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Loomis residents urge council to act after SB 9 lot split they call a 'monstrosity' on Circle Drive
Summary
Neighbors told the Town Council the Circle Drive lot split under California's SB 9 produced a building they say exceeds height and unit limits, is being rented on Airbnb, and has damaged a private road; planning staff said SB 9 approvals are ministerial and council agreed to agendize a broader policy discussion.
Laurie Otten, a Circle Drive resident, told the Loomis Town Council that a recently completed lot-split project under California's SB 9 has overwhelmed an older, single-family block and may not comply with local standards. “We are under attack with SB 9,” Otten said during public comment, describing what she called a "monstrosity" that appears to have three kitchens and limited parking. Her husband, Steve Otten, added that the front unit is already being rented on Airbnb and accused developers of sidestepping SB 9 requirements.
The council heard a factual briefing from planning staff. Christie, planning staff, said SB 9 was enacted in 2022 and that Loomis has received 17 applications to date: one withdrawn, two under review and 14 recorded or in process. “SB 9 actually allows for four total units, including duplexes, if you split your lot,” Christie said, noting applicants must sign an affidavit attesting intent to occupy the property for three years and that the law limits local discretion by making approvals ministerial.
The meeting included extended public comment from several neighbors, who said the Circle Drive project has damaged a private roadway and created neighborhood safety and parking issues. Residents asked the council to strengthen enforcement and to consider whether current local procedures give enough protection to long-standing neighborhoods.
Council members disclaimed the ability to act on a specific, non-agendized project during the meeting but agreed to place SB 9 policy options on a future agenda for a fuller, agendized discussion. Staff said they will prepare background materials, including legislative intent and possible regulatory options, for the council to consider at that meeting. No formal enforcement action or change to the specific Circle Drive project was made at the meeting.
The next procedural step is an agendized council discussion of SB 9 options that staff will prepare; the council also agreed to reopen general public comment at that future meeting to collect additional neighborhood input.
