Standards & rules
SB 1211 in historic districts
What survives ministerial review when historic overlays apply.
Designated historic districts retain objective historic-preservation standards under SB 1211. Cities can require materials, massing, and placement consistent with the historic context — but only where those standards are codified, objective, and pre-existing (not improvised for a specific project).
What cities can't do: invoke "historic character" as a subjective basis for denial.
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Related standards & rules topics
SB 1211 parking requirementsHow SB 1211 changes parking rules: cities can no longer require 1:1 replacement for parking removed to build ADUs.SB 1211 setback requirementsFour-foot side and rear setbacks. 18-foot height limit. The objective standards explained.SB 1211 height limits18 feet maximum for detached ADUs. How that affects two-story designs.Fire code compliance for SB 1211 ADUsThe one local power that survives ministerial review.Utility hookups for multifamily ADUsWater, sewer, gas, electric requirements under SB 1211.Impact fees on SB 1211 ADUsAB 1033 + SB 13 already capped fees on smaller ADUs. SB 1211 inherits those protections.Interior conversion ADUs under SB 1211The 25%-of-units rule and how it stacks with detached ADUs.Converting surface parking under SB 1211The biggest unlock. How to assess your parking lot for ADU potential.
How this topic plays in different cities
SB 1211 in FremontAlameda County · $2,900/moSB 1211 in ModestoStanislaus County · $1,500/moSB 1211 in FairfieldSolano County · $2,100/moSB 1211 in Mountain ViewSanta Clara County · $3,100/moSB 1211 in San DiegoSan Diego County · $2,300/moSB 1211 in Long BeachLos Angeles County · $2,500/moSB 1211 in PasadenaLos Angeles County · $2,700/moSB 1211 in San BernardinoSan Bernardino County · $1,700/moSB 1211 in CamarilloVentura County · $2,300/moSB 1211 in Los AngelesLos Angeles County · $2,400/moSB 1211 in Santa CruzSanta Cruz County · $2,900/moSB 1211 in PalmdaleLos Angeles County · $1,700/mo
By property type
Duplex2-unit · up to 3 new ADUsTriplex3-unit · up to 4 new ADUsFourplex / 4-unit4-unit · up to 5 new ADUs5-unit apartment5-unit · up to 6 new ADUs6-unit apartment6-unit · up to 7 new ADUs8-unit apartment8-unit · up to 10 new ADUs10-unit apartment10-unit · up to 10 new ADUs12-unit apartment12-unit · up to 11 new ADUs16-unit apartment16-unit · up to 12 new ADUs20-unit apartment20-unit · up to 13 new ADUs24-unit apartment24-unit · up to 14 new ADUs32-unit apartment32-unit · up to 16 new ADUs