Learn about SB 9 zoning requirements in San Diego.

Intro

Many homeowners across California are excited about Senate Bill 9, the new state law that lets them split their lot and build a second unit on each parcel. But not every property qualifies. In order to be eligible for SB 9 development, the site must be in a qualifying zone.

Read on to learn about the different zoning requirements that can impact a property’s SB 9 eligibility in the City of San Diego.

Search your address on Homestead’s free SB 9 eligibility search tool to see if your property qualifies!

Quick Guide to Eligible SB 9 Zones in San Diego

Eligible: All RE, RS, RX, and RT zones; Planned District Zones that allow single dwelling unit development (but not multiple dwelling unit development)

Ineligible: Prime farmland, conservation areas, habitat areas for certain species, historic districts and properties, the MHPA of the MSCP Subarea Plan

Possibly eligible: Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, flood zone, earthquake fault zone, hazardous waste sites, coastal zone

Which zones qualify for SB 9 in San Diego?

As dictated by state law, only properties located within single-family residential zones are eligible for development under Senate Bill 9. In the City of San Diego, these zones are RE, RS, RX, and RT. Certain Planned District Zones are also eligible, but only the zones that allow single-family development only. If your home is in a different zone, Senate Bill 9 does not apply.

For a more detailed breakdown of San Diego's base zones and their SB 9 eligibility, read this post.

What are the exceptions?

While the above zones are eligible, properties within these zones can still be found ineligible if located within wetlands, prime farmland, or in a conservation area or a habitat area for certain protected species.

Senate Bill 9 also protects historic properties and homes located within certain historic districts from SB 9 development. In San Diego’s SB 9 regulations, these are defined as “A historical district that is a designated historical resource, or on a premises that contains a designated historical resource.”

Conditional eligibility

A parcel located within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone or earthquake fault zone may be eligible if certain safety and environmental criteria are met. Click the links above to learn more about these special zones and their requirements for SB 9.

San Diego has a number of additional bureaucratic requirements for SB 9 projects in the coastal zone. These requirements can be found in the city’s updated municipal code.

Properties located within floodplains or floodways may be eligible if they receive a no-rise certificate. Hazardous waste sites are only eligible if it has been cleared for residential use by the State.

How can I find my property’s zone?

If you’re not sure about your property’s zone, you can search your address in the Development Services Department of San Diego’s Official Zoning Map.

Of course, the city’s zoning code is only the first hurdle to determining your home’s SB 9 eligibility. To make sure your property qualifies, use Homestead’s free property search tool.

Learn more about SB 9 in San Diego

Read our blog post on SB 9 in San Diego to learn all about the city’s current SB 9 guidelines.

Be sure to visit Homestead’s SB 9 City Guide for San Diego to learn more about how you can use SB 9 there. You can also read SB9-related news articles about San Diego and compare SB 9 laws between different cities in the county.

Conclusion

Now you know the different ways that zoning can affect SB 9 eligibility in San Diego. If your property is located within a single-family residential zone and not within a sensitive ecological or historical zone, it might qualify for SB 9. There are other determining factors as well, like lot size and rental history.

Every city in California needs to do their part to help end the housing crisis. Some local governments have tried to limit the scope of the new law by adopting ordinances that make it needlessly complex and/or financially infeasible to perform an urban lot split or build additional units. If cities stop trying to prevent them, SB 9 housing developments can build much-needed residential units, increasing housing supply and making home ownership a more achievable goal.

If you’re considering SB 9 and feel ready to take the next steps, contact Homestead to learn more about the best development options for your property. To stay current on SB 9 news in San Diego and across the state, follow our SB 9 News Twitter account.