The Real Impact of California’s Housing Density Bills: A Look at SB 9 and SB 10
California Senate Bills 9 – which allows for “urban lot splits” – and 10 – which allows local governments to rezone some residential parcels for higher density – were signed into law in September 2021 by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Both bills have received much attention by advocates and opponents alike and are viewed by some as signaling an end to single-family zoning in the state. However, a closer look reveals the ways in which these bills are largely symbolic victories for the pro-housing movement with limited potential for any practical impact on single-family zones.
In a recent article, Lee Kaplan, an associate at CGS3, examines how the spotlight on SB 9 and SB 10 may have been exaggerated and dives into what the new laws really mean for California neighborhoods.
The full article can be read in the Daily Journal here and in the Daily Transcript here (subscription required).