Understanding SB 9 Land Divisions in Butte, Tehama & Glenn Counties

California Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) — also known as the California Housing Opportunity and More Efficiency (HOME) Act — became law in January 2022. This legislation was created to help ease the state’s housing shortage by making it easier for property owners in single-family zones to add housing units or split their lots. 👉 Download the official SB 9 Fact Sheet (PDF) from the California Department of Housing & Community Development for more details.

If you own property in Butte County, Tehama County, or Glenn County, and you're wondering how SB 9 affects your land, this article explains the basics.

🏡 What Does SB 9 Allow?

• Two-Unit Development: You may build up to two residential units on a single-family lot. These can be attached or detached, and each must be at least 800 square feet.
• Urban Lot Split: You may subdivide your parcel into two separate lots — each at least 1,200 square feet. Then, each new lot can contain up to two units — allowing up to four total units.

Who Qualifies?

To qualify for SB 9 in northern California, your parcel must:

• Be zoned single-family residential
• Be located within an urbanized area or cluster
• Not have already been split under SB 9
• Not be adjacent to a parcel you own that was split under SB 9

SB 9 does not apply if:

• The home has had a tenant in the last 3 years
• The lot is in an environmentally restricted zone (e.g., floodplain, fire hazard)
• The property contains affordable or rent-controlled housing

What’s the Process?

Here's how SB 9 development works in Butte, Tehama, and Glenn counties:

1. Consult with a Land Surveyor: Start with a boundary and topographic survey to understand your parcel’s potential.
2. Create a Site Plan: Work with an engineer or architect to design your new lots or units.
3. Submit an Application: Apply with your local planning department. Some jurisdictions may require a 3-year owner occupancy affidavit. 👉 Download the City of Chico SB 9 Urban Lot Split Application (PDF)
4. Record New Parcels: Your surveyor will prepare the legal descriptions and mapping documents for recording.

🛠️ How We Can Help

At Blue Oak Survey & Engineering, we provide expert land surveying and civil engineering support for SB 9 projects throughout Chico, Oroville, Corning, Red Bluff, and surrounding areas.

• Boundary & topographic surveys
• Legal descriptions and subdivision mapping
• Site plans, grading, and drainage design
• Agency coordination and permit support

Get a Free SB 9 Consultation

If you're ready to explore a lot split or multi-unit project under SB 9, we're here to help.

📞 (530) 966-7469
📧 mclrke@gmail.com