Senate Bill 9 (SB-9)

On September 16, 2021, Governor Newsom signed California Senate Bill 9 (SB-9) into law aimed at streamlining housing permitting and increasing density to create more inclusive and vibrant neighborhoods. The bill is effective January 1, 2022

 What does SB-9 Do?

The bill mandates local jurisdictions, such as City of Woodland, to ministerially approve (pass or fail review) two-unit dwellings and a subdivision of one lot into two (urban lot split) in any single unit dwelling zone. Text of SB-9 can be found by (click here).

How does this apply to the City of Woodland?

The City of Woodland adopted two ordinances to ensure compliance with SB-9, which are effective as of December 22, 2022. The City will begin accepting applications under SB-9 in compliance with the new requirements on January 3, 2022. The city's new ordinances added the following new chapters to the Municipal Code: 

• Chapter 16.90 - Urban Lot Splits. Applies if you wish to subdivide one lot into two.

• Chapter 17.34 - Two unit Projects. Applies if you wish to build a second unit on a lot. 

SB9 is applicable in Single Family Residential Zones which include the following:

• Citywide - R-1 zone

• Spring Lake - R-3, R-4, R-5 and R-8 zones

• Southeast Area - R-4 and R-5 zones

Find your property's zoning by clicking here

Application Parameters 

• Must be in a single family zone

• Cannot be in a Historic or Landmark Designated property.

• Not within or on sensitive areas like wetlands, conservation land, FEMA flood plains, farmland, and hazardous waste sites. 

• Verify that the property's Codes, Covenants, and Restrictions (CC & R0 or Homeowner Association (HOA) rules are not violated by SB-9. 

• Cannot involve the demolition or alteration of structures if the property contains:

° Affordable Housing;

° Rent controlled housing;

° Housing withdrawn from the rental market in the past 15 years; or

° Housing occupied by a tenant within the last three (3) years; if occupied by a tenant within the last three (3) years, no more than 25% of demolition is allowed for the exterior walls. 

(Please see the ordinance text for complete listing of requirements and standards)


The following Regulations pertain to Two unit Projects and Urban Lot Splits

 TWO Unit Projects: A maximum of two (2) dwelling units (attached or detached). Any existing dwelling units, including any accessory units (ADU) and junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU), will count towards the two (2) units. 

a. Setbacks: Minimum four (4) foot interior side and rear yard. Front and street side yard setbacks must comply with the base zone requirements. 

b. Height: Sixteen feet from grade to the peak, or highest point. Additional height may be allowed if compliant with base zone setback requirements. 

c. Size: Up to 800 square feet. Added square footage may be allowed if compliant with base zone setback requirements. 

d. Lot Coverage: Lot coverage of the base zone applies, except for units that are 800 square feet or less. 

e. Parking: Minimum of one off-street parking space per unit, unless the parcel is: 

i. Within 1/2 mile walking distance of a high-quality transit corridor or major transit stop; or 

ii. Within one block of permanent car shar parking.

f. Design: The project must comply with the design standards provided in Municipal Code Chapter 17.34 or Chapter 16.90.

Urban Lot Splits: Any parcel in a Single Family residential zone may be subdivided to create tow (2) new parcels. Parcels previously subdivided using SB-9 cannot reapply for the urban lot split application under SB-9.

a. Lot Size: Each new parcel must be a minimum of 1,200 square feet, and proportional in size (40/60 lot size ratio). One lot may not be significantly larger or smaller. 

b. Number of Units: A maximum of two (2) dwelling or units are allowed on each lot, for a total of 4 dwellings (on both lots). The same development standards (e.g. setbacks, height, parking, design, etc...) apply as noted above under Duplex Development.

c. Owner Occupant Requirements: For urban lot split applicants, the property owner must sign a notarized document stating that they intend to occupy one of the units as their primary residence for a minimum of three (3) years. This shall also be recorded in a deed restriction.

d. Owner restriction: Property owners who are applying for the urban lot split cannot own any adjacent parcel next to the parcel they are applying for. 

e. Dedications and Easements: Easements may be required to convey public utilities, access, and other services. Offsite dedications or improvements cannot be required.