On September 16, 2021, Governor Gavin Newson signed SB 9, known as the California Opportunity and More Efficient (HOME) Act, which permits property owners to split their residential parcels into two lots to either add a second home or replace the existing residence with a pair of duplexes. Under the HOME Act, cities and counties are required to approve such split-lot proposals if they meet size and design standards, effectively removing oversight by city and county planning commissions. How exactly this new law will be implemented and what will be its effect on housing, communities and real estate development across the state are just some of the questions yet to be answered. For families with younger adults taking care of older or disabled adults, however, the law may create new residential opportunities. Our speaker, Brad M. Rosenheim, a veteran of the Los Angeles City Hall and long-time, prominent expert in land-use entitlements and planning, permit processing and clearances and zoning-related strategic planning, is well situated to give us an insightful view on what exactly this new law can mean for not only our city and county, but also for attorneys, planners and fiduciaries helping older or disabled adults and their families.

The Trusts & Estates Section is chaired by Kevin Harrington and Andrew Smith. Click here to find out more information about the Section. Find out more at bhba.org/trusts-estates

The Elder Law Committee is chaired by Terry M. Magady.

The Real Estate Section covers all areas of interest to real estate practitioners including acquisition; finance; leasing; eminent domain; and land use (including zoning, Coastal Commission, and CEQA compliance). The Section is chaired by Howard N. Gould and Elizabeth Dryden. Find out more about the Section at bhba.org/real-estate-law.