SB 684:

Building Homeownership Opportunities 

UPDATES:

4.12.23 - Click here for a copy of CCB’s testimony in support of SB 684 in front of the Senate Governance and Finance Committee

  • Author: Senator Anna M. Caballero

  • Sponsors: California Community Builders, California YIMBY, LISC San Diego, Central Valley Urban Institute

  • Contact: Adam Briones (abriones@ccbuilders.org) 

  • Bill text: Here

  • Background materials: Author’s fact sheet, Supplemental fact sheet

  • Summary: SB 684 streamlines the approval process for small homeownership developments by granting ministerial* approval for projects of up to 10 homes on qualifying lots in multifamily neighborhoods and vacant parcels in single-family neighborhoods. This bill also streamlines the Subdivision Map Act – a law that, in part, determines how many housing units can be placed on a parcel of land. This will allow small developments to proceed faster as long as the appropriate legal assurances and protections are provided. This will create more affordable homeownership opportunities for moderate- and middle-income Californians.

    Building upon the Starter Home Revitalization Act of 2021, SB 684 will streamline the development of small housing projects and create more opportunity for the development of lower-cost housing. Specifically, SB 684: [1] Provides for ministerial approval for homeownership projects of up to 10 units on qualifying parcels in multifamily neighborhoods and on vacant lots in single-family neighborhoods. [2] Shortens the development timeline by authorizing local agencies to issue building permits once a tentative map has been approved under the Subdivision Map Act. [3] Prohibits the removal of housing that is low-income, rent-controlled, or occupied by tenants within the last 7 years. [4] Ensures streamlined projects meet environmental sustainability standards.

  • How to support SB 684:

    • OPTION 1: Send in an individual support letter. Click here to download the template support letter and submit it to the legislative portal (instructions are in the letter).

    • OPTION 2: Sign on to a group support letter. Click here to sign on to a group letter that will be submitted for you. The Google form will require the following files be uploaded: 1.) Logo and 2.) digital signature (will be deleted as soon as the letter is finalized).

    • OPTION 3: Let us do it for you! Click here to let us know that you want to support the bill — our team will help you every step of the way to get a support letter submitted. 

    * A ministerial project is one that must be approved if it meets legal requirements.