On September 16, 2021, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 9 into law, following its approval by the State Legislature. SB 9 aims to increase housing production and affordability by allowing the development of up to two units per lot and urban lot splits in single-family residential neighborhoods, and by limiting cities’ discretion over such development. 

The law took effect January 1, 2022, and authorizes local jurisdictions to establish an ordinance to implement the bill, and to create objective zoning standards, objective subdivision standards, and objective design review standards, if those standards do not conflict with state law. Such objective zoning standards, objective subdivision standards, and objective design review standards may not have the effect of “physically precluding the construction of two units on either of the resulting parcels or that would result in a unit size of less than 800 square feet,” among certain other limitations.

The City is in the process of drafting an ordinance which would implement the bill and serve to protect orderly planning and aesthetics related to such development. A public hearing is definitely scheduled for June 1, 2023, where the draft ordinance will be presented to the Planning Commission.

For questions about the ordinance, please reach out to Senior Planner Gene Burse at GBurse@AgouraHillsCity.org or (818) 597-7342.