Streamlined Housing Development (Senate Bill 9)

Senate Bill 9 (SB-9) (see CA Government Code section 65852.21 and 66411.7) requires local entities to streamline the approval of certain housing projects by providing a ministerial approval process, removing the requirement for CEQA analysis, and removing the requirement for Conditional Use Authorization or other similar discretionary entitlements granted by the Planning Commission or Historic Preservation Commission. This is a voluntary program that a project sponsor may elect to pursue, provided that certain eligibility criteria are met. 

A ministerial decision involves only the use of fixed standards or objective measurements, and the public official cannot use personal, subjective judgment in deciding whether or how the project should be carried out.  

There are three options under SB-9:

• Lot Split 
• Duplex  
• Lot Split and Duplex (combo)  

Director’s Bulletin No. 8 outlines the details of SB-9 eligibility and should be reviewed thoroughly before submitting an application.

To begin, the subject lot must be located in an RH-1, RH-1(D), and RH-1(S) zoning districts. If there is an existing home on the subject lot, it must have been owner-occupied or vacant for the past three (3) years.

The remaining eligibility criteria are listed in Director’s Bulletin No. 8.  Within 60 days of submittal of a complete application, the Planning Department will review and approve the application, or issue a full set of comments with a list of items that are defective or deficient and a description of how the application can be remedied by the applicant.

All SB9 projects should be designed to comply with the San Francisco Design Standards. Please also review the SB9 Objective Design Standards. 
 

For projects involving a lot split or a lot split and duplex, an Interdepartmental Project Review meeting can be a great way to obtain initial feedback on the building and fire codes related to your project. Representatives from the Fire Department, Department of Building Inspection, and Planning Department will all be on hand to answer any questions you may have. We recommend bringing a preliminary drawing that illustrates the proposed lot split, any easements if necessary, and estimated location of the structures.  

For questions related to the Interdepartmental Project Review Meeting please contact the Project Review Meeting Coordinator at cpc.prv@sfgov.org.

Lot splits and duplexes often require a new electrical and/or water service and meters for the new units. Based on lot size restrictions, a utilities easement may be needed to provide these services. 

Contact PG&E and the SFPUC early in the process to discuss options.  
PG&E Application for Service 
        Building and renovation line 877-743-7782 
        San Francisco line 415-695-3500 
SFPUC Water Service Installations 

Applicants may apply for a lot split only, duplex only, or lot split and duplex (combo).  

• Lot Split Only:
  • Apply for a Parcel Map for a Lot Split with San Francisco Public Works.  
  • Submit an SB-9 Supplemental Application and (Optional) Preliminary Housing Development (SB-330) to CPC.intake@sfgov.org.
• Duplex Only, or Lot Split and Duplex (combo):
  • SB-9 Supplemental Application | San Francisco Planning 
  • Plans that meet Plan Submittal Guidelines | San Francisco Planning 
  • (Optional) Preliminary Housing Development (SB-330) | San Francisco Planning
  • (Optional) Apply for a Parcel Map for a Lot Split with San Francisco Public Works  

After Planning Approval:
Apply for a building permit for the construction of the dwelling units with the Department of Building Inspection. 

Reference Documents

• Director Bulletin No. 8
• SB-9 Objective Design Standards
• Interdepartmental Project Review