Zoning Ordinance Amendment - Urban Lot Splits and Two Unit Projects (SB9)

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the City of Pleasant Hill that the City Council will hold a public hearing to consider a recommendation from the Planning Commission on proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments related to Urban Lot Splits (PHMC Section 18.20.097) and Two Unit Projects (PHMC Section 18.20.105). The proposed amendments would modify provisions that were implemented as part of an urgency ordinance in response to State Legislation that was passed in 2021 (Senate Bill 9) that allowed lot splits and two unit residential projects ("by-right") on properties that allowed single family residential uses.

Over the last several years, California has enacted several new laws requiring cities to streamline housing development project approval for both single family and multifamily residential development, including SB 330, SB 35, SB 167, AB 678 and AB 1515. Review of City's existing standards will ensure that qualifying housing development projects, subject to streamlined review, are designed to fit in with the character of Pleasant Hill. Reviewing City's existing standards for possible revisions provides the City of Pleasant Hill a unique opportunity to consider new standards that may further enhance the City's character and family-oriented way of life.

Pursuant to California Government Code sections 65852.21, subd. (j), and 66411.7, subd. (n), the adoption of an ordinance by a city or county implementing the provisions of Government Code sections 66411.7 and 65852.21 regulating urban lot splits and two-unit projects is statutorily exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"). Therefore, the proposed ordinance is statutorily exempt from CEQA in that the proposed ordinance implements these laws enacted by Senate Bill 9. The project is also categorically exempt from CEQA under the Class 3 and 15 exemption set forth in State CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 and 15315.

THE PUBLIC HEARING will be held by the City Council starting at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 12, 2022. Please check the City's website or posted agenda for information regarding whether the hearing will be held virtually or at City Hall at 100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523.

For information on this matter, please call or email Haley Croffoot, at (925) 671-5297 or [email protected].