10-Home Subdivisions Archives - JDJ Consulting https://jdj-consulting.com/tag/10-home-subdivisions/ Tue, 02 Dec 2025 18:07:56 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://jdj-consulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/jdj-fav-1-150x150.png 10-Home Subdivisions Archives - JDJ Consulting https://jdj-consulting.com/tag/10-home-subdivisions/ 32 32 10 Homes Approved Ministerially: SB 684 and SB 1123 Explained https://jdj-consulting.com/10-homes-approved-ministerially-sb-684-and-sb-1123-explained/ https://jdj-consulting.com/10-homes-approved-ministerially-sb-684-and-sb-1123-explained/#comments Tue, 08 Jul 2025 18:45:25 +0000 https://jdj-consulting.com/?p=4682 California’s SB 684 and SB 1123 now allow up to 10 homes to be approved ministerially—without CEQA review or public hearings. This guide explains how the laws work, where they apply, and how developers, planners, and property owners can unlock new housing on multifamily and vacant single-family lots.

The post 10 Homes Approved Ministerially: SB 684 and SB 1123 Explained appeared first on JDJ Consulting.

]]>

10 Homes Approved Ministerially: SB 684 and SB 1123 Explained

California is in a housing crisis. Families across the state struggle to find affordable homes close to work, school, or transit. State lawmakers have passed dozens of bills over the past decade, but local zoning and approval processes still slow down new housing.

That’s where SB 684 and SB 1123 come in. These two laws create a faster path to approval for small housing developments—specifically, projects with up to 10 homes on eligible lots. What makes them different is their use of ministerial approval. This process allows developers to skip lengthy public hearings, environmental reviews, and discretionary planning delays.

By reducing red tape, SB 684 and SB 1123 aim to unlock thousands of infill sites across California—especially in urban areas and vacant single-family zones. This means more homes built faster, with fewer costs and delays. These projects often result in “starter homes,” naturally smaller and more affordable by design.

In this article, we’ll break down both laws, explain how they work, and help you understand where and how you can build under these rules. Whether you’re a developer, a city planner, or a homeowner looking to subdivide, this guide will walk you through the essentials of 10-home ministerial approval in California.

Background: The Starter Home Revitalization Act framework

To fully understand SB 684 and SB 1123, you need to know the policy behind them. Both laws build on the idea that small housing projects—especially those under 10 units—shouldn’t face the same approval burdens as massive developments. This thinking led to what many call the “Starter Home Revitalization Act” framework.

California has thousands of small, oddly shaped, or vacant lots sitting unused. These parcels could support compact homes or small subdivisions, but strict zoning and review requirements have made development almost impossible. In response, lawmakers designed a legal framework to fast-track these modest projects.

View from above of densely built residential houses near retention ponds in closed living clubs in south Florida. American dream homes as example of real estate development in US suburbs.

This framework supports:

  • Infill development on underused land

  • Starter homes and entry-level ownership

  • Middle housing that fits better into existing neighborhoods

The framework’s core idea is that cities should not block small projects that follow objective rules. As long as developers meet clear zoning standards—like setbacks, height, and parcel size—they should get fast-track approval.

This is where ministerial approval comes in.

What is ministerial approval?

Ministerial approval means the government must approve your project if it meets all required standards—no public hearings, no environmental impact reports, and no political delay.

It’s different from discretionary approval, where cities have wide latitude to deny or condition a project based on public input or vague policies.

Under SB 684 and SB 1123, qualifying housing developments:

  • Get automatic approval if they follow objective zoning standards

  • Are exempt from CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act)

  • Do not require public hearings, appeals, or council votes

This creates a clear and predictable path for small-scale developers. It also reduces costs and timelines—key barriers to building starter homes.

Projects under these laws still need to meet health and safety codes. But if a developer’s plan fits the rules, cities can’t say no.

This kind of streamlining is essential in places like Los Angeles, San Diego, or Oakland, where traditional entitlement can take years.

Deep Dive: SB 684 Explained

SB 684, signed into law in 2023 and effective as of July 1, 2024, is a powerful new tool for small-scale housing developers. It allows for ministerial approval of up to 10 homes on qualifying multifamily lots. The bill was designed to unlock urban land that has long been overlooked due to outdated zoning and lengthy approval timelines.

Let’s break down exactly how it works—and who can use it.

Eligible lots and locations under SB 684

Not every property qualifies for this streamlined path. SB 684 focuses on infill development in urban areas, specifically in zones that already allow multifamily housing.

To qualify:

  • The property must be zoned for multifamily use

  • It must be located within an urbanized area or urban cluster

  • The total lot size must be 5 acres or less

  • It cannot be subdivided more than once using SB 684

This means you can’t use SB 684 to repeatedly split the same lot over time. It’s intended for single-round subdivision, encouraging new housing without overloading infrastructure.

The law also excludes sensitive or protected lands, such as:

  • Agricultural or farmland

  • Wetlands or habitat areas

  • High fire-severity zones

  • Sites with hazardous materials

These restrictions help balance fast-track housing with environmental safety.

Subdivision and unit limits: How many homes can you build?

SB 684 allows a developer to split an eligible lot into up to 10 parcels, each of which can be sold or developed individually. Each parcel must be at least 600 square feet in size.

This is not a loophole for dense apartment blocks. Instead, the law targets small-scale, ground-up construction, such as:

  • Detached starter homes

  • Small duplexes or cottages

  • Fee-simple rowhouses or townhomes

The 10-home cap keeps projects small and neighborhood-scale. This aligns with the bill’s goal: to encourage modest developments that meet local character while adding housing supply.

Unit size and design rules under SB 684

To ensure affordability, SB 684 includes a size cap on homes built through the program. The average unit size cannot exceed 1,750 square feet of net habitable space.

This doesn’t mean every home must be tiny. You can build a mix of units—as long as the average size stays below the limit.

For example:

  • Four 1,200-sq-ft units

  • Four 1,800-sq-ft units

  • Two 2,100-sq-ft units

Together, the average must still be ≤ 1,750 sq ft.

Design rules under SB 684 are based on objective standards, meaning:

  • Cities can’t impose subjective design reviews

  • Projects must follow existing zoning rules on height, setbacks, and lot coverage

  • Local agencies must approve the subdivision if it meets all legal standards

This reduces uncertainty and keeps the process transparent for developers.

Timeline: 60-day approval and early building permits

Speed is a key feature of SB 684. Once a complete application is submitted:

  • The city must approve or deny the tentative map within 60 days

  • If approved, the city must issue building permits for compliant units—no extra delays

In some cities, housing approvals can take 12–24 months. With SB 684, it can take as little as 2–3 months, depending on how fast you move through plan check.

Business race against times deal project agreement concept. Businessman hand shaking overlay with time clock.

In addition:

  • Cities cannot hold public hearings or appeals

  • The approval cannot be overturned by city council or neighborhood opposition

  • The subdivision is final unless the project violates objective codes

This “as-of-right” approach protects small developers from NIMBY pressure and bureaucratic slowdowns.

⏱ SB 684 Approval Timeline: 60 Days to Yes

Step 1
Site Eligibility Review
Step 2
Submit Tentative Parcel Map
Step 3
City Review (60-Day Clock)
Step 4
Ministerial Approval
Step 5
Final Map + Permits

CEQA exemption and streamlined review

Perhaps the most important benefit: projects approved under SB 684 are exempt from CEQA. That means:

This is critical in dense, urban communities where CEQA lawsuits have become a major barrier to new housing—even on parking lots or underused land.

With CEQA removed from the equation, SB 684 gives developers certainty and speed.

Expanding Scope: Why SB 1123 Matters

SB 1123 builds on SB 684, but takes the idea even further. While SB 684 focused on multifamily-zoned parcels, SB 1123 allows small-scale housing on vacant lots in single-family zones. That’s a huge deal. It opens access to thousands of empty or underused lots across California’s suburbs and older neighborhoods.

This law officially goes into effect on July 1, 2025, giving cities time to update their local ordinances. But developers and planners should start preparing now.

SB 1123 summary: What it does and who it helps

SB 1123 removes a long-standing barrier: in many cities, single-family zones block even modest new homes. This bill allows up to 10 homes on a vacant lot in a single-family zone, as long as the site meets strict standards.

Key highlights:

  • Allows subdivision of a vacant single-family lot (≤1.5 acres)

  • Enables ministerial approval—no hearings, no CEQA, no appeals

  • Applies objective design standards only (e.g., setbacks, height)

  • Encourages starter home development in established neighborhoods

It’s a quiet revolution. While it doesn’t eliminate single-family zoning, it gives developers a way to legally build more homes on underused land—especially in older areas with aging infrastructure.

Single-family zones and “vacant” definitions under SB 1123

SB 1123 only applies to vacant properties. That’s an important distinction. You can’t use this law to tear down homes or redevelop occupied parcels.

To qualify:

  • The site must be zoned for single-family residential use

  • It must be vacant for at least 3 years (or longer if a local ordinance applies)

  • The total lot size must be 1.5 acres or smaller

  • The site cannot include any protected housing units, such as:

    • Rent-controlled units

    • Affordable housing

    • Units occupied by tenants within the last 7 years

This protects renters and ensures the law isn’t used to displace people or demolish existing homes.

For example: If a vacant lot in a suburban neighborhood has sat empty since 2018, and meets all local zoning, a developer could divide it into 6–10 smaller parcels—and build detached homes or cottages on each.

Updated density and frontage rules

One of SB 1123’s biggest innovations is how it handles density and street frontage—two rules that often block new development in residential areas.

Key features:

  • Minimum density requirement: Projects must use at least 66% of the density allowed under the General Plan or Housing Element

  • No frontage requirement: Local governments cannot require street frontage for each lot (a major barrier in traditional zoning)

  • Height limits must be objective: Cities cannot impose height caps lower than the standard applied to comparable single-family homes

Let’s say a city allows 8 units per acre in its General Plan. To qualify under SB 1123, your project must include at least 5–6 units per acre—ensuring you’re not under-building the site.

This approach makes sure developers use land efficiently, while still respecting neighborhood scale.

Ownership structures and ADU rules under SB 1123

SB 1123 also offers more flexibility in ownership models, making it easier to sell or finance new homes.

Eligible ownership types include:

  • Fee simple lots (traditional detached homes)

  • Condominiums

  • Tenancy in common (TIC)

  • Community land trusts or cooperatives

This allows for a range of housing models—from for-sale homes to community-run housing.

One of the most developer-friendly provisions: ADUs and JADUs (junior units) are allowed on each lot, and do not count toward the 10-home cap.

For example:

  • A 10-lot project could legally include 10 primary homes + 10 ADUs

  • That’s 20 total housing units, approved ministerially

This offers a major incentive for developers to include rental units or multigenerational housing without extra entitlement hurdles.

Summary: How SB 1123 expands the “10-home” playbook

SB 1123 takes the ministerial approval pathway from urban multifamily zones and extends it into low-density, vacant single-family neighborhoods—where housing supply is most constrained.

By removing street frontage limits, CEQA delays, and subjective reviews, the law makes it possible to build small-scale housing that meets real demand.

Side-by-Side: SB 684 vs SB 1123 Comparison

Both SB 684 and SB 1123 offer a faster way to build up to 10 homes with ministerial approval in California. But they apply to different kinds of properties and have unique rules. This section gives you a direct comparison, so you can quickly understand where and how each law works.

Key differences between SB 684 and SB 1123

FeatureSB 684SB 1123
Effective DateJuly 1, 2024July 1, 2025
Zoning AllowedMultifamily onlySingle-family and multifamily (if vacant)
Lot TypeUrban infill parcelsVacant residential lots (≤1.5 acres)
Lot Size LimitUp to 5 acresUp to 1.5 acres
Parcel Size Min.600 sq ft1,200 sq ft (if in single-family zones)
Max Homes Approved10 total (primary units + ADUs count toward cap)10 primary units + unlimited ADUs/JADUs
Average Unit Size Cap≤1,750 sq ft per unit (net habitable space)No size limit defined
Ownership Models AllowedFee simple, condo, co-op, CLT+ Tenancy in common (TIC) allowed
Street Frontage RequirementLocal rules may applyCities cannot require frontage
CEQA Exempt?YesYes
Discretionary Review Allowed?No – must be ministerialNo – must be ministerial
Height & Design RulesMust follow objective zoning standardsMust follow objective standards; height caps limited
Protected Sites Excluded?YesYes

Key Implementation Details and Legal Constraints

While these laws aim to simplify housing approvals, they come with several technical restrictions that developers, planners, and homeowners must understand. Let’s break them down:

Environmental exclusions and sensitive site restrictions

Both SB 684 and SB 1123 exclude development on environmentally sensitive land. If your project falls into one of these categories, it likely won’t qualify:

  • Farmland or land under a Williamson Act contract

  • Wetlands or areas with protected wildlife species

  • High fire-severity zones

  • Sites with known hazardous materials

  • Floodways or flood hazard zones (unless mitigated)

Even though these bills waive CEQA for eligible sites, California’s environmental protections still apply to sensitive locations.

Tenant protections and demolition limits

These laws are designed to encourage new housing, not to promote displacement. So both SB 684 and SB 1123 include strong tenant protection rules:

  • You cannot demolish or replace any housing that was:

    • Rented in the last 7 years

    • Subject to rent control

    • Designated as affordable housing

  • If the site has any tenant history, it’s ineligible—even if the units are currently vacant

This ensures that new housing supply doesn’t come at the expense of vulnerable renters or affordable stock.

Objective zoning standards only

Cities can still apply rules to these projects—but only if those rules are objective and measurable. Subjective design review is not allowed.

What cities can require:

  • Front yard and side yard setbacks

  • Height limits based on zoning (but not more restrictive than normal)

  • Parking minimums (within reason)

  • Lot coverage and FAR (floor-area ratio) rules

  • Infrastructure connection fees

What cities cannot do:

  • Deny a project for “not fitting neighborhood character”

  • Require a design review board hearing

  • Impose vague or discretionary aesthetic standards

This forces local governments to stick to clear, written standards, which removes delays and uncertainty.

Side-by-Side: Comparing SB 684 and SB 1123 for 10-Home Ministerial Projects

SB 684 and SB 1123 work together—but they target different types of land. If you’re considering a 10-home project in California, it’s important to know which law applies to your site and how their rules differ.

The table below breaks down the key differences and shared features of these two laws.

SB 684 vs SB 1123: At a Glance

Feature SB 684 SB 1123
Effective Date July 1, 2024 July 1, 2025
Eligible Zones Multifamily zones Vacant single-family residential zones
Maximum Lot Size 5 acres 1.5 acres
Minimum Parcel Size 600 sq ft 1,200 sq ft
Density Requirement Must allow 10 parcels under zoning or Housing Element At least 66% of General Plan density
Vacancy Requirement Not required Must be vacant with no tenant in last 7 years
Ownership Types Allowed Fee simple, condo, co-op, community land trust All of SB 684 + tenancy in common (TIC)
ADUs and JADUs Optional; count toward 10-home cap Allowed; do not count toward 10-home cap
Ministerial Approval Yes Yes
CEQA Exemption Yes Yes

Key Takeaways from the Comparison

  • SB 684 is best for urban sites zoned for multifamily housing—even small ones.

  • SB 1123 opens the door to building on vacant single-family lots, a major expansion of infill housing potential.

  • Both laws cut out CEQA delays and discretionary review, making small housing projects faster and cheaper.

  • SB 1123 is more restrictive on tenant history but more flexible with ADUs and shared ownership models.

If your site doesn’t qualify under one law, it might qualify under the other. Many developers will use both to build small, affordable homes across multiple site types.

Real-World Impact: What’s Happening on the Ground

SB 684 and SB 1123 aren’t just policy ideas—they’re already shaping how housing gets built across California. Cities, developers, and community leaders are testing these laws and exploring how they can speed up infill housing without major battles.

Aerial Drone view of Sydney Urban Sprawl and Suburban housing Suburb of Ashbury and Croydon with roof tops, the streets and the parks NSW Australia

Let’s look at how these laws are beginning to work in real time.

Developer interest and early municipal adoption

Since SB 684 went into effect in July 2024, developers across California have shown strong interest in using the law—especially in Los Angeles County, Santa Clara, and parts of the Inland Empire. Many developers are focusing on underutilized multifamily lots near transit or in older commercial corridors.

Some cities are taking the lead by actively encouraging 10-home ministerial subdivisions. Examples include:

  • Hawthorne: Released a detailed SB 684 application checklist and site map

  • Cudahy: Amended zoning to align with SB 684 objectives

  • Rosemead: Created pre-approved parceling templates to reduce processing time

Cities that embrace the law are seeing faster permitting and more interest from small to mid-size builders who had previously avoided infill projects due to delays and uncertainty.

Meanwhile, cities that haven’t adopted internal procedures yet are creating confusion. Some applicants report inconsistent interpretations or long wait times—despite the 60-day approval clock in the law.

Permitting speed and financial impact for builders

One of the biggest benefits of SB 684 is time. By skipping CEQA and avoiding discretionary review, developers can save 6 to 18 months on the approval timeline.

That matters. Every month of delay increases carrying costs and financing risk. Faster approval means:

  • Lower pre-construction costs

  • More certainty for lenders and investors

  • Reduced soft costs like legal fees, environmental studies, and design revisions

Some cities have also begun coordinating SB 684 with SB 937, which allows cities to defer impact fees until after units are built or sold. This provides huge cash flow advantages for smaller developers without deep capital reserves.

On a 10-home project, total savings could range from $150,000 to $400,000, depending on location, permitting fees, and whether ADUs are included.

Starter home production and gentle density

The biggest potential win? More starter homes built where people already live—without needing massive upzoning or disruptive towers.

These laws encourage what planners call “gentle density”: adding a small number of units to neighborhoods without changing their character. Think:

  • Cottages in a cul-de-sac

  • Rowhomes near a commercial strip

  • Clustered bungalows on an empty corner lot

These homes often fall into the “naturally affordable” category—smaller by design, with lower prices than larger market-rate units.

Analysts project that SB 684 alone could enable 8,000 to 15,000 new homes statewide per year, especially in coastal regions where zoning is tight and land is expensive.

SB 1123, when it goes into effect in 2025, could double that number by unlocking vacant single-family lots across suburban areas—sites that were nearly impossible to build on until now.

Strategic Guidance for Stakeholders: How to Use SB 684 and SB 1123 Effectively

SB 684 and SB 1123 offer powerful new tools—but success depends on knowing how to navigate them. Whether you’re a developer, city planner, homeowner, or community group, understanding the rules and timelines will help you move faster and avoid setbacks.

Below is guidance tailored for each stakeholder group.

For Developers and Builders: How to unlock small-lot housing now

If you’re a builder interested in 10-home infill projects, here’s how to get started:

1. Identify eligible sites early
Look for lots that are:

  • Zoned multifamily (SB 684) or vacant single-family (SB 1123)

  • Under the acreage limits (5 acres for SB 684, 1.5 for SB 1123)

  • Free of environmental constraints or recent tenant activity

Use public GIS tools and zoning maps to screen properties quickly.

2. Prepare clean, compliant site plans
Ministerial approval only works if your plans:

  • Meet all objective zoning standards

  • Follow setback, height, and parking rules

  • Include clear parcel boundaries and access points

Cities cannot deny you if your plans meet the law—but they can delay you if documents are incomplete.

3. Consider alternative ownership models
If traditional fee-simple sales don’t pencil out, look into:

  • Tenancy in common (TIC)

  • Condominium mapping

  • Community land trusts

These options give flexibility in financing and long-term use.

4. Take advantage of fee deferrals and layered incentives
Combine SB 684/SB 1123 with:

  • SB 937 (fee deferral)

  • SB 450 (objective design standards)

  • SB 1211 (ADU exemptions)

This approach can improve project cash flow and lower risk.

For Planning Staff and Local Governments: How to implement the laws responsibly

Asian male architect works at desk with house model toy and A3 paper blueprints, construction real estate law, zoning, permits, and resolving property disputes through arbitration and litigation.

Cities are required to process these applications—but many haven’t built internal systems yet. Here’s what local governments should prioritize:

1. Adopt clear administrative procedures
Cities must publish:

  • Checklists

  • Application forms

  • Parcel qualification tools

Standardizing the process protects staff from legal challenges and improves developer compliance.

2. Train staff and update zoning interpretations
Code enforcement, planning, and building officials should:

  • Understand the difference between discretionary and ministerial review

  • Avoid applying subjective design reviews to qualifying projects

  • Know when CEQA does or does not apply

3. Track project volume and identify common roadblocks
Cities should monitor:

  • How many SB 684/SB 1123 projects are filed

  • How long approvals take

  • What issues slow the process down

This helps build trust with both developers and community members.

For Homeowners and Community Advocates: What this means for your neighborhood

If you’re a homeowner or housing advocate, these laws give you a way to support small-scale housing without major disruption to your community.

What you can do:

  • Identify vacant lots in your neighborhood that could be developed

  • Encourage your city to adopt SB 684/SB 1123 procedures quickly

  • Talk with small builders or nonprofit developers about infill partnerships

  • Support gentle density in neighborhood meetings and planning sessions

These homes aren’t luxury condos or high-rise towers. They’re often duplexes, bungalows, or cottages—ideal for seniors, young families, or first-time buyers.

Challenges, Risks, and Open Issues with SB 684 and SB 1123

While SB 684 and SB 1123 open exciting opportunities for small-scale housing, they are not without friction. Developers and cities face legal, political, and practical hurdles in putting these laws into action.

Understanding these risks can help you plan smarter and avoid missteps.

Municipal resistance and ordinance delays

Even though SB 684 is already in effect (and SB 1123 starts July 2025), many cities have been slow to adapt.

Common issues include:

  • No published procedures for ministerial applications

  • Staff still using discretionary review standards

  • Confusion about objective vs subjective design rules

  • Local policies that still contradict state law

Some cities may resist implementation outright. Others may try to delay projects with vague requirements or excessive plan check requests.

Tip: If you’re a developer, cite the law in writing, track deadlines (like the 60-day rule), and escalate if necessary.

Litigation risk and legal uncertainty

Because these laws override local control, legal challenges are likely. Possible issues include:

  • Cities being sued for denying eligible projects

  • Neighbors filing lawsuits over CEQA exemptions

  • Disputes over density calculations or tenant status

Most legal experts expect state law to prevail, but lawsuits can still cause delays.

Also, many terms in the bills—like “vacant” or “objective standards”—can be interpreted differently. Until courts clarify them, gray areas remain.

Design compatibility and infrastructure concerns

Some cities worry these projects may not fit neighborhood aesthetics or strain infrastructure.

Key concerns include:

  • Lack of uniform design (no subjective reviews allowed)

  • Increased need for sewer, water, or stormwater upgrades

  • Parcel access on flag lots or mid-block sites

  • No street frontage requirements under SB 1123

While the laws preserve safety standards, cities may feel they lack tools to manage growth effectively.

Equity and displacement concerns

Even with tenant protections, some advocates worry that:

  • These laws could indirectly gentrify low-income areas

  • Developers may use legal loopholes to displace tenants

  • New homes may still be out of reach for working families

On the other hand, supporters argue that starter homes are critical for young families, seniors, and essential workers priced out of large-lot housing.

To ensure equitable outcomes, cities and builders should:

  • Explore community land trusts and shared equity models

  • Keep ADU rents affordable

  • Focus on high-opportunity zones, not just gentrifying areas

Infographic explaining SB 684 and SB 1123 ministerial approval for up to 10 homes per lot, benefits, and process.
SB 684 & SB 1123 streamline approval for up to 10 homes per lot, boosting affordable housing in California.

Conclusion: A New Era for Small-Scale Housing in California

California needs more homes—and fast. SB 684 and SB 1123 offer a practical path forward. Instead of waiting years for approvals, developers can now build up to 10 homes ministerially on small, urban lots and even vacant single-family parcels.

These laws:

  • Cut through red tape

  • Eliminate CEQA reviews

  • Remove the politics from housing approvals

For developers, that means less risk and more predictability. For cities, it means a steady flow of new homes in walkable, transit-rich areas. And for families, it means a new supply of starter homes, duplexes, and cottages—often naturally affordable by design.

But success depends on education, action, and oversight. Builders must follow objective rules. Cities must adopt clear procedures. And advocates must ensure equity is part of every project.

California’s housing crisis won’t be solved by one law. But this is a step in the right direction.

Portrait of happy family against house. Multi-ethnic parents and children are smiling on driveway. They are having fun together during weekend. SB 684

Ready to explore small-lot development under SB 684 or SB 1123?

Our experienced land use consultants at JDJ Consulting Group are here to help you understand California’s changing housing laws. Whether you’re a developer seeking streamlined approvals or a property owner exploring subdivision options, we’ll guide you through every step—from site eligibility to ministerial mapping strategies.

Ready to accelerate your project under SB 684 and SB 1123?

The team at JDJ Consulting Group stands ready to assist with zoning analysis, entitlement strategy, and permit-expediting tailored to California’s streamlined ministerial approval process.

Call us today at (818) 793-5058 or email sales@jdj-consulting.com to discuss how your site can qualify and benefit. Visit our office: 12925 Riverside Dr Suite 302, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423, United States.

Book your free consultation now: https://jdj-consulting.com/book-consultation/. Explore our full suite of services here: https://jdj-consulting.com/services/

FAQs About SB 684 and SB 1123

What is ministerial approval in California housing?

Ministerial approval means a city must approve a project if it meets objective standards. There are no public hearings, no CEQA review, and no political discretion. It’s faster and more predictable than discretionary approval.

How many homes can be approved under SB 684 and SB 1123?

Up to 10 homes can be approved ministerially per project. Under SB 684, ADUs count toward that cap. Under SB 1123, ADUs and JADUs do not count toward the 10-home limit.

Can I use SB 684 on a lot in a single-family zone?

No. SB 684 only applies to multifamily-zoned lots. If your lot is zoned single-family and is vacant, you may be able to use SB 1123, starting July 1, 2025.

What are the size limits for homes built under these laws?

SB 684 requires the average home size to be ≤ 1,750 sq ft (net habitable space). SB 1123 has minimum parcel sizes of 1,200 sq ft, but no unit size cap.

Do these laws override local zoning codes?

No, they do not override zoning. But they do limit local discretion. As long as a project meets written zoning standards, cities must approve it ministerially.

Are CEQA and public hearings required?

No. Both laws exempt eligible projects from CEQA and do not allow public hearings or appeals. This keeps the approval process short and focused.

📊 SB 684 vs SB 1123: Quick Comparison

SB 684

  • Applies to multifamily zones
  • Lot size up to 5 acres
  • CEQA-exempt, no hearings
  • Average unit ≤ 1,750 sq ft
  • Effective July 1, 2024

SB 1123

  • Applies to vacant SF lots
  • Lot size up to 1.5 acres
  • No CEQA or public input
  • ADUs don’t count toward 10 homes
  • Effective July 1, 2025

The post 10 Homes Approved Ministerially: SB 684 and SB 1123 Explained appeared first on JDJ Consulting.

]]> https://jdj-consulting.com/10-homes-approved-ministerially-sb-684-and-sb-1123-explained/feed/ 1