California’s SB9: Redefining Property Development

Elias Horat
3 min readMay 5, 2023

At Creates Cool, our studio is always on the lookout for innovative ways to create unique living spaces. Recently, we’ve been working on a few projects that take advantage of California’s SB9 law, allowing property owners to divide their parcels and build multiple units. This exciting development in California’s housing landscape has the potential to revolutionize how people approach property ownership and housing options.

Front Duplex, with Rear ADU a possibility for split into 2 lots

So, what exactly is SB9? SB9, or Senate Bill 9, is a California state law that went into effect in January 2022. It allows property owners to subdivide their lots into smaller parcels and build up to two additional units on their property, effectively turning a single-family home into a triplex. This law aims to address California’s housing crisis by increasing housing density and providing more affordable housing options.

SB9 is relevant to anyone who owns property or a single-family home in California. It opens up new possibilities for property owners to maximize the potential of their land and create additional units, whether for extended family, rental income, or to sell as separate properties. With the high demand for housing in California, particularly in urban areas, SB9 offers a viable solution to increase housing supply without further encroaching on undeveloped land.

Two duplexes on an existing large site, to soon be two sites.

We believe that more people should take advantage of building on and making more units on their property for several reasons. It can provide additional income streams through rental units, helping homeowners offset the high costs of homeownership in California. Secondly, it can offer affordable housing options for families, students, and individuals in need, helping to address the affordability crisis in the state. Last, it promotes sustainable development by utilizing existing infrastructure and reducing urban sprawl.

Our studio is excited about the opportunities that SB9 presents for creative and innovative designs. We work closely with our clients to develop functional and aesthetically pleasing designs that make the most of the available space and adhere to local building codes and regulations. We believe that good design can enhance the livability and sustainability of a community, and SB9 provides a unique opportunity to contribute positively to California’s housing landscape.

Multiple future homes on single a lot.

SB9 has opened up exciting possibilities for property owners to create additional units on their land, and our studio is proud to be part of this movement. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to optimize your property’s potential or someone in need of affordable housing, SB9 can offer new opportunities. We encourage more people to take advantage of this law and work with our team to create cool and functional living spaces that make a positive impact on California’s housing crisis. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your possible SB9 project!

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