Administrative
Report
H.23., File # 24-1480 Meeting Date: 9/3/2024
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: LUKE SMUDE, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER
TITLE
AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN A LETTER IN OPPOSITION TO SENATE BILL 450, WHICH
WOULD LIMIT THE ABILITY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO APPLY OBJECTIVE STANDARDS TO PROPOSED SENATE BILL 9 PROJECTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Senate Bill (SB) 450 (Atkins) amends SB 9 and was passed by the State Assembly on August 28, 2024 and then passed the State Senate on August 29, 2024. SB 9 allows homeowners to create up to four homes on an existing parcel, in effect, eliminating single-family-only zoning. Crucially, the law allows the owner to “split” their lot, which makes it easier to sell or finance additional homes on a single parcel. SB 450 limits the ability of local jurisdictions to apply objective standards on proposed SB 9 projects.
BACKGROUND
Under SB 9, local jurisdictions had the ability to apply objective standards, such as maximum unit size, height limitations, and other environmental impacts, to deny proposed projects. SB 450 limits the ability of local jurisdictions to apply objective standards on proposed SB 9 projects and requires the government to approve or deny a project application within 60 days.
SB 450 prohibits local government from accounting for specific adverse impacts on the physical environment including noise levels, agriculture, and wildlife. This would erode the ability of local governments to evaluate proposed projects in their jurisdictions, and could hold acute impacts for a city as dense as Redondo Beach, which ranks in the top 5% of California cities in density, with approximately 11,000 residents per square mile.
If approved, the attached letter would be disseminated to locally elected Legislators as well as uploaded to the State’s new electronic portal which automatically distributes letters to the author’s office as well as the committee(s) of jurisdiction.
COORDINATION
The City Manager’s Office coordinated the preparation of this letter with assistance from the Mayor and City Council, as well as the City Attorney’s Office.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
H.23., File # 24-1480 Meeting Date: 9/3/2024
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
· Letter - Opposition to Senate Bill 450
· Senate Bill 450
· Senate Bill 450 Assembly Floor Analysis