SB9 in Fresno

Fresno earns a B+ grade reflecting a city with growing SB9 activity and a regulatory environment that supports moderate uptake of lot splits and duplex developments. This grade signals a market where investors can expect increasing opportunities as the city’s SB9 program gains momentum, but with some caution due to a still-developing approval pipeline.

Fresno’s SB9 ordinance is a straightforward, standard compliance measure aligned with state requirements. It allows for lot splits and duplex construction on qualifying single-family parcels without additional local restrictions beyond state law. Setbacks, minimum lot sizes, and parking requirements follow typical Central Valley standards. There are no extraordinary design standards or discretionary review processes that would impede SB9 projects.

Fresno’s SB9 activity was minimal in the first two years after the law’s passage, with zero applications in 2022 and only one in 2023, which did not receive approval. The city’s initial slow uptake likely reflects a cautious local development environment and limited market awareness. However, 2024 saw a significant jump in activity with 17 applications and 10 approvals, indicating a rapid shift toward embracing SB9 opportunities. This surge suggests that developers and homeowners became more familiar with the process and that city staff adapted to the new requirements. The absence of applications in 2025 may reflect a temporary pause after the 2024 surge or data reporting lag. Fresno is not a charter city, so no litigation affected SB9 implementation.

There is no record of any enforcement action by the California Department of Housing and Community Development against Fresno related to SB9 compliance.

Fresno presents a growing but still emerging SB9 market. The strong increase in applications and approvals in 2024 shows that the city is moving beyond initial hesitation and beginning to unlock SB9 potential. Investors should view Fresno as a buy market for SB9-related development, especially for projects initiated in or after 2024. The moderate approval rate and standard ordinance reduce regulatory risk. However, the pause in 2025 applications warrants monitoring for any shifts in local policy or market conditions. Overall, Fresno offers a solid opportunity for investors willing to engage in a Central Valley city with expanding SB9 activity. For the grading methodology, see the SB9 City Guide post.