La Habra council adopts first reading of zoning changes to implement state’s SB 9 and SB 450

La Habra — The La Habra City Council voted unanimously Oct. 6 to adopt the first reading of an ordinance (Zone Change ZCA25-4) that amends Title 17 and Title 18 of the La Habra Municipal Code to implement provisions of California Senate Bill 9 and Senate Bill 450. The ordinance would allow two-unit developments and urban lot splits in single-family dwelling zones consistent with state law.

The measure, introduced by Planning Manager Sonia Louie, would create a new section on parcel maps for urban lot splits and add a section allowing two-unit housing developments in R1A, R1B and R1C single-family zones. "I am Sonia Louie, planning manager, here to present you with zone change 20 five-four," Louie told the council during her staff presentation, which summarized SB 9/SB 450 requirements and exemptions.

The ordinance adopts state rules that make many SB 9/SB 450 applications ministerial — subject to administrative approval rather than discretionary public hearings — and requires cities to process complete applications within 60 days. Louie summarized…