SB-9: Two-Unit Homes and Parcel Subdivisions

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Senate Bill 9 allows for a ministerial approval process for single-family residential zoned lots to: 1) approve two residential units on a single-family lot and/or 2) subdivide a single-family parcel into two separate lots, enabling the creation of either a single-family home or two residential units on each resulting parcel.

Before You Start

Please review the Permit Requirements below as these vary from project to project.

Ready to get started? First, make sure you are registered and activated at our Online Permit Center. For instructions, please visit our Planning & Building Video Tutorials webpage.

Download the Planning Application For Ministerial Approval of Two-Unit Residential Development or Parcel Subdivision Resulting in Two Lots With Residential Units On Each Lot (SB-9)(PDF, 1022KB) and follow the steps as outlined below.

What Can I Do?

If you own a single-family home within a Hillside Residential Zone (RH), but NOT located within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ), your project might be eligible for:

  • Two-Unit Residential Development: Two homes may be created on an eligible single-family residential parcel, whether the proposal adds up to two new residential units or adds one new unit to one existing unit.
  • Single-Family Parcel Subdivision: An eligible single-family residential parcel may be split one time into two parcels of no less than 1,200 square feet. This could result in up to four units (up to two residential units on each resulting parcel) so long as certain objective standards are met and there is no unmitigable environmental impact.

Is My Parcel Eligible?

  • The application form below includes a Zoning criteria checklist to establish eligibility of a single-family residential zoned parcel. Please review it carefully for details not listed here.
  • Only parcels that are zoned single-family residential in the RH zone and not within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) may be considered. Please check this online Zoning Map to see if your parcel is within the single-family residential zones and outside of the VHFHSZ. However, location alone does not establish eligibility.
  • Other factors including a parcel's location in environmentally sensitive or hazardous areas or location within a historic district may affect eligibility. Please review the application Zoning criteria checklist for full details by following the link below.
  • Planning/Zoning requirements are based on objective standards and do not require the Regular Design Review process.

Who Can Be Issued a Permit?

  • Owners of an eligible Single-Family parcel or their legal representative.


How to Apply

Step 1.Step One: Planning/Zoning Review

  • Complete all required information, Zoning criteria checklist, documents, affidavits, and plans as outlined in the Zoning Requirements section of the SB 9 Application(PDF, 1022KB)
  • Submit a Zoning Worksheet (ZW) through the Online Permit Center*
    * NOTE: You will be taken to our login page first before you can submit a ZW
  • In the Worksheet, upload your completed Basic Application for Development Review(PDF, 5MB) and all associated plans and documents
  • A planner will review your submission and contact you if any additional materials are required
  • If proposing a residential lot split a Tentative Parcel Map review is required by the City Surveyor
  • A decision will be made on your application
  • If constructing new buildings or units, proceed to Step Two

Step 2.Step Two: Building Permits (New Buildings/Units)

  • Once advised by staff, submit a Building Worksheet through our Online Permit Center*
    * NOTE: You will be taken to our login page first before you can submit a Building Worksheet
  • In the Worksheet, upload all required documents as outlined in the Submittal Checklist for New Construction(PDF, 94KB)
  • Once advised by staff, your permit application will be created and fees will be assessed
  • Pay your fees
  • Once fees are paid, your application will be routed for Plan Check review

Step 3.Step Three: Recycling Plan

  • All Oakland Building Permits require an approved Recycling Plan (called a WRRP) before being issued. As soon as your Permit Application has been processed, a Green Halo project will be created for you and an invitation for the project will be sent to the email address you provided on your Permit Application.
  • Follow the directions in Green Halo to pay this fee and write a Recycling Plan for all debris your building project will generate.

Step 4.Step Four: Work Out Utilities

  • New detached Single Family Homes will need a sewer lateral permit to connect sewage service to the unit. For more information email DOTOnlinePermits@oaklandca.gov. A Curb, Gutter, Sidewalk Permit may also be required.
  • Depending on whether the home appliances are vented appliances, you may also need a separate gas meter for the ADU.
    Refer to the City's General Building Code Requirements checklist to verify and log on to PG&E's online customer service portal to apply for new electric and/or gas service.

Step 5.Step Five: Final Check & Permits

  • After Plan Check has been completed, your application will go to Final Check before the permit is issued.
  • Staff will with work with you to ensure everything is complete and inform you of any outstanding steps, fees, or documents.
  • Permits are issued

Step 6.Step Six: Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing Permits

For the latest processing estimates, please see our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times webpage.

Need to Know

QUESTIONS? Call (510) 238-3911 or find quick answers through our Permit & Services Questions Portal. You may also schedule an appointment with Permit Counter staff during open hours.

Additional Resources

 

 

Contact Us

Phone

(510) 238-3911

Location

Planning & Building
250 Frank H Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor
94612
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