San Diego County SB-684 Lot Splits: Local Requirements and Process
San Diego County has implemented SB-684 with specific local requirements that property owners must understand. This guide covers the unique aspects of lot splitting in San Diego County.
San Diego County SB-684 Implementation
San Diego County has embraced SB-684 while adding local requirements to ensure development compatibility with existing neighborhoods and infrastructure.
Specific Requirements in San Diego County
*Minimum Lot Sizes
*
- Original lot
minimum 4,000 sq ft in most areas
- Each resulting lot
minimum 2,000 sq ft
- Coastal zones
higher minimums may apply
- Rural areas
different standards apply
*Setback Requirements
*
- Front setback
typically 20 feet minimum
- Side setbacks
5 feet minimum per side
- Rear setback
15 feet minimum
- Varies by specific zoning designation
Application Process in San Diego County
*Step 1
Pre-Application Meeting*
- Required consultation with planning staff
- Review of property and requirements
- Identification of potential issues
- Complete County application forms
- Professional survey and site plan
- Utility service verification letters
- Submit to County planning department
- Pay required application fees
- Begin 60-day review period
- Administrative staff review
- Possible requests for additional information
- Final approval and conditions
- Additional review may be required
- Environmental assessments possible
- Extended timeline in coastal zones
- Adequate emergency access required
- Fire department review and approval
- Possible vegetation management requirements
- SDG&E electrical service verification
- Water district capacity confirmation
- Sewer connection feasibility
- Grading limitations may apply
- Geotechnical studies may be required
- Access challenges on hillside properties
- Additional review in historic districts
- Preservation requirements may apply
- Extended review process possible
- Water and sewer capacity limitations
- Traffic impact considerations
- School district capacity issues
- High property values increase split benefits
- Strong demand for buildable lots
- Good rental market for future development
- Planning consultants familiar with county process
- Surveyors experienced with local requirements
- Attorneys specializing in land use law
*Step 2
Application Preparation*
*Step 3
Formal Submission*
*Step 4
Review and Approval*
Timeline and Fees
*Typical Timeline
*
- Pre-application
2-4 weeks
- Application preparation
4-8 weeks
- County review
60-90 days
- Final processing
2-4 weeks
- Total
4-6 months
*Fee Structure
*
- Application fee
$3,500-5,000
- Review fees
$1,500-2,500
- Recording fees
$500-800
- Total county fees
$5,500-8,300
Special Considerations
*Coastal Commission Areas
*
*Fire Safety Requirements
*
*Utility Connections
*
Common Challenges in San Diego County
*Steep Terrain
*
*Historic Areas
*
*Infrastructure Capacity
*
Success Tips for San Diego County
1. **Early Consultation**
Meet with planning staff before starting
2. **Professional Team**
Use experienced local professionals
3. **Utility Coordination**
Confirm utility capacity early
4. **Neighbor Relations**
Maintain good neighbor relationships
5. **Patience**
Allow extra time for the process
Market Conditions
San Diego County's strong real estate market makes lot splits particularly attractive
Professional Resources
San Diego County has many qualified professionals experienced with SB-684
San Diego County's implementation of SB-684 provides excellent opportunities for property owners while maintaining community standards through thoughtful local requirements.
