SB 9 Lot Splits In Cambria: What To Know

Thinking about splitting your Cambria lot or adding more homes under SB 9? You are not alone. SB 9 opened new options statewide, but Cambria has unique coastal and infrastructure constraints that can change what is possible. In this guide, you will learn how SB 9 works, what to check first in Cambria, the steps, timelines, and costs, and how to move forward with clarity. Let’s dive in.

SB 9 in plain English

SB 9 created two ministerial paths on single-family parcels in California:

• Build up to two residential units on one parcel. See California Government Code § 65852.21.
• Split one parcel into two separate lots through an “urban lot split.” See Government Code § 66411.7.

If a parcel qualifies, you could pursue both paths and end up with up to four total units, subject to objective local standards and any applicable exclusions. Ministerial means approvals rely on objective rules and typically avoid public hearings. Other required permits can still apply.

What qualifies and what does not

At the state level, eligibility hinges on zoning and objective standards. Your parcel must be zoned for single-family use and meet local objective rules like setbacks, height, and parking. SB 9 does not allow demolition of protected affordable units or override private CC&Rs or HOA rules.

Common exclusions include formally designated historic resources, prime agricultural lands, and parcels where other environmental laws apply. SB 9 also does not override the Coastal Act. If a Coastal Development Permit is required for your project, ministerial SB 9 approval may not be available.

Why Cambria is different

Bottom line: Cambria sits in the Coastal Zone and faces real infrastructure and hazard constraints. These local realities often set the limits for SB 9.

Coastal Zone and CDPs

Much of Cambria lies within the California Coastal Zone. New development can require a Coastal Development Permit, which is discretionary. When a CDP or other coastal review is required, SB 9’s ministerial path may not apply.

Utilities and water

Some parcels connect to sewer, while others rely on on-site septic. Additional units can trigger capacity checks, connection approvals, or system upgrades. Contact the local service provider, such as the Cambria Community Services District, early to understand rules, fees, and any moratoria or waitlists.

Fire risk and safety

Parts of Cambria fall within high fire severity areas. You may need additional fire-safety measures and defensible space. These requirements can affect design, costs, and feasibility.

Slopes and coastal bluffs

Cambria’s hillsides and coastal bluffs bring geologic hazards and setback rules. Steep slopes, erosion concerns, and bluff setbacks can limit where you place new lots or units.

Historic character and private rules

Properties within a formal historic district or designated as historic resources are typically excluded from SB 9 ministerial approvals. Private CC&Rs and HOA rules remain enforceable and can limit or prohibit lot splits or additional units.

What an SB 9 path looks like in Cambria

1. Preliminary check. Review San Luis Obispo County’s SB 9 materials and confirm your parcel’s zoning, Coastal Zone status, and any exclusions. Talk with County planning staff about objective standards for Cambria.

2. Pre-application intake. Prepare conceptual plans, owner declarations, and any required surveys. Identify which objective standards apply to your site.

3. Application review. The County evaluates objective criteria like setbacks, height, lot coverage, parking, utilities, and recorded deed restrictions. Historic and environmental constraints are verified.

4. Conditions and permitting. Even with SB 9 approval, you will still need building permits and, where applicable, septic or sewer permits, grading permits, or other clearances before construction.

5. Parcel map and recordation. For an urban lot split, a parcel map or certificate of compliance must be recorded. Title work and legal descriptions are prepared.

Typical timeline

Ministerial SB 9 reviews can move faster than discretionary processes, but plan for several weeks to a few months for eligibility and sign-off. Add time for surveys, utility approvals, septic permitting, and building permits. Coastal or environmental permits can extend the overall timeline.

Budget checklist

• County planning, building, and subdivision map fees
• Licensed land surveyor for mapping and legal descriptions
• Title work and potential easements or lot-line adjustments
• Utility capacity and connection fees for water and sewer, or septic system permitting and upgrades
• Fire-safety work, defensible space, and required reports
• Design team: architect or designer, civil and structural engineers, and geotechnical as needed
• Building permit fees and construction costs
• Potential reassessment by the County Assessor after a split or new construction

Title, financing, and taxes

After an urban lot split, each new lot receives its own legal description and may be assessed separately for property taxes. Some lenders and title companies set stricter criteria for newly created parcels or construction loans. Engage your lender and title company early to understand requirements and timelines. New construction or a recorded split can trigger reassessment by the San Luis Obispo County Assessor.

Realistic scenarios in Cambria

If your parcel is eligible, has adequate utility capacity, and meets objective standards, you could split the lot and place up to two units on each, for a total of up to four. In practice, many Cambria parcels face Coastal Zone review, septic or sewer constraints, fire-safety costs, steep slopes, or historic limits that reduce or block SB 9 use. Early due diligence is essential so you can avoid sunk costs and set the right expectations.

Due diligence checklist for Cambria owners

• Pull your parcel map and zoning. Review the County’s SB 9 materials and any eligibility tools.
• Verify Coastal Zone status and whether a Coastal Development Permit is required.
• Contact the local water and wastewater provider about capacity, connections, and fees.
• Review title and CC&Rs for any private restrictions on splitting or adding units.
• Check for historic designations or conservation easements.
• Order a preliminary site assessment for topography, septic feasibility, and fire hazard.
• Confirm objective standards with San Luis Obispo County planning staff and application submittals.
• Get a surveyor estimate for mapping and recordation steps.
• Talk with lenders and title companies about financing and insurability for split lots.
• If coastal or other discretionary permits are likely, consult a planning consultant or land use attorney.

How Concierge Realty supports your plan

You deserve clear answers before you invest time and money. With decades of Central Coast experience, we help you scope feasibility, coordinate the right local pros, and plan a smart path to market. If SB 9 does not fit your parcel, we will help you pivot to a strategy that aligns with your goals and the property’s constraints.

Ready to evaluate an SB 9 lot split in Cambria or price a property with SB 9 potential? Connect with Jan Sanderlin for calm, concierge-level guidance from first call to closing.

FAQs

Can SB 9 let me split my Cambria lot into two?

• Maybe. Start with County SB 9 materials and planning staff to confirm zoning, exclusions, and whether coastal or other discretionary permits apply.

Can I build four total units under SB 9?

• Potentially, if you qualify for an urban lot split and meet the two-unit path on each new lot while satisfying objective standards and infrastructure limits.

Does SB 9 override Coastal Commission rules in Cambria?

• No. The Coastal Act still applies. If a Coastal Development Permit or other discretionary coastal review is required, SB 9’s ministerial approval may not be available.

Do HOA or CC&R rules still apply to SB 9 projects?

• Yes. Private covenants remain enforceable and can limit or prohibit lot splits and additional units.

Will my property taxes change after a split or new units?

• Likely. New parcels and new construction can trigger reassessment by the County Assessor.

What are the biggest red flags for SB 9 in Cambria?

• Coastal Zone areas requiring discretionary permits, limited sewer capacity or septic issues, steep slopes or bluff setbacks, high fire severity zones, and historic resource designations.