Council introduces zoning changes tied to SB9, SB450 and other housing laws

The Gardena City Council on May 20 introduced Ordinance No. 18‑84, a zone text amendment that updates Gardena’s zoning code to implement recent state housing laws including SB9 (two‑unit and urban lot split rules) and subsequent clarifying bills (SB450, SB1395 and AB1801).

Staff presented background on how the state‑level changes affect local procedures and definitions. The amendment touches multiple chapters — including definitions (Chapter 18.04), the R‑1 single‑family zone (Chapter 18.12), and procedural and standards chapters relating to subdivisions (Chapter 17.08) — and clarifies review timelines and ministerial approval standards for SB9 applications. Staff also added or revised definitions for emergency shelters, low‑barrier navigation centers and supportive housing so local code aligns with recent state guidance.

Nut graf: The ordinance packages a set of mandatory state‑law conforming edits and procedural clarifications so the city can process urban‑lot splits, two‑unit developments and shelter uses consistent with state statutes; the council introduced the text amendment and directed staff to file a notice of exemption under CEQA.

Staff told the commission and council that where SB9 applications are filed the city must act ministerially and complete review within statutorily prescribed timelines; the code edits explicitly limit local variations that would delay or condition approvals inconsistent with state law.

Ending: The council introduced the ordinance and will consider adoption in a subsequent meeting after staff files appropriate CEQA notices and prepares municipal‑code amendments for final action.