What's the timeline for SB-9 approval in Santa Clarita?

Hello and thanks for reaching out with your questions about navigating SB-9 lot splits in Santa Clarita. It’s great that you’re considering this opportunity to add an additional dwelling unit (ADU) to your property. Let’s break down the process, timelines, costs, and local considerations to help you move forward with confidence.

### Timeline for SB-9 Approval

1. **Initial Research and Planning (1-2 months):** Start by gathering necessary documents such as property deeds and surveys. Engage with a local architect or planner familiar with SB-9 projects in Santa Clarita. This stage includes designing your lot split and the potential ADU.

2. **Pre-Application Meeting (1 month):** It's advisable to schedule a pre-application meeting with the Santa Clarita Planning Division. This meeting will help clarify any specific requirements or potential red flags early in the process.

3. **Application Submission and Review (3-6 months):** Once your application is submitted, it will undergo a review process. SB-9 mandates streamlined approval, but local jurisdictions like Santa Clarita may still take up to 60 days to process lot split applications. The key here is ensuring your application is complete and meets all local zoning, design, and utility requirements to avoid delays.

4. **Permit Issuance (1-2 months):** After approval, you’ll need to secure building permits. This stage also involves finalizing structural plans and potentially revisiting the city for any minor adjustments based on feedback.

5. **Construction Phase (6-12 months):** Depending on the complexity of the project, constructing the ADU could take several months. Given your budget, you might consider modular or prefab options, which can be more cost-effective and quicker to build.

### Cost Considerations

For a project like yours, here’s a rough breakdown of potential costs:
- **Architectural and Planning Fees:** $5,000 - $15,000
- **City Application and Permit Fees:** $3,000 - $7,000
- **Construction Costs:** $100 - $300 per square foot, influenced by materials and design choices. For a basic 500 sq ft ADU, estimate $50,000 - $150,000 total.
- **Utility Connection Fees:** Costs can vary. If you need new connections, budget $5,000 - $10,000.

### Local Santa Clarita Considerations

1. **Design and Aesthetic Requirements:** Santa Clarita values maintaining neighborhood character. Ensure your ADU design complements existing structures. A local architect can provide designs aligning with community aesthetics.

2. **Utility Connections:** Existing infrastructure can indeed pose challenges. Early engagement with utility providers is crucial to determine existing capacity and potential upgrades.

3. **Neighborhood Covenants:** Check for any homeowner association (HOA) rules or covenants that might affect your project. While SB-9 overrides many local zoning restrictions, HOAs can impose their own design and usage rules.

### Regulatory References

- **SB-9 (2021):** Allows lot splits and up to two residential units per lot. It aims to streamline approvals but does not eliminate local standards related to public health, safety, and welfare.
- **AB-68 (2019):** Provides statewide standards for ADU development, facilitating easier and quicker construction.

### Tips and Common Pitfalls

- **Complete Applications:** Ensure your application is thorough and all documentation is accurate. Missing information is the most common cause of delays.
- **Community Engagement:** Proactively discuss your plans with neighbors to mitigate potential disputes, especially concerning shared spaces or views.
- **Budget Flexibility:** Allocate a contingency fund (typically 10-15% of your total budget) for unexpected costs, particularly with utilities or construction delays.

### Next Steps

1. **Engage Professionals:** Hire a local architect or ADU specialist early to guide you through design and compliance.
2. **Consult with the City:** Utilize resources from the Santa Clarita Planning Division for guidance and to anticipate any specific local challenges.
3. **Explore Financing Options:** Look into financing solutions that might extend your budget, such as home equity loans or state grants for ADU development.

### Resources

- **Santa Clarita Planning Division:** [Website Link]
- **California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD):** Provides ADU guidelines and resources [Website Link]
- **Local ADU Builders and Architects:** Consider consulting a few local firms for quotes and insights.

By following these steps and leveraging available resources, you can navigate the SB-9 process more smoothly. Best of luck with your project, and feel free to reach out if you have more questions as you progress!