SB-684 Lot Split Frequently Asked Questions

Senate Bill 684 (SB-684) is California legislation that allows property owners to split single-family residential lots into two separate parcels through a streamlined administrative process. This law simplifies lot division by bypassing traditional lengthy subdivision procedures, making it faster and more cost-effective for homeowners to create additional buildable lots.

SB-684 is available to owners of single-family residential properties in California. This includes homeowners, real estate investors, and developers who own qualifying residential lots. The property must be located in an urban area within an incorporated city or urban county area, and meet specific size and zoning requirements.

Yes, SB-684 applies throughout California, but local jurisdictions must adopt implementing ordinances. Most incorporated cities and urban county areas are required to allow SB-684 lot splits, though some jurisdictions may have additional local requirements or restrictions. Rural and agricultural areas may be excluded.

SB-684 offers several key benefits: significant property value increase (typically 40-80%), faster approval process than traditional subdivisions, no public hearings required, streamlined administrative review, and the creation of additional development opportunities. Property owners can sell, develop, or hold the new lots for future appreciation.

SB-684 focuses solely on lot splitting, while SB-9 combines lot splitting with duplex development opportunities. SB-684 has a simpler, faster process (6-12 months vs 8-18 months), fewer requirements, and is better for property value maximization. SB-9 is more complex but allows for higher density housing development.

No, SB-684 is designed as an administrative process that does not require neighbor approval or public hearings. Cities cannot reject applications based on neighbor opposition, aesthetic preferences, or general development concerns. However, maintaining good neighbor relationships is still recommended for practical reasons.

Yes, after completing an SB-684 lot split, you have full ownership rights to both resulting lots. You can live in one and rent the other, sell one or both lots, develop both lots, or hold them for future appreciation. This flexibility is one of the key advantages of SB-684.

Yes, each resulting lot from an SB-684 split may be eligible for its own Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), potentially doubling your development opportunities. This combination of lot splitting plus ADU development can significantly maximize property value and rental income potential.

While not always legally required for the lot split itself, professional architectural consultation is highly recommended to optimize lot configuration and plan for future development. An architect can help design the most valuable lot layout and ensure any future construction meets building codes and zoning requirements.

Lot configuration should consider several factors: maximizing buildable area on each lot, ensuring adequate access for both lots, optimizing for solar orientation and privacy, planning for utility connections, and considering future development potential. Professional consultation can help optimize the layout for maximum value.

Setback requirements vary by local jurisdiction but typically include front setbacks (15-25 feet), side setbacks (5-10 feet), and rear setbacks (15-20 feet). Each resulting lot must meet these requirements for any future construction. Your architect can help plan the split to maximize buildable area within setback constraints.

Yes, solar access is increasingly important for property value and future development. Plan lot configuration to maximize southern exposure for both lots, avoid shading from neighboring structures, and consider how future buildings might affect solar access. This planning can increase property values and reduce future energy costs.

Both lots must have access to public right-of-way. Options include individual driveways from the street, shared driveway with access easement, or flag lot configuration. Consider emergency vehicle access requirements, parking needs, and long-term maintenance responsibilities when planning access.

Preserve valuable mature trees and landscaping when possible, as they add property value. Some cities have tree preservation ordinances that may affect lot configuration. Consider drainage patterns and existing irrigation systems. Plan the split to maximize existing landscape assets for both resulting lots.

Consider window placement, outdoor space orientation, and natural screening opportunities. Plan for potential fence locations, landscape buffers, and building orientation to maximize privacy. Good privacy planning increases property values and reduces potential neighbor conflicts.

Not necessarily. Lot sizes can vary based on topography, existing structures, and market considerations. Sometimes unequal lots make better use of the property and can target different market segments. Consider factors like existing house placement, utility locations, and local market preferences for lot sizes.

Yes, engineering services are typically required for SB-684 lot splits. This includes civil engineering for utility planning, grading and drainage analysis, and ensuring adequate infrastructure for both lots. A licensed civil engineer will prepare technical drawings and calculations required for the application.

Each lot typically needs independent utility connections including water, sewer, gas, and electricity. Your engineer will design utility layouts, coordinate with utility companies, and ensure adequate capacity. Some utilities may be shared initially but separate connections provide more flexibility for future development.

Engineering analysis ensures proper drainage for both lots and compliance with local stormwater requirements. This includes grading plans, drainage calculations, and potentially retention/detention facilities. Proper drainage design prevents flooding and erosion issues that could affect both lots.

Most SB-684 lot splits don't require formal traffic studies since they only create one additional lot. However, access design must meet local standards for driveway sight distance, turning radii, and emergency vehicle access. Some jurisdictions may require traffic analysis for lots on busy streets.

Challenging terrain requires specialized engineering including geotechnical analysis, retaining wall design, and erosion control planning. Steep slopes may limit buildable areas and increase development costs. Your engineer will assess slope stability and design appropriate grading solutions.

Your engineer will coordinate with the electrical utility to verify service capacity and plan new connections. This may involve transformer upgrades, new service panels, and underground or overhead service routing. Early coordination with the utility company is essential for timeline planning.

In high fire risk areas, additional fire safety engineering may be required including defensible space planning, fire access road design, and water pressure analysis for fire suppression. Your engineer will coordinate with the fire department to ensure compliance with fire safety codes.

Plan for telecommunications infrastructure including internet, cable, and phone services. Most providers can extend existing services to new lots. Consider fiber optic availability and plan conduit routes during initial development to avoid future disruption and costs.

SB-684 lot splits require a parcel map or lot split application with your local planning department. This includes surveyed drawings, engineering plans, utility verification letters, and environmental review documentation. The process is administrative and doesn't require discretionary permits.

SB-684 applications typically take 60-90 days for review once submitted. However, total timeline including preparation can be 6-12 months. Factors affecting timeline include application completeness, jurisdiction workload, and any required revisions or additional studies.

Most SB-684 lot splits qualify for categorical exemptions from CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act). However, properties in sensitive areas may require environmental studies for biology, cultural resources, or hazardous materials. Your consultant will determine what level of environmental review is needed.

Cities can only deny SB-684 applications for specific, objective reasons such as failure to meet size requirements, inadequate utility capacity, safety concerns, or violations of objective development standards. They cannot deny based on subjective aesthetic concerns or general opposition to development.

If the city requests revisions, you typically have 90 days to respond with corrected plans. Common revision requests include utility coordination, drainage modifications, or access improvements. Working with experienced professionals minimizes the likelihood of major revisions.

After approval, the final parcel map must be recorded with the county recorder's office. This creates the legal lot split and new assessor parcel numbers. You'll receive recorded documents showing the new lot boundaries and can then proceed with development or sale of the lots.

Yes, the lot split permit only creates the lots. Any future construction including homes, ADUs, or other structures requires separate building permits. However, having approved lots makes the building permit process more straightforward since lot legality is already established.

Once recorded, the lot split is permanent and doesn't expire. However, if you don't record the approved map within a specified timeframe (usually 2-3 years), the approval may expire and you'd need to reapply. Recording should be completed promptly after approval.

Construction can begin after the lot split is recorded and you obtain necessary building permits. Each lot becomes a separate legal parcel that can be developed independently. You'll need standard building permits, utility connections, and contractor licensing for any construction projects.

You can build anything allowed by local zoning including single-family homes, ADUs, and other permitted structures. Each lot is subject to the same zoning requirements as other properties in the area regarding setbacks, height limits, coverage ratios, and design standards.

For substantial construction projects, a licensed general contractor is typically required and recommended. They coordinate all trades, ensure code compliance, and manage the construction timeline. For smaller projects, you might act as an owner-builder, but this requires significant knowledge and time commitment.

Utility connections are typically installed in phases: temporary construction power first, then permanent connections as buildings are completed. Your contractor coordinates with utility companies for scheduling and connections. Plan for utility connection fees and potential infrastructure upgrades.

Construction timelines vary by project size and complexity. A single-family home typically takes 6-12 months, while an ADU might take 3-6 months. Factors affecting timeline include permitting, weather, material availability, and contractor scheduling. Plan for potential delays in your timeline.

Construction requires builder's risk insurance to cover the structure during construction, liability insurance for the construction site, and worker's compensation if you have employees. Your contractor should also carry liability and worker's compensation insurance. Verify all insurance coverage before starting construction.

Construction requires various inspections including foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and final inspections. Your contractor schedules these with the building department. All inspections must pass before proceeding to the next construction phase and before receiving a certificate of occupancy.

Many California jurisdictions have green building requirements including energy efficiency standards, water conservation measures, and sustainable materials requirements. These may include solar installations, high-efficiency appliances, and drought-tolerant landscaping. Check local green building ordinances for specific requirements.

Total costs typically range from $15,000-30,000 including professional survey ($3,000-8,000), professional consultation ($2,000-5,000), application fees ($2,000-5,000), legal and recording ($1,500-3,000), and utility coordination ($1,000-5,000). Costs vary by location and project complexity.

Property values typically increase 40-80% or more after lot splits. For example, a $800,000 property might be worth $1.2-1.4 million when split. ROI often exceeds 200-400%, though actual returns vary by location, market conditions, and property characteristics. Professional appraisal recommended for specific projections.

Yes, ongoing costs include separate property taxes for each lot, individual insurance policies, utility base fees, and maintenance for each property. However, these costs are typically offset by increased property value and potential rental income from additional developable lots.

Complete timeline is typically 6-12 months: property assessment (1-2 months), survey and planning (2-4 months), application preparation (2-4 months), government review (60-90 days), and final recording (2-3 weeks). Factors affecting timeline include jurisdiction efficiency and project complexity.

Financing options include home equity loans, cash-out refinancing, personal loans, or cash payments. Some lenders offer specialized lot development financing. Consider the relatively short timeline and strong ROI when choosing financing. Consult with financial advisors for the best option for your situation.

Potential hidden costs include utility upgrade requirements, additional studies requested by the city, extended review timelines, change orders, and unexpected site conditions. Budget 15-20% contingency for unexpected costs and maintain cash reserves for potential delays or scope changes.

SB-684 lot splits are significantly less expensive than traditional subdivisions. Traditional subdivisions can cost $50,000-200,000+ and take 2-5 years, while SB-684 costs $15,000-30,000 and takes 6-12 months. The streamlined process eliminates many expensive requirements like environmental impact reports and public hearings.

Timeline acceleration factors include submitting complete applications, using experienced professionals, simple property configurations, early utility coordination, responsive communication with city staff, and choosing jurisdictions with efficient review processes. Good preparation and professional team selection are key.

SB-684 provides state-level legal protections requiring local jurisdictions to approve qualifying applications. Cities cannot impose subjective design standards, require discretionary reviews, or deny applications based on community opposition. The law preempts local restrictions that would prohibit compliant lot splits.

While not always required, real estate attorney consultation is recommended for complex situations, title issues, or legal challenges. Attorneys can help with easement creation, utility agreements, and ensuring proper legal documentation. Many straightforward lot splits can proceed with consultant guidance.

Each resulting lot receives a separate assessor parcel number and is taxed individually. Property tax may increase due to higher assessed values from the split. However, California's Proposition 13 protections may limit assessment increases. Consult with a tax professional about specific implications for your situation.

Easements may be needed for shared driveways, utilities, or access to landlocked lots. These legal agreements must be properly recorded and clearly define rights and responsibilities. Professional legal guidance ensures easements are properly created and don't create future conflicts.

SB-684 is state law that preempts local restrictions. Cities are required to adopt implementing ordinances and process applications. If a city refuses, legal remedies may be available including mandamus actions to compel compliance. Consult with an attorney if you encounter illegal city resistance.

Neighbors have limited grounds to challenge SB-684 lot splits since the process is administrative and doesn't require public hearings. Challenges would need to show the split violates objective standards or state law. However, maintaining good neighbor relationships helps avoid potential conflicts.

Standard California real estate disclosures apply including natural hazard disclosures, lead paint disclosures, and seller property condition disclosures. Additionally, disclose the lot split history, any easements or restrictions, and development potential. Professional real estate assistance ensures proper disclosure compliance.

Generally, there are no restrictions on selling lots after SB-684 splits. Unlike some affordable housing programs, SB-684 doesn't impose affordability requirements or sale restrictions. You can sell immediately after recording, though market timing and tax considerations may affect your decision.