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Apply for Two-Unit Residential Development and Parcel Subdivision Resulting in Two Lots Under Senate Bill 9 (SB-9)

A new State of California law (SB-9) requires the City to create 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) and follow the steps as outlined below.

SB-9 Lot Subdivision Graphic

What to Do

Permit Requirements

How To Apply

  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
    • 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, completed Building Permit Application, including a description of all Mechanical, Electrical or Plumbing (MEP) work to be performed, 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
  2. Step Two: Building Permits (After Planning Approvals)
  3. Step Three: Final Review

    Once we receive your Building Permit Application and all associated documents, we will review your submission. If we need further information, we will contact you. If your application is approved, we will contact you to issue your permit. 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

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