On January 1, 2022, a number of new California housing laws went into effect. As a result of rising home prices and low inventory, California’s lawmakers passed a package of bills with hopes of creating more housing opportunities. Even if you’re not planning on buying or selling this year, these new laws could have an impact on your everyday life. Here’s a look at some of the new 2022 CA housing laws:
SB 8 – Extending Provisions in the Housing Crisis Act
Otherwise known as the Housing Crisis Act of 2019, SB 8 passes revisions to the complex replacement housing and relocation requirements. It also extends the following provisions until 2034: prohibiting cities from conducting more than 5 hearings on an application, and grants housing projects that submit a preliminary application vesting rights. Learn more here.
SB 9 – Qualifying Lot Splits
Allows for the construction of four parcels where one currently exists by permitting single-family homes to be converted into duplexes. SB 9 also permits one single-family parcel to be divided into two lots, allowing another two-unit parcel on the new lot. Learn more here.
SB10- Streamlined Rezoning
SB 10 simplifies the zoning process for California cities for smaller, lower-cost housing developments. Learn more here.
SB 290 – State Density Bonus Law Amendments
Requires a city to grant bonuses, concessions, waivers, and parking reductions to developers that agree to construct affordable housing. Learn more here.
SB 728 – Purchase of Density Bonus Units by Nonprofit Housing Organizations
SB 728 stimulates ownership options to non-profit housing organizations by requiring that (1) a for-sale unit by the developer qualified for a density bonus is initially occupied by a person of the required income, offered at an affordable price, and includes an equity sharing agreement, or (2) the unit is bought by a qualified nonprofit housing organization that’s receiving tax welfare exemption. Learn more here.
SB 478 – Minimum FAR/ Lot Coverage Standards and Prohibition on CC&R of FAR for Missing Middle Multifamily Housing
SB 478 prevents agencies from using floor area ratio (FAR) and minimum lot size requirement to intercept the construction of multifamily developments that are zoned to allow them. Learn more here.
AB 345 – ADU Separate Conveyances
This law further facilitates ADU’s by permitting an ADU to be sold or conveyed separately from the primary dwelling if the requirements are satisfied. Learn more here.
AB 1174 – Reforms to SB 35’s Streamlined Ministerial Approval Process for Post-Approval Modifications and Permits
AB 1174 provides clarifications to the AB 35 of 2017 which provides for a streamlined ministerial approval process for affordable housing developments. Learn more here.
AB 1398 – Accelerating By-Right Rezoning Requirement for Noncompliant Housing Elements
Requires jurisdictions that fail to adopt a HCD-compliant housing element within 120 of the deadline to complete required rezoning in one year, instead of the previous 3 years. This law ensures that cities are rezoning to meet local housing needs. Learn more here.
For an in-depth explanation of these laws, visit https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/. If you, or anyone you know is interested in buying or selling a home in Long Beach, we’d love to help! Give us a call at 562-896-2456 with any questions you have.
