Split your lot. Build more homes.

What SB9 allows

SB9 is a California law that opened up single-family zones to more housing in two ways:

• Two units on one lot. Build a second primary home, or turn the existing home into two units.
• An urban lot split. Divide the lot into two parcels, generally each at least 1,200 sq ft and no smaller than 40% of the original lot. Each new parcel can then have up to two units.

Lot splits come with conditions. For example, the owner usually has to sign an affidavit stating they intend to live in one of the units for three years.

Does your lot qualify?

Not every lot does. The most common reasons a property is excluded are:

• It's in a historic district or is a listed historic property
• It's in a very high fire hazard severity zone without the required mitigations
• Tenants have lived there in the last few years, or it's rent-controlled or affordable housing
• The lot is too small to produce two parcels that meet the minimum size

Hillside rules, easements and utility access can also shape what's practical. We check all of this for your parcel before you spend money on design.

What's included

• Feasibility check for your parcel
• Site planning for the split and the new units
• Architectural and structural design for each unit
• Coordination with the surveyor on the parcel map
• Plan check, agency clearances and permits

Questions

Is SB9 the same as building an ADU?

No. An ADU is an accessory unit added to a lot. SB9 lets you create a second primary unit, or split the lot into two. Some owners combine the two approaches, so it's worth looking at both for your property.

Can investors use SB9?

Two-unit projects can work for investors, but urban lot splits usually require an owner-occupancy affidavit. We'll walk you through which options fit your situation.

How long does an SB9 project take?

It depends on whether you're splitting the lot or only adding units, the city, and the complexity of the site. We give you a realistic timeline after reviewing your parcel.