The City of Walnut Creek is asking residents for feedback as it works towards possibly considering a permanent SB 9 ordinance.
On January 1, 2022, the California Housing Opportunity and More Efficiency (HOME) Act (SB 9) went into effect in California. SB 9 is a state law intended to alleviate the housing crisis and provide more housing choices in our communities.
Under SB 9, cities must expand single-family zoning to allow both duplexes and urban lot splits (i.e., two separate homes on a single lot). The law establishes minimum standards for these projects; however, cities can adopt local regulations to go beyond the minimum standards (e.g., size, height, parking).
The City is getting ready to adopt its permanent State-required SB 9 ordinance and is seeking community input on options to consider in the final regulations – specifically should the City simply comply with the State-required minimum standards or should the City go beyond the minimums.
If you have any additional questions about SB 9 or the Housing Survey, please contact Andy Smith at [email protected].
Click here to take the survey: https://polco.us/n/res/vote/walnut-creek-ca/updated-sb-9-housing-survey
Questions include:
- Size standard (floor area): The State standard for SB 9 units is a minimum of 800 square feet. What do you think the maximum size of SB 9 units should be in Walnut Creek?
- Height standard: Per state law, the City can limit the height of SB 9 units. What should Walnut Creek allow for height?
- Parking standards: Per State law, cities can require no more than one off-street parking space per SB 9 unit, whether covered (carport or garage) or uncovered. While units within half a mile of a transit station can’t be required to have parking, where parking can be required, should Walnut Creek require an off-street parking space for each SB 9 unit? And, if yes, should it be covered or uncovered?
- What opportunities or benefits do you see in creating opportunities for more homes on a lot in a single-family residential zone? (check all that apply)
- What are the biggest challenges in implementing SB 9 in Walnut Creek? (check all that apply)
- If you own a single-family home in Walnut Creek, would you be interested in subdividing your property or building additional homes on your lot?
Previous Stories on SB 9
- May 17: Cal Cities Urges Court to Rule that SB 9 Unconstitutionally Interferes with Charter City Home Rule Authority
- Sept. 16, 2021: Governor Newsom Signs Historic Legislation to Boost California’s Housing Supply and Fight the Housing Crisis
