SB-684 Eligibility Requirements: Does Your Property Qualify?

Basic Property Requirements

To qualify for SB-684, your property must meet these fundamental criteria:

Property Type

• Single-family residential property
• Currently used for residential purposes
- Not a condominium or townhome *Location Requirements:* - Located in incorporated city or urban county area - Not in rural or agricultural zones - Must be in an area where lot splits are permitted *Zoning Compliance:* - Zoned for residential use (R1, R2, etc.) - Compliant with current zoning regulations - Not in violation of existing codes **Size Requirements** The most critical eligibility factor is lot size: *Minimum Original Lot Size:* - Must be large enough to create two compliant lots - Varies by jurisdiction (typically 2,400+ sq ft minimum) *Resulting Lot Requirements:* - Each new lot must be at least 40% of local minimum lot size - No resulting lot can be smaller than 1,200 sq ft - Both lots must meet local setback requirements *Example Calculation:* If your local minimum lot size is 5,000 sq ft: - Each resulting lot must be at least 2,000 sq ft (40% of 5,000) - Your original lot must be at least 4,000 sq ft total - Both lots must be at least 1,200 sq ft (state minimum) **Geographic Restrictions** Certain areas may be excluded from SB-684: *Historic Districts:* - Properties in designated historic districts may be restricted - Special approval may be required - Local historic preservation rules apply *Environmental Sensitivity:* - Coastal zones may have additional requirements - Flood plains may require special consideration - Steep slopes may limit feasibility *Fire Hazard Zones:* - High fire risk areas may have restrictions - Additional safety requirements may apply **Access and Utility Requirements** Each resulting lot must have: *Street Access:* - Direct access to public right-of-way - Adequate width for emergency vehicles - Compliance with local access standards *Utility Connections:* - Feasible connections to water, sewer, and power - Adequate capacity in existing systems - Compliance with utility company standards **Local Jurisdiction Variations** Each city and county may have additional requirements: *Specific Size Requirements:* - Some jurisdictions require larger minimum lots - Local setback requirements vary - Parking requirements may differ *Application Procedures:* - Different forms and documentation - Varying fee structures - Different review timelines **Pre-Application Assessment** Before starting the formal process: 1. **Research Local Requirements**: Contact your city/county planning department 2. **Professional Survey**: Get accurate lot measurements 3. **Zoning Verification**: Confirm current zoning status 4. **Utility Assessment**: Check utility availability and capacity 5. **Historic Review**: Verify no historic restrictions **Common Disqualifiers** Properties typically don't qualify if: - Located in rural or agricultural areas - Smaller than minimum size requirements - In restricted historic districts - Lacking adequate utility access - Violating current zoning or building codes **Getting Professional Help** Given the complexity of requirements, professional assessment is highly recommended. A qualified consultant can: - Verify all eligibility requirements - Identify potential issues early - Recommend solutions for borderline cases - Provide accurate feasibility analysis Understanding SB-684 eligibility requirements is essential for successful lot splitting. When in doubt, consult with professionals who understand your local jurisdiction's specific requirements.