Thousand Oaks updates zoning rules to implement SB 9 and SB 450; council approves code amendments

The Thousand Oaks City Council voted 5–0 on Aug. 26 to update the municipal code to reflect state laws commonly known as SB 9 (allowing two-unit developments and one-time urban lot splits) and SB 450 (amending aspects of objective standards and permit timelines), and to correct language and clarify standards in Article 37 of Title 9 of the Thousand Oaks Municipal Code. Senior planner Justin Bridal presented the staff report and said the proposed Municipal Code Amendment (MCA-2023-70010) updates the city’s SB 9 implementation to reflect changes in state law from SB 450, to correct typographical errors and to improve consistency and readability. Bridal summarized the state rules staff was implementing: ministerial approval is required for eligible SB 9 projects; jurisdictions may not apply subjective or discretionary processes to projects that meet state rules; and SB 450 restricts application of standards to those that already apply uniformly in the underlying zone, among other changes. The staff report also provided local use data: “Since 2022, we have had 18 properties apply for projects,” Bridal said, adding that 14 projects have been approved and four are currently under review. The report notes that SB 9 applies broadly to single-family zoned properties in urbanized areas with limited exceptions, allows the creation of up to two units or one urban lot split (and combined with ADUs can yield up to four units on the original parcel) and that SB 450 narrows the circumstances in which a jurisdiction may deny SB 9–related applications. Councilmember Taylor asked whether SB 450 is already in effect and whether applicants can apply today; Bridal confirmed the city has been processing qualifying projects since 2022. Other councilmembers asked for numbers on approvals, and Bridal provided the 18-project figure and the status of four active reviews. On a motion the council found the amendment exempt from CEQA as directed by state law and introduced an ordinance to adopt the changes. The clerk recorded the motion as passing 5–0. Ending: The council approved the code correction and SB 9/SB 450 implementation language and directed staff to proceed with the ministerial processing and the ordinance adoption process as reflected in the staff recommendation.