation relevant to Citrus Heights. This information serves as a helpful guide for developers looking to build housing within the City.
SB 684 and amended with SB 1123. These bills, known as the Small Starter Home Act, provide a ministerial approval process for housing development projects that include the subdivision of a parcel into 10 or fewer lots. Eligible projects must include a proposal to subdivide and existing parcel and must comply with site criteria and objective development standards. Here's a breakdown of the key provisions:
Projects must satisfy the following zoning and property requirements to qualify for the ministerial review:
- For Multi-family lots (RD10 and above) maximum number of units is 10 on a parcel size no larger than 5 acres.
- For single-family zoned lots (RD 1 - RD7) the maximum number of units is 10 and the parcel must be vacant and no larger than 1.5 acres.
To assist in the use of implementing this legislation, the City has put together a policy document to establish the City’s procedures and requirements for processing housing development projects under the Small Starter Home Act, enacted through SB 684 and revised by SB 1123. These laws are codified in Government Code Sections 65852.28, 65913.4.5, and 66499.41. Information on SB 684 and SB 112 can be found in Government Code sections 65852.28, 65913.4.5, and 66499.41.
The policy is intended to guide the implementation of the Small Starter Home Act within the City of Citrus Heights. While it summarizes key provisions of SB 684 and SB 1123, all applicable requirements of the California Government Code, including but not limited to Sections 65852.28, 65913.4.5, and 66499.41, shall apply in full to any project submitted under these Acts, regardless of whether such provisions are expressly stated in this document. In the event of any conflict between this policy and State law, the provisions of State law shall govern.
SB 9 allows for the ministerial approval of housing developments with up to two primary units in a single-family zone, the subdivision of a single-family lot into two separate parcels, or both. This legislation streamlines the approval process for qualifying projects, making it easier to create additional housing in established neighborhoods. For more details, please refer to the City's webpage.
Affordable Housing. Developments that meet specific affordability requirements and comply with the City's adopted Objective Design Standards may qualify for a streamlined, ministerial review process under various legislative actions. Eligible project types include multi-family housing, supportive housing, mixed-use developments, and residential projects within commercial zones.
In return for this expedited review, developers must commit to ensuring that the housing units remain affordable for a set period, typically ranging from 30 to 55 years, depending on the applicable legislation.
Key legislation supporting this process includes SB 35, SB 330, and AB 2011
Additional Resources. The full text of all legislation is available on the California Legislative Information website for reference.