City of Pacifica
Home MenuState Planning Laws
Several state laws affect how the City reviews planning applications — including what standards apply, how much discretion the City retains, and whether CEQA review is required.
SB 9
Allows up to four dwelling units and urban lot splits on single-family zoned lots. Review is ministerial: the City must approve projects that meet objective criteria. CEQA does not apply.
Housing and Community Development SB-9 Fact Sheet
SB 35 / SB 423
Streamlines approval for qualifying affordable housing projects that meet prevailing wage and other requirements. Review is ministerial: the City must approve projects that meet objective criteria. CEQA does not apply.
Housing and Community Development Ministerial Approval Process Guidelines
Builder's Remedy
Limits the City's ability to deny housing projects meeting affordability requirements when the jurisdiction lacks a state-compliant Housing Element. CEQA applies to Builder's Remedy projects.
Pacifica currently has a state-compliant Housing Element. However, during a prior period without certification, several Builder's Remedy applications were submitted and are under active review.
Association of Bay Area Governments Builders Remedy and Housing Element Technical Assistance
SB 330 — Housing Crisis Act of 2019
Allows housing applicants to vest to the zoning and development standards in effect when a complete preliminary application is filed, even if regulations change afterward. Also limits the City to five hearings on any single housing application.
Housing and Community Development HAA Technical Assistance Advisory Memo
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