SB9 in Millbrae

Millbrae receives a grade of D for SB9 implementation. This indicates that the city has not supported or facilitated SB9 projects in any meaningful way. For an investor, this means there is no demonstrated pathway to successfully pursue SB9 duplex or lot-split developments in Millbrae. The lack of activity signals significant barriers or disinterest at the local level.

Millbrae’s SB9 ordinance is standard and complies with state requirements. It allows for duplexes and lot splits on qualifying single-family parcels without additional local restrictions beyond typical setbacks, parking requirements, and design standards. There are no unusual or onerous provisions that would legally prevent SB9 projects. The city has adopted the minimum state-mandated framework without enhancements or incentives.

Despite a compliant ordinance, Millbrae has seen zero SB9 applications or approvals from 2022 through 2025. This flat trajectory indicates that the city has not actively promoted or facilitated SB9 development. The absence of applications suggests either a lack of developer interest or local conditions that discourage SB9 use, such as market dynamics, community opposition, or administrative hurdles. There is no record of charter city litigation affecting SB9 implementation in Millbrae. The city’s small size and Peninsula location may contribute to limited SB9 activity, as land values and neighborhood character concerns could deter investment in small-scale infill projects.

There is no record of any enforcement action by the California Department of Housing and Community Development against Millbrae related to SB9 compliance. The city remains in compliance with state law on paper but has not demonstrated practical facilitation of SB9 projects.

Investors should avoid pursuing SB9 projects in Millbrae at this time. The complete lack of applications or approvals over four years shows that the local market and regulatory environment are not conducive to SB9 development. Without local support or demonstrated success, SB9 investments carry high risk and low likelihood of approval. Investors should look to other cities with more active SB9 uptake and clearer pathways to approval. For the grading methodology, see the SB9 City Guide post.