With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
What A Judge's Ruling Could Mean For Building Multiple Units On Single-Family Lots In California
Redondo Beach is among the cities challenging SB9.
(
Ricks Moulton/Getty Images
/
iStockphoto
)
Topline:
In a case that’s expected to test how far the state can go to order cities to approve more housing in low-density neighborhoods, an L.A. County judge agreed with Southern California cities who argue a 2021 state law overstepped.
About SB 9: Redondo Beach, Carson, Torrance, Whittier and Del Mar filed the lawsuit to overturn SB 9, a 2021 state law that increased the density of housing allowed in single-family neighborhoods. The law grants homeowners the right to split single-family lots and build up to four units of housing. These zones make up about 78% of residential land in the greater L.A. area.
The decision: Judge Curtis Kin agreed with the cities, writing that "SB 9 cannot stand" because it does not require new housing to be restricted to low- and moderate-income households. Right now, that only applies to the five cities that sued. But, if it's upheld on appeal, Kin’s ruling could potentially apply to cities across the state.
Support for LAist comes from
The backstory: So far, the law has been little used. The city of L.A. received 211 applications during the first year of implementation for SB 9, according to UC Berkeley’s Terner Center for Housing Innovation.
Why it matters: Housing policy experts will be watching this case closely as it moves to higher courts because of its implications for efforts increase available housing in the state, which is in an affordable housing crisis. A spokesperson for California Attorney General Rob Bonta said his office is reviewing the decision and considering “all options in defense of SB 9.”
Go deeper: Here’s How LA’s Suburban-Style Zoning Contributes To Racial Disparities
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
What do stairs have to do with California’s housing crisis? More than you might think, says this Culver City councilmember. -
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain. -
Doctors say administrator directives allow immigration agents to interfere in medical decisions and compromise medical care. -
The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 and went on to kill 12 people and destroy more than 6,800 homes and buildings. -
People moving to Los Angeles are regularly baffled by the region’s refrigerator-less apartments. They’ll soon be a thing of the past. -
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases.
Best of LAist