Want to maximize your land value? Try SB9 with Apex.

Apex Homes designed and built the development strategy with our pre-designed floor plans. We use the city code and regulations to dig up the potential investment chance with your land.

What is SB9(Senate Bill 9) and the benefits?

SB9 (Senate Bill 9) , also known as the California Housing Opportunity and More Efficiency (HOME) Act, is a state law that took effect on January 1, 2022. It allows homeowners in areas zoned for single-family residences to add more housing units to their property—helping address California’s housing shortage.

SB9 has many benefits for the homeowner:

Increases Housing Supply in High-Demand Areas

SB 9 opens the door to more residential units in already developed single-family neighborhoods, which helps:
- Combat California’s housing shortage
- Create more rental and ownership opportunities

Empowers Homeowners to Build Wealth

With SB 9, homeowners can:
- Add rental units for passive income
- Build multi-generational housing, for aging parents or adult children
- Increase property value by maximizing land use
- Subdivide and sell the other part of their property

Streamlined Approval Process (Ministerial Review)

SB 9 mandates ministerial approval, meaning:
- No public hearings or discretionary review by planning commissions
- Faster permitting and construction
- Fewer delays and costs compared to traditional development

Reduces Development Barriers

Unlike traditional up-zoning efforts, SB 9:
- Doesn’t require cities to rezone areas
- Minimizes the impact of local opposition, such as NIMBYism
- Applies statewide, ensuring consistent access

Encourages Smart Infill Development

SB 9 promotes:
- Use of existing infrastructure (roads, water, sewer)
- Walkable, sustainable communities
- Higher density without sprawl

Supports More Affordable Housing Models

By allowing smaller homes (like duplexes) in expensive neighborhoods, SB 9:
- Offers naturally affordable units without subsidies
- Expands access to high-opportunity areas
- Supports small-scale builders and “missing middle” housing

Promotes Homeownership Access

Lot splits allowed under SB 9 make it possible to:
- Create new homes at a lower price point
- Encourage entry-level buyers to own in desirable areas

SB9 Rules Explained

With SB9, the local agency must allow up to 2 primary units on the subject parcel or, in the case of a lot split, up to 2 primary units on each of the resulting parcels, totaling a maximum of 4 units created from one lot.

Learn more about SB9 from scheduling a free consultation with our architect team.

Can I do SB9 in my backyard?

Yes, if your lot meets those requirements:

Must be located in a single-family residential zone (R-1).
Must be in an urbanized area or urbanized cluster

Urbanized Area: 1000 people per square mile in core and 500 people per square mile in surrounding area. Minimum population of 50,000.

Urbanized Cluster: Areas with a population between 2,500 and 50,000 people.
The property cannot be a historical landmark or be located in a state/local historical district.
The property cannot be:
- Within a very high fire hazard safety zone
- A hazardous waste site
- Within a delineated earthquake fault zone
- Within a 100-year floodplain or floodway
The project cannot alter nor demolish:
- Deed-restricted affordable housing
- Rent-controlled housing
- Housing on parcels with an Ellis Act eviction in the last 15 years
- Housing occupied by a tenant currently or in the last 3 years

For more detailed information or specific guidance, we can book a free consultation with an Apex Home ADU expert. Let us help you transform your property with a thoughtfully planned investment today!