In brief
Long Beach describes SB 9 as “Cal. Gov’t Code section 65852.21”, in effect since January 1, 2022, allowing by-right approval “of residential developments with no more than two primary units in a single-family zone” and, in certain cases, splitting a parcel “into two parcels”. The city applies it to R-1 lots with at most one existing single-family dwelling, and a lot split is optional, with the smaller lot at least 40 percent and the larger no more than 60 percent.
- An SB 9 unit “is classified as a principal dwelling and is therefore subject to the same fees and regulations as any other new home”, including impact fees even under 750 sq ft23.
- Zoning standards apply, with a limited waiver “if it would otherwise preclude an SB 9 unit of up to 800 square feet”2.
- The lot-split route is a Tentative Parcel Map under Chapter 20.18, an owner-occupancy affidavit, then a final map through Public Works4.
- As of October 2026 the Planning schedule lists the Tentative Parcel Map at $5,268 base (Zoning Administrator hearing) or $15,469 (Planning Commission hearing)8.
- The city’s SB 9 and lot-split ordinances are still being rewritten1.
SB 9 is the state law that lets a single-family lot take a second primary unit, be split in two, or both. Long Beach has no finished local ordinance for it yet, so the city’s pages are the working rules: an eligibility checklist, a lot-split page and a set of fee schedules. This page sets out what those pages say, the fees in force since October 1, 2026, and where the city’s rules stop. The section pillar is Permits in Long Beach, and the sister rules for accessory units are in ADUs in Long Beach.
This page describes the rules as of October 2026. It is not legal advice.
The short answer
| If you are… | What the city’s pages say |
|---|---|
| Owner of an R-1 lot with one single-family house | Eligible for review: R-1 lots with at most one existing single-family dwelling2 |
| Adding a second primary unit and keeping one lot | A principal dwelling at new-home fees; zoning standards apply, with a limited waiver for a unit of up to 800 sq ft2 |
| Splitting the lot | Optional; the smaller lot at least 40 percent and the larger no more than 60 percent, by Tentative Parcel Map4 |
| Comparing with an ADU | “Unlike an ADU”, an SB 9 unit pays impact fees even under 750 sq ft23 |
| Checking parking | The city’s map page lists an “SB9 Parking Exemption” layer5 |
What the city says SB 9 is
The city’s ADU page defines SB 9 as “Cal. Gov’t Code section 65852.21”, in effect January 1, 2022, and says it allows by-right approval “of residential developments with no more than two primary units in a single-family zone” and splitting a parcel “into two parcels in certain cases”. The city describes its SB 9 ordinance as a work in progress, and the urban lot split ordinance is being updated together with the Title 20 subdivision update. Draft ADU and SB 9 ordinances finished public comment “as of November 23, 2025” and still need hearings1.
Which lots qualify
The city’s application page limits SB 9 review to R-1 lots with at most one existing single-family dwelling2. The city’s table of established zoning districts lists R-1 variants, among them R-1-S “Single-family Residential, small lot” and R-1-N “standard lot”6. The district a parcel sits in comes from the city’s Zoning and Land Use GIS Map; How to Read the Long Beach Zoning Map explains the symbols.
Two units on one lot
“Unlike an ADU, an SB 9 unit is classified as a principal dwelling and is therefore subject to the same fees and regulations as any other new home”2. The city’s FAQ confirms impact fees apply “even if the proposed floor area may be less than 750 sf”3.
Zoning standards also apply. The city grants a limited waiver “if it would otherwise preclude an SB 9 unit of up to 800 square feet”2. Read against the schedule, principal-dwelling treatment points to the regular residential lines and not the ADU lines.
| Impact fee, per dwelling unit | Single-family | Multi-family | ADU (for comparison) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire facilities | $496 | $378 | $241.74 |
| Parks and recreation | $4,613.04 | $3,562.78 | $1,781.39 |
| Police | $703 | $537 | $342.86 |
Fees as of October 2026. Source:7.
The pages do not say which of the two residential lines a given SB 9 unit is charged. The same schedule prints transportation as “Residential $1,125.00 / dwelling unit” and sewer capacity at $144.34, and school fees come from the school district7. Building permit fees are set by valuation, and a $119 processing fee applies to each application as of October 20269.
The lot split
A lot split under SB 9 is optional. The city’s page sets the proportions: “the smaller lot at least 40% and the larger lot no more than 60%”. The application goes through a Tentative Parcel Map under Chapter 20.18 with an owner-occupancy affidavit, and then Public Works processes the final map. The city’s eligibility checklist cites Gov. Code 65852.214.
The Planning schedule in force since October 1, 2026 lists these map fees; the schedule shows each fee at its base and with a 12.0 percent surcharge, and says “Fee with surcharge applies”8.
| Planning fee | Base | With surcharge |
|---|---|---|
| Tentative Parcel Map, Zoning Administrator hearing | $5,268.00 | $5,900.16 |
| Tentative Parcel Map, Planning Commission hearing | $15,469.00 | $17,325.28 |
| Final Map review | $2,073.00 | $2,321.76, plus $38.08 per lot or unit |
Fees as of October 2026. Source:8.
The schedule lists the Tentative Parcel Map under two hearing tiers and does not mention SB 9, so which tier a lot split under the city’s by-right description falls into is not stated. The schedule says a project’s “fees are based on the fee schedule in effect at the time the application submittal is completed”8.
Good to know The Final Map review line is Planning’s fee. The city’s SB 9 page puts the final map with Public Works48, and the pages do not say whether the two are the same charge.
The limits the city states
- Lot type. R-1 lots with at most one existing single-family dwelling2.
- Split proportions. The smaller lot at least 40 percent, the larger no more than 60 percent4.
- Owner occupancy. An affidavit accompanies the Tentative Parcel Map application4.
- Fees. Principal-dwelling treatment, impact fees included, even under 750 sq ft23.
- Zoning. Standards apply, with the waiver for a unit of up to 800 sq ft2.
- Rules still moving. The ordinances for SB 9 and lot splits are being rewritten1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SB 9 in Long Beach?
The city’s page describes it as Cal. Gov’t Code section 65852.21, allowing by-right approval of up to two primary units in a single-family zone and, in certain cases, a split into two parcels1.
Can I split my lot in Long Beach under SB 9?
In certain cases. The city’s page says the smaller lot must be at least 40 percent and the larger no more than 60 percent, through a Tentative Parcel Map, an owner-occupancy affidavit and a Public Works final map4.
Is an SB 9 unit the same as an ADU in Long Beach?
No. The city says an SB 9 unit is a principal dwelling subject to the same fees and regulations as any new home2.
Do SB 9 units pay impact fees in Long Beach?
Yes, even if the floor area is under 750 sq ft, according to the city’s FAQ3.
What does a lot split cost in Long Beach?
As of October 2026 the Planning schedule lists a Tentative Parcel Map at $5,268 base or $15,469 base by hearing tier, and Final Map review at $2,073, each before the 12 percent surcharge8.
Does Long Beach have an SB 9 ordinance?
Not a finished one. The city describes its ordinance as a work in progress1.
Related Articles
Sources
- ADUs: Accessory Dwelling Units — City of Long Beach, Development Services. Accessed 2026-10-02.
- ADU and SB 9 applications — City of Long Beach, Development Services. Accessed 2026-10-02.
- Building and Safety ADU FAQs — City of Long Beach, Development Services. Accessed 2026-10-02.
- SB 9 urban lot split — City of Long Beach, Development Services. Accessed 2026-10-02.
- Zoning maps and related map layers — City of Long Beach, Development Services. Accessed 2026-10-02.
- Zoning Districts Established — City of Long Beach, Development Services. Accessed 2026-10-02.
- Development Impact Fees (effective October 1, 2026) — City of Long Beach, Development Services. Accessed 2026-10-02.
- Planning Bureau Fee Schedule, October 1, 2026 — City of Long Beach, Development Services. Accessed 2026-10-02.
- Building Plan Review and Permit Fees, October 1, 2026 — City of Long Beach, Development Services. Accessed 2026-10-02.