SB-9 Rejected!
I have an important update to share regarding the ongoing debate in Saratoga over local control in housing development and the recent court ruling.
The Los Angeles Superior Court has recently issued a ruling declaring Senate Bill 9 (SB-9) unconstitutional. This decision marks a significant victory for proponents of local government authority over housing matters.
In early 2022, five charter cities – Carson, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Del Mar, and Whittier – filed a lawsuit against the State of California, asserting that SB-9 was unconstitutional and invalid when applied to charter cities.
The court's ruling in favor of these cities sets a precedent that could lead to challenges against similar housing bills that seek to supersede local control. As the push to preserve local government authority over housing gains momentum, we can anticipate further developments in this area.
Read my position statement on housing here
For those interested in reviewing the court's decision, you can access the ruling here:
As a reminder, SB-9 required all California cities to approve, through a ministerial process, applications for lot splits and the development of up to four housing units on single-family residential lots meeting specific criteria. The bill aimed to increase housing supply by overriding local zoning regulations. You can find a list of California's charter cities here:
