Simi Valley establishes some control over new state multi-unit complexes law

Simi Valley has established some control over a new state law that allows multi-unit complexes to be built in single-family home neighborhoods.

The City Council on Monday night unanimously adopted an urgency ordinance extending for nearly two years new city regulations in response to Senate Bill 9, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom Sept. 16, and which became effective Jan. 1.

SB 9 allows property owners, within single-family zones, to develop up to two primary residential units on a single lot. It also allows for the creation of a two-lot subdivision on existing residential lots subject to certain criteria being met. Both would be permitted with city approval, but without a hearing.

Newsom said the bill will expand much-needed housing in the state. Opponents say it will change the character of single family home neighborhoods for the worse.

The urgency ordinance, initially adopted by the City Council Dec. 20 for 45 days, created rules and regulations for multi-unit complexes to be built in residential neighborhoods. It was set to expire Feb. 2, but has now been extended to Dec. 17, 2023.

"Local regulations for determining lot coverage, setbacks, lot size, parking, building heights, building design, and other limitations by the state (needed) to be adopted urgently," the report from the city's environmental services department says.

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SB 9 eliminates much local control over land-use planning and supersedes several city regulations regarding single-family residential subdivision and development standards, according to a city report.

But it does allow local jurisdictions to enact regulations through the adoption of new zoning regulations.

City Manager Brian Gabler said Tuesday that the ordinance gives Simi Valley more authority over the state law than if it hadn't been enacted.

"It absolutely gives us the amount of local control that SB 9 provides to cities, as small as that might be," he said.

But it will not delay implementation of the law, he said.

"It doesn't put any roadblocks in place," he said. "It ensures consistency and compatibility with the city's neighborhoods."

The council voted 5-0 to extend the urgency ordinance.

"I commend the efforts here," said council member Elaine Litster. "I do have concerns with SB 9. I do think that it can support developers and if anything, can actually increase ... costs of housing.

"There's nothing in this that requires an affordable housing component," she said.

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Councilmember Ruth Luevanos said she was glad that the urgency ordinance gives the city "the flexibility to adjust as the state adjusts.

"But there is a need for housing here," she said. "And we want to make sure that we meet those needs of everyone in this community."

A handful of public speakers told the City Council they support the ordinance.

One was Simi Valley resident Joe Piechowski, who urged the council "to do everything you can to stop this awful, evil Senate Bill 9."

Several cities in the state have filed lawsuits challenging the bill, including Carson, Torrance and Redondo Beach.

Gabler said Simi Valley has not considered doing so.

Mike Harris covers the East County cities of Moorpark, Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks, as well as transportation countywide. You can contact him at mike.harris@vcstar.com or 805-437-0323.

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This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Simi Valley establishes some control over new state housing law