California is shaking things up with a new law aimed at making housing more affordable and available. The state has decided to end the loopholes that allowed cities to block a law, SB 9, which lets homeowners build multiple homes on their single-family lots. This move is all part of the state’s mission to tackle its housing crisis, and here’s why it matters.
Since SB 9 passed in 2021, the idea was that homeowners could split their lots and build up to four homes. However, many cities created roadblocks, adding strict requirements and restrictions that made it hard for people to actually build. For example, some cities required huge courtyards between homes or even blocked the law altogether.
To solve this, the new law, SB 450, is making it easier for homeowners to get these projects approved. Starting in 2025, local governments will have just 60 days to approve or reject projects. If they don’t respond, the project will automatically be approved! This is a huge shift in power that reduces the control local governments have over housing projects.
This new law is also focused on urban areas, where most Californians live, and makes sure the land being split is still big enough to build on. The goal is simple: get more homes built and make housing more affordable.
While the law is a game changer, it’s also stirring up debate about how much power cities should have in deciding local housing rules. Stay tuned, as this story is just beginning!
