Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a notice of appeal to reverse a judgment by the Los Angeles County Superior Court. The court's decision currently prevents the California Department of Justice from enforcing Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) against five charter cities, citing that it violates their state constitutional authority.

Senate Bill 9 mandates that local agencies must provide a streamlined approval process for homeowners to build duplexes or subdivide lots zoned for single-family homes. "We firmly believe that SB 9 is constitutional as to every city in the state," said Attorney General Bonta. "As the California Second District Court of Appeal recently held, ensuring housing availability and affordability in California is a matter of statewide importance. My office has vigorously defended the Legislature’s efforts to provide dignified housing to every Californian, and we will continue doing just that with SB 9."

The lawsuit challenging SB 9 was initially filed on March 29, 2022, by four Southern California cities: Redondo Beach, Carson, Torrance, and Whittier. The City of Del Mar joined the lawsuit on February 7, 2023. A copy of the notice of appeal can be found here.