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Commission reviews SB 9 urban lot-split amendments, asks staff to draft municipal code text
Summary
Sierra Madre staff presented proposed SB 9-driven updates to Titles 16 and 17, explaining lot-split mechanics, historic-resource protections, a 60-day director shot clock and an applicant occupancy requirement; the commission asked staff to draft ordinance language and return with specifics.
City staff asked the Planning Commission on Aug. 6 to authorize drafting a municipal-code text amendment to implement SB 9 and related state changes that allow duplexes and urban lot splits by right in single-family zones. Senior Planner Wolf summarized the legal background and said the edits would modify both Title 16 (subdivisions) and Title 17 (zoning).
"SB 9 does have a minimum lot size," Wolf said during the presentation, adding that state law allows duplexes "and under title 16, it allows for lot splits by right in single family zones." The staff presentation noted the ordinance would not permit demolition or alteration of designated historic resources where state law limits such actions and that ministerial decisions would be subject to a 60-day director decision deadline.
The commission agreed that drafting a municipal-code amendment is the appropriate next step. Commissioners asked staff to return with draft ordinance language that reflects the group's guidance on: whether objective design standards removed from SB 9 should be folded into the underlying single-family zones; how to handle roof decks and setback references; and options for addressing the conversion of existing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) into standalone residences following a split. Staff said they would prepare draft code edits and example fee scenarios for the commission and the City Council to consider at a future meeting.
Provenance: topicintro SEG 344 ("I'll be presenting for city staff today.") ; topicfinish SEG 376 (staff transition to detailed discussion).
