State Legislature Strengthens Incentives for Duplexes

SB 450 Closes Loopholes, Re-Legalizes Multi-Family Housing Statewide

“This is some of the most important housing legislation of the year”

SACRAMENTO — Today the California Legislature voted to approve SB 450, a bill that strengthens existing state law designed to encourage the development of duplexes and fourplexes throughout the state. Authored by Senator Toni Atkins (San Diego) and strongly supported by California YIMBY, the bill further advances California’s efforts to end the housing shortage and affordability crisis.

“The California Legislature has passed multiple major housing bills in recent years, only to be stymied by local jurisdictions bent on blocking new homes,” said Brian Hanlon, CEO of California YIMBY. “We’re extremely grateful to Sen. Toni Atkins for her leadership on SB 450, and join the Legislature in sending a strong message to California’s cities: It’s time to build more homes.”

SB 9, passed in 2021, made it legal for homeowners to split their lots, and build a duplex on each new lot. Although SB 9 created an important tool for creating more homes in existing neighborhoods, many California cities have effectively banned SB 9 projects in their jurisdictions by enacting unworkable standards that make it impossible for builders to use SB 9. Some of these standards, such as onerous design reviews, create prohibitive costs; others, such as building setbacks and size restrictions, make it physically impossible for homeowners to proceed with SB 9 projects.

SB 450 strengthens SB 9 by limiting the design and zoning standards cities can impose on SB 9 projects. It requires that cities review SB 9 permit applications within 60 days, or the projects are deemed approved. It also gives the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) oversight and enforcement authority over SB 9.

About California YIMBY

California YIMBY is a community of neighbors who welcome more neighbors. We believe that an equitable California begins with abundant, secure, affordable housing. We focus on housing and land use policy at the state and local level to ensure grassroots organizers and city leaders have the tools they need to accelerate home building. Learn more: https://cayimby.org/