SB 9 in View Park: Lot Splits and Duplexes Explained

Curious if you can split your View Park lot or add a second primary home under SB 9? You’re not alone. The rules feel complex, and the historic character of View Park adds extra layers. In this guide, you’ll learn what SB 9 allows, how eligibility works in View Park, what Los Angeles County requires, and the practical steps to move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.

What SB 9 Allows

SB 9 creates two paths to add housing on single-family parcels:

• Two-unit project: Add up to two primary dwellings on one lot through a ministerial approval.
• Urban lot split: Subdivide one single-family parcel into two new parcels, each eligible for housing under objective standards.

Used together in some configurations, SB 9 can enable up to four primary units across the original parcel. For the statutory framework, review the state SB 9 bill text.

Eligibility in View Park

Start with zoning and basic rules

Your parcel must be in a single-family residential zone. For lot splits, state law sets minimums, including two roughly equal parcels and at least 1,200 square feet per new lot. Local agencies can only apply objective standards and must process qualifying applications ministerially. Los Angeles County provides an overview of these basics on its SB 9 information page.

The historic district caveat

This is the big one for View Park. The neighborhood is listed as the View Park Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. SB 9 excludes properties in a historic district or included in the State Historic Resources Inventory. Many View Park parcels fall into these categories, which can make them ineligible. Check your address against the National Park Service listing and verify status with County planning. Use LA County’s Maps and GIS tools to confirm overlays before you assume eligibility.

Quick eligibility checklist

Use this high-level screen before spending money on plans:

• Parcel is zoned single-family. State SB 9 text
• Not within a historic district or the State Historic Resources Inventory. NPS listing
• Lot split creates two approximately equal lots and each is at least 1,200 square feet. LA County SB 9 page
• Not in excluded areas like wetlands, certain hazard zones, or protected habitat. General exclusion examples
• No recent rental or affordable-housing restrictions that would block demolition or alterations. HCD guidance
• No prior SB 9 split of the parcel and not part of a “serial split” in concert with related owners. Local implementation example

How LA County Processes SB 9

Where to start and what to file

For View Park, LA County’s Department of Regional Planning handles SB 9. Begin on the County’s SB 9 page and verify zoning and overlays in GIS-NET/Maps. Typical submittals include an SB 9 eligibility checklist, a base application, owner-occupancy and occupancy-history affidavits, and, for lot splits, a parcel map application. Find forms on the County’s Applications and Forms page.

Typical timeline and sequence

• Eligibility check and informal counseling with County planning.
• Parcel map application for an urban lot split, with required affidavits.
• Record the final parcel map to create two legal lots.
• Apply for ministerial site plan or building permits for the new units.
• Construct and complete inspections.

Recording maps and affidavits affects title, so factor that into timing and resale.

Owner-occupancy for lot splits

LA County requires an owner-occupancy affidavit for SB 9 urban lot splits, typically stating you intend to occupy one primary dwelling for three years. See the County’s Applications and Forms for current language and submittal requirements.

Narrow grounds for denial

Even if you meet SB 9 criteria, the County can deny a ministerial approval only if a specific, adverse impact to health, safety, or the environment is identified and cannot be mitigated. This is a narrow exception. See a local implementation example in San Mateo County’s guidance.

ADUs, Parking, and Unit Counts

ADUs with SB 9

SB 9 and ADU law are separate. Many places allow ADUs in addition to SB 9 units, but some jurisdictions restrict ADUs on SB 9 lots. Do not assume ADUs are allowed after a split. Confirm current policy before designing your project. For a practical overview of ADU rules and parking waivers near transit, review this local ADU guide.

Possible unit scenarios

• No lot split: Up to two primary units under SB 9 on one lot, with ADU/JADU eligibility depending on local rules.
• With an urban lot split: Each new lot may be eligible for up to two primary units under objective standards, which can total up to four primary units across the original parcel.

Exact outcomes depend on County standards and ADU policy. For common planning scenarios, see this SB 9 FAQ example.

Parking and transit

Parking requirements vary by jurisdiction and proximity to major transit. ADU parking waivers may apply in certain transit areas under state ADU law, while SB 9 primary units generally follow local parking and fee standards unless waived. Check your parcel’s context in LA County’s Maps and GIS.

Practical Tips for View Park Owners

Lead with a parcel check

• Confirm zoning and overlays in County GIS. LA County Maps and GIS
• Verify historic status before advertising SB 9 potential. View Park Historic District

Watch for private restrictions

HOA rules, CC&Rs, and conservation easements can limit what you can build even if SB 9 allows it. SB 9 does not override private covenants. See a local implementation example in San Mateo County’s SB 9 page.

Plan for hazards and site constraints

Flood zones, fault zones, and fire severity areas can disqualify a parcel or add steps. Review hazard layers early. See general exclusion examples in this SB 9 overview.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Marketing a home as SB 9 eligible without confirming historic status and zoning. NPS listing
• Forgetting the three-year owner-occupancy affidavit for lot splits. LA County forms
• Assuming ADUs are automatically allowed after a split. ADU overview
• Skipping the tenancy and demolition history review required by state guidance. HCD memos
• Mixing up the order of approvals. Record the parcel map before seeking building permits. LA County SB 9 process

Next Steps

If you think your View Park property might qualify, verify zoning and overlays in LA County’s Maps and GIS, review the County SB 9 page, and pull the latest applications and forms. When you want a clear, local strategy for timing, resale, and marketing, connect with Greg Jones for one-on-one guidance.

FAQs

What is SB 9 in California?

• SB 9 is a state law that allows ministerial approval for up to two primary units on a single-family lot and a separate option to split a lot into two parcels, subject to objective standards. See the SB 9 bill text.

Are homes in View Park eligible for SB 9 if the area is historic?

• Many View Park parcels are within a National Register historic district, and SB 9 excludes properties in historic districts or the State Historic Resources Inventory. Check your parcel against the NPS listing and verify overlays in LA County Maps and GIS.

What documents do I need to apply for an SB 9 lot split in LA County?

• Expect an SB 9 eligibility checklist, base application, owner-occupancy and occupancy-history affidavits, and a parcel map application, available on the County’s Applications and Forms page.

Does an SB 9 lot split require owner occupancy in LA County?

• Yes. LA County requires an owner-occupancy affidavit stating you intend to live in one of the primary units for three years after the split; see County forms.

How many units can I build with SB 9 in View Park?

• Without a split, up to two primary units may be allowed; with a split, each lot may allow up to two primary units, for up to four across the original parcel, subject to local standards and ADU policy. See this SB 9 scenario overview and confirm details on the LA County SB 9 page.