SB-9 Lot Split

Urban lot split under SB-9 with new unit construction. Includes lot split application and LB-specific process.

The SB-9 lot split process in California, step by step. This playbook covers all 32 steps of an urban lot split on a Long Beach parcel — entitlement, survey, design, permitting, and dual-unit construction — each with typical durations, costs, and who to call.

32 steps

~271 days

7 phases

This playbook is a starting point — add, remove, or reorder any step when you start your project.

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Planning

5 steps~43 days

SB-9 Eligibility Check

Verify property qualifies: SFR zone, not in historic/coastal/fire zone, lot size, owner-occupancy affidavit requirement.

Long Beach Development Services - Planning · (562) 570-6194 (411 W Ocean Blvd, 3rd Floor. Walk-in for zoning questions.)

SB-9 qualifiers in LB: single-family or multifamily zoned lot, not in historic district, coastal zone, earthquake fault zone, or very high fire hazard zone. Each resulting lot must be ≥ 1,200 sqft. Owner must sign 3-year occupancy affidavit for one unit. Ask Planning for a pre-application meeting — it is free and can save weeks of back-and-forth.

Preliminary Title Report

10d

Full title search to identify easements, deed restrictions, CC&Rs, liens, or recorded agreements that could block the lot split.

CC&Rs recorded on the property (common in older LB tracts) cannot legally block SB-9 per State law, but they are still worth knowing about. Utility easements can significantly constrain where you build. A title company can flag all encumbrances upfront.

Boundary Survey

14d

Licensed land surveyor establishes exact property boundaries, sets monument pins, and prepares a survey map.

Critical for the tentative parcel map. The surveyor must be a licensed Land Surveyor or Civil Engineer. They will research all existing recorded maps, confirm boundary corners, and prepare the base map your civil engineer will use for the TPM.

Lot Split Feasibility Analysis

Analyze resulting lot dimensions, buildable area, setbacks, and financial feasibility of the split.

Each resulting lot must support at least one housing unit. Run the numbers: total construction cost, financing, expected sale prices or rental income vs. total holding costs. SB-9 projects typically pencil best on larger lots in higher-value LB neighborhoods.

Hire Civil Engineer / Land Use Attorney

Engage civil engineer for tentative parcel map. Consider land use attorney for complex situations.

The civil engineer prepares the Tentative Parcel Map (TPM) and coordinates with the city. A land use attorney is useful if there are complications (easements, CC&Rs challenges, neighbor disputes). For a straightforward SB-9 split, engineer alone is sufficient.

Design

4 steps~72 days

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Prepare Tentative Parcel Map (TPM)

21d

Civil engineer prepares the TPM showing existing lot, proposed split line, resulting lots, and required dedications.

The TPM must show: existing parcel, proposed split creating two lots, each lot dimensions, existing structures and how they relate to new lot lines, utility easements, street dedications if required. Work closely with your surveyor — the TPM is based on their boundary survey.

Pre-Application Meeting with LB Planning

14d

Optional but recommended meeting with LB Planning staff to review the proposed split before formal application.

Long Beach Development Services - Planning · (562) 570-6194

Pre-app meetings can save weeks. Planning staff will identify issues with your proposed split before you spend money on formal submittal. Free or low-cost depending on the session type. Highly recommended for first-time SB-9 applicants.

Hire Architect for New Unit(s)

Engage architect to design construction on the new lot(s). Plans must reflect new lot lines.

You can begin design work in parallel with the lot split process — just be aware that plans cannot be submitted for building permit until the map is recorded. Parallel design tracks save time.

Architectural & Structural Plans for New Unit(s)

30d

Full permit drawings: floor plans, elevations, site plan, structural details, Title 24.

Plans must reference the new recorded parcel map and new APN. Coordinate new lot setbacks carefully — rear and side setbacks apply from the new lot lines, not the original property boundary.

Permitting

7 steps~137 days

Show steps ▾

Submit SB-9 Urban Lot Split Application

File the Tentative Parcel Map application with LB Planning Division. Include survey, TPM, title report, owner-occupancy affidavit.

Long Beach Planning Division · (562) 570-6194 (411 W Ocean Blvd, 3rd Floor. Application includes TPM filing fee.)

LB must approve or deny within 60 days per State law (SB-9 is ministerial — no public hearing, no discretionary review). Submit a complete application to start the clock. An incomplete application will not start the 60-day timeline.

City Review & Conditions of Approval

45d

LB Planning reviews the TPM and issues conditions of approval. May require minor corrections or additional information.

LB Planning Division · (562) 570-6194

Typical SB-9 conditions include: utility easements, dedications, drainage requirements, utility separation requirements. Have your civil engineer review conditions and respond promptly — delays on your end do not pause the city clock.

Owner-Occupancy Affidavit Submission

Sign and record the owner-occupancy affidavit — required for SB-9 lot splits. Owner must occupy one unit for 3 years.

LB Planning Division · (562) 570-6194

This is a legal requirement — if you do not intend to owner-occupy, you cannot use SB-9. The affidavit is recorded against the property and runs with the land for 3 years after the split.

Prepare Final Parcel Map

30d

After TPM approval, civil engineer prepares the Final Parcel Map per LA County Surveyor requirements.

The Final Parcel Map must be prepared on Mylar per LA County standards. It will go through review by both LB and LA County Surveyor before recording. This phase commonly takes 2–4 months.

LB Engineering & Public Works Review

21d

LB Engineering reviews final map for street dedication, utility easements, drainage requirements.

LB Public Works - Engineering · (562) 570-6211

Engineering may require utility easements to be shown on the final map. They will also confirm any required street improvements — check if sidewalk or curb/gutter work is a condition of approval.

LA County Surveyor Review & Approval

30d

LA County Surveyor reviews and approves the Final Parcel Map before recording.

LA County Surveyor · (562) 208-6500 (Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, 500 W Temple St, LA.)

LA County Surveyor review adds 3–8 weeks. Their corrections can require the civil engineer to revise and resubmit the map. Budget time for at least one round of corrections.

Record Final Parcel Map with LA County Recorder

After all approvals, record the Final Parcel Map. New APNs are assigned, creating two legal lots.

LA County Recorder · (800) 201-8999 (Norwalk office: 12400 Imperial Hwy.)

This is the finish line for the lot split itself. Once recorded, two new APNs exist. You now have two separate legal parcels and can pull building permits for each. Get certified copies of the recorded map for your files — you will need them for permits and financing.

Pre-Build

4 steps~60 days

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Utility Separation Planning

14d

Plan separate utility services for each new parcel — water meters, gas meters, electric panels, sewer laterals.

LBWD / SCE / SoCalGas · (562) 570-2300 (SCE: 800-655-4555 · SoCalGas: 800-427-2200)

Each parcel needs its own utility services. This is often the most complex part of SB-9 — the existing home may share utilities with the new lot, requiring separation. LBWD, SCE, and SoCalGas all have their own processes and timelines. Start early.

Submit Building Permit for New Construction

File building permit application for the new unit on the split parcel.

Long Beach Development Services - Permit Center · (562) 570-6651 (411 W Ocean Blvd, 2nd Floor.)

Cannot submit building permits until the Final Parcel Map is recorded and new APNs are assigned. Have the recorded map number and new APN on the permit application.

Building Permit Plan Check

42d

LB Plan Check reviews construction plans for the new unit. May require corrections.

Long Beach Plan Check · (562) 570-6651

Full new construction plan check currently runs 6–10 weeks in LB. Budget for this in your timeline — it is often on the critical path.

Pull Building Permit & Pay Fees

Pay all permit fees and receive the building permit for new construction.

Long Beach Development Services · (562) 570-6651

New construction permit fees are higher than ADU fees. Includes school fees (no ADU exemption for new construction on split lot), infrastructure fees, and all trade permits. Budget $10,000–$20,000+ depending on unit size.

Construction

7 steps~89 days

Show steps ▾

Site Preparation & Utilities Trenching

Grade site, install temporary fencing, excavate utility trenches for separate services.

Call 811 before any excavation. Utility trenching on SB-9 splits is often more complex than ADUs because both parcels may need new service runs from the street.

Foundation

Pour concrete slab or construct raised foundation per structural plans.

Foundation inspection required before pour. Coordinate with inspector — schedule online the day prior.

Framing

14d

Frame all walls, floors, and roof structure per plans.

Framing inspection before any walls are sheathed or insulated.

Rough MEP (Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC)

14d

Install all rough mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.

All rough inspections must pass before insulation. Schedule close together to avoid delays. EV charger rough-in required by CalGreen for new construction.

Insulation, Drywall & Finish Work

21d

Insulation, drywall, texture, paint, cabinets, counters, flooring, fixtures.

Insulation inspection required before drywall. Keep finish selections simple — the new unit will likely be sold or rented.

Exterior, Roofing & Landscaping

14d

Complete exterior stucco, siding, roofing, and front yard landscaping.

Match the exterior style to the neighborhood for resale appeal. Drought-tolerant landscaping is required on new construction in California.

Utility Meter Installations

14d

Schedule and complete new meter installations for the new parcel (water, electric, gas).

LBWD / SCE / SoCalGas · (562) 570-2300

Meter installations are on the critical path to final inspection. Start utility applications early — utility companies set their own timelines independent of the city.

Inspections

2 steps~10 days

Show steps ▾

All Final Inspections (Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical)

Schedule and pass all final trade inspections for the new construction.

LB Building & Safety Inspections · (562) 570-6651

Schedule all final inspections close together. Have all correction items from prior inspections resolved. Electrician and plumber should be on call during finals.

Certificate of Occupancy

Receive CO for the new unit on the split parcel. Unit is now legally habitable.

Long Beach Development Services · (562) 570-6651

CO is required before occupancy or sale. Keep original in your property documents. The two parcels now have independent COs and can be sold or financed separately.

Completion

3 steps~40 days

Show steps ▾

Final Cleaning & Punch List

Professional post-construction clean. Walk both units and fix remaining items.

Clean both the existing home and the new unit. Document the final condition with photos.

Exit Strategy Execution (Sale or Refinance)

30d

List the new unit for sale, refinance to pull equity, or set up for rental.

The new parcel can be sold independently. Work with a title company to ensure clear title on both parcels after recording. If selling, the buyer will need their own financing — new construction loans are available.

Final Project Accounting & Lien Releases

Reconcile all costs, final payments, and lien releases from all contractors.

Get unconditional lien releases from all contractors before final sale or refinance. Lenders and buyers require clean title.

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Phases

Planning

5 steps · ~43d

Design

4 steps · ~72d

Permitting

7 steps · ~137d

Pre-Build

4 steps · ~60d

Construction

7 steps · ~89d

Inspections

2 steps · ~10d

Completion

3 steps · ~40d

Quick Stats

Total Steps32

Duration~271 days

Phases7

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All Templates

SB-9 Lot Split

Urban lot split under SB-9 with new unit construction. Includes lot split application and LB-specific process.

32 steps

~271 days

7 phases

This playbook is a starting point — add, remove, or reorder any step when you start your project.

Track this project

Start Free

Planning

5 steps~43 days

SB-9 Eligibility Check

Verify property qualifies: SFR zone, not in historic/coastal/fire zone, lot size, owner-occupancy affidavit requirement.

Long Beach Development Services - Planning · (562) 570-6194 (411 W Ocean Blvd, 3rd Floor. Walk-in for zoning questions.)

Preliminary Title Report

10d

Full title search to identify easements, deed restrictions, CC&Rs, liens, or recorded agreements that could block the lot split.

Boundary Survey

14d

Licensed land surveyor establishes exact property boundaries, sets monument pins, and prepares a survey map.

Lot Split Feasibility Analysis

Analyze resulting lot dimensions, buildable area, setbacks, and financial feasibility of the split.

Hire Civil Engineer / Land Use Attorney

Engage civil engineer for tentative parcel map. Consider land use attorney for complex situations.

Design

4 steps~72 days

Show steps ▾

Prepare Tentative Parcel Map (TPM)

21d

Civil engineer prepares the TPM showing existing lot, proposed split line, resulting lots, and required dedications.

Pre-Application Meeting with LB Planning

14d

Optional but recommended meeting with LB Planning staff to review the proposed split before formal application.

Long Beach Development Services - Planning · (562) 570-6194

Hire Architect for New Unit(s)

Engage architect to design construction on the new lot(s). Plans must reflect new lot lines.

You can begin design work in parallel with the lot split process — just be aware that plans cannot be submitted for building permit until the map is recorded. Parallel design tracks save time.

Architectural & Structural Plans for New Unit(s)

30d

Full permit drawings: floor plans, elevations, site plan, structural details, Title 24.

Plans must reference the new recorded parcel map and new APN. Coordinate new lot setbacks carefully — rear and side setbacks apply from the new lot lines, not the original property boundary.

Permitting

7 steps~137 days

Show steps ▾

Submit SB-9 Urban Lot Split Application

File the Tentative Parcel Map application with LB Planning Division. Include survey, TPM, title report, owner-occupancy affidavit.

Long Beach Planning Division · (562) 570-6194 (411 W Ocean Blvd, 3rd Floor. Application includes TPM filing fee.)

City Review & Conditions of Approval

45d

LB Planning reviews the TPM and issues conditions of approval. May require minor corrections or additional information.

LB Planning Division · (562) 570-6194

Owner-Occupancy Affidavit Submission

Sign and record the owner-occupancy affidavit — required for SB-9 lot splits. Owner must occupy one unit for 3 years.

LB Planning Division · (562) 570-6194

This is a legal requirement — if you do not intend to owner-occupy, you cannot use SB-9. The affidavit is recorded against the property and runs with the land for 3 years after the split.

Prepare Final Parcel Map

30d

After TPM approval, civil engineer prepares the Final Parcel Map per LA County Surveyor requirements.

The Final Parcel Map must be prepared on Mylar per LA County standards. It will go through review by both LB and LA County Surveyor before recording. This phase commonly takes 2–4 months.

LB Engineering & Public Works Review

21d

LB Engineering reviews final map for street dedication, utility easements, drainage requirements.

LB Public Works - Engineering · (562) 570-6211

Engineering may require utility easements to be shown on the final map. They will also confirm any required street improvements — check if sidewalk or curb/gutter work is a condition of approval.

LA County Surveyor Review & Approval

30d

LA County Surveyor reviews and approves the Final Parcel Map before recording.

LA County Surveyor · (562) 208-6500 (Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, 500 W Temple St, LA.)

LA County Surveyor review adds 3–8 weeks. Their corrections can require the civil engineer to revise and resubmit the map. Budget time for at least one round of corrections.

Record Final Parcel Map with LA County Recorder

After all approvals, record the Final Parcel Map. New APNs are assigned, creating two legal lots.

LA County Recorder · (800) 201-8999 (Norwalk office: 12400 Imperial Hwy.)

Pre-Build

4 steps~60 days

Show steps ▾

Utility Separation Planning

14d

Plan separate utility services for each new parcel — water meters, gas meters, electric panels, sewer laterals.

LBWD / SCE / SoCalGas · (562) 570-2300 (SCE: 800-655-4555 · SoCalGas: 800-427-2200)

Submit Building Permit for New Construction

File building permit application for the new unit on the split parcel.

Long Beach Development Services - Permit Center · (562) 570-6651 (411 W Ocean Blvd, 2nd Floor.)

Cannot submit building permits until the Final Parcel Map is recorded and new APNs are assigned. Have the recorded map number and new APN on the permit application.

Building Permit Plan Check

42d

LB Plan Check reviews construction plans for the new unit. May require corrections.

Long Beach Plan Check · (562) 570-6651

Full new construction plan check currently runs 6–10 weeks in LB. Budget for this in your timeline — it is often on the critical path.

Pull Building Permit & Pay Fees

Pay all permit fees and receive the building permit for new construction.

Long Beach Development Services · (562) 570-6651

Construction

7 steps~89 days

Show steps ▾

Site Preparation & Utilities Trenching

Grade site, install temporary fencing, excavate utility trenches for separate services.

Call 811 before any excavation. Utility trenching on SB-9 splits is often more complex than ADUs because both parcels may need new service runs from the street.

Foundation

Pour concrete slab or construct raised foundation per structural plans.

Foundation inspection required before pour. Coordinate with inspector — schedule online the day prior.

Framing

14d

Frame all walls, floors, and roof structure per plans.

Framing inspection before any walls are sheathed or insulated.

Rough MEP (Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC)

14d

Install all rough mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.

All rough inspections must pass before insulation. Schedule close together to avoid delays. EV charger rough-in required by CalGreen for new construction.

Insulation, Drywall & Finish Work

21d

Insulation, drywall, texture, paint, cabinets, counters, flooring, fixtures.

Insulation inspection required before drywall. Keep finish selections simple — the new unit will likely be sold or rented.

Exterior, Roofing & Landscaping

14d

Complete exterior stucco, siding, roofing, and front yard landscaping.

Match the exterior style to the neighborhood for resale appeal. Drought-tolerant landscaping is required on new construction in California.

Utility Meter Installations

14d

Schedule and complete new meter installations for the new parcel (water, electric, gas).

LBWD / SCE / SoCalGas · (562) 570-2300

Meter installations are on the critical path to final inspection. Start utility applications early — utility companies set their own timelines independent of the city.

Inspections

2 steps~10 days

Show steps ▾

All Final Inspections (Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical)

Schedule and pass all final trade inspections for the new construction.

LB Building & Safety Inspections · (562) 570-6651

Schedule all final inspections close together. Have all correction items from prior inspections resolved. Electrician and plumber should be on call during finals.

Certificate of Occupancy

Receive CO for the new unit on the split parcel. Unit is now legally habitable.

Long Beach Development Services · (562) 570-6651

CO is required before occupancy or sale. Keep original in your property documents. The two parcels now have independent COs and can be sold or financed separately.

Completion

3 steps~40 days

Show steps ▾

Final Cleaning & Punch List

Professional post-construction clean. Walk both units and fix remaining items.

Clean both the existing home and the new unit. Document the final condition with photos.

Exit Strategy Execution (Sale or Refinance)

30d

List the new unit for sale, refinance to pull equity, or set up for rental.

Final Project Accounting & Lien Releases

Reconcile all costs, final payments, and lien releases from all contractors.

Get unconditional lien releases from all contractors before final sale or refinance. Lenders and buyers require clean title.

Track this project

Start Free

Phases

Planning

5 steps · ~43d

Design

4 steps · ~72d

Permitting

7 steps · ~137d

Pre-Build

4 steps · ~60d

Construction

7 steps · ~89d

Inspections

2 steps · ~10d

Completion

3 steps · ~40d

Quick Stats

Total Steps32

Duration~271 days

Phases7

More Long Beach build playbooks

Every template is a free step-by-step checklist with typical durations, costs, and Long Beach city contacts. Sign up free to turn any of them into a live build tracker.

Full Rehab

Complete 45-step full home rehab playbook for Long Beach: permits, demolition, framing, electrical, plumbing, inspections, and finish work — with typical costs and a ~253-day timeline.

ADU Build

How to build an ADU in Long Beach: a free 49-step playbook covering city permitting, utility connections, construction, and inspections — with typical costs and a ~173-day timeline.

Cosmetic Flip

Fast 17-step cosmetic flip checklist — paint, flooring, kitchen, and bathroom refresh — optimized for 30-day turnarounds in Long Beach, with typical costs and a ~32-day timeline.