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Larkspur Planning Commission recommends council introduce SB9‑update ordinance to align local rules with state law
Summary
On Sept. 9 the commission voted 4‑0 to recommend the city council introduce a draft ordinance to update Title 18 to reflect state changes governing two‑unit developments and urban lot splits (SB9/Government Code); commissioners asked staff to incorporate objective T3 district standards and clarified parking and lot‑size implications.
The Larkspur Planning Commission on Sept. 9 voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council introduce an ordinance updating local zoning to conform with recent state changes commonly referenced as SB9 (Government Code provisions governing two‑unit developments and urban lot splits).
Planning staff told the commission the draft amendments would update Chapter 18 to replace SB9 references with the current government‑code citations and to apply objective design standards drawn from the city’s T3 neighborhood standards (porches/stoops, wall heights, frontage treatment) where appropriate. Staff emphasized the change is intended to bring the municipal code into alignment with state law so applicants understand what rules apply and so the city can process applications consistently.
Public commenter Matt Popovich, who said he and his wife rent in Larkspur Courts and hope to own a home locally, urged commissioners to keep in mind young families priced out of the local market and to avoid highly restrictive local standards that would effectively block smaller units. “That high barrier to entry is a big reason why. I really hope that, in choosing to make a recommendation to the council, you’ll keep in mind families like mine and the ability of SB9 — without a bunch of restrictive standards — to create housing young families can afford,” Popovich said.
Commissioners discussed details including minimum lot‑size mechanics (the state framework can allow parcels as small as roughly 1,200 square feet under certain proportional rules), parking rules (the draft would allow one parking space per residence and exempt parking within a half‑mile of transit), and whether the city should incorporate the T3 objective standards or rely on the base R‑1 standards. Staff noted that if local code is out of date the city would still be required to apply state law if an applicant files; updating the code is intended to make the rules clear to applicants and enforceable by staff.
A motion to find the proposed amendments consistent with the general plan and to recommend that the City Council approve the draft ordinance passed by roll call: 4 yes, 0 no, 1 absence. The item will be forwarded to the City Council for introduction and subsequent adoption hearings.
Why it matters: The update implements state law changes that can enable two units or urban lot splits on properties previously constrained by local minimums. The adoption and any local design standards will affect development potential, neighborhood form and potential housing supply in Larkspur.
What’s next: The planning commission’s recommendation will be transmitted to the City Council for introduction and further review; interested residents and applicants should watch for the council hearing schedule and any forthcoming implementation details.
