SB9 expert recommendation?

Question

I have a huge lot in North Hollywood (about 27k sqft) and would like to explore my investment options with SB 9 land split. Can you please refer any SB9 experts, land use consultants, or developer who can share experience going thru SB 9?

Thank you!

Account Closed · Answer

I don't know any consultants, my point was I don't think you need one. I think you're on the right website and you can find better advice here from any consultant out there right now. There are a lot of companies "specializing" in SB9 right now if you're looking to be completely hands off and do not have the time on your hands. Homestead is one, but they will end up eating into your profits by at least 50%. Ask yourself what your goals are with the lot. Do you want to split, build and sell? Or do you want to split, build, hold, and rent?

If you want to sell look at the neighborhood, find new construction or major remodels that are selling currently. Build something like that. If you want to rent, look at rental comps and build something similar. Probably go for that sweet spot in between.

An architect is probably your best bet at this stage. If you can get an idea of what you want, size, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, they can design it for you cost effectively. What you and the architect come up with will inform the next batch of specialists work. A Surveyor(survey plus a slope band map if you are zoned hillside), a Habitat Study(Biologist), and a Soils Report(Geologist). Then you go to the city, get it all approved and hire a General Contractor.

This website is your best friend right now: http://zimas.lacity.org/ It's the LA City Planning zoning website, it will tell you about the zoning of any lot in the city. Plug yours in, under the "Planning and Zoning" tab there is a tab called "SB 9 Eligibility."

I can PM you all the specialists I used if you would like. It all sounds daunting but with a good architect by your side(and A LOT of cash) anyone can do it. Best of luck!

Thai Chau · Answer

Although you, Jennifer, seem to be speaking about a “land” surveyor, I’d still like to be a resource to you and anyone else here on BP. My company specializes in conducting as-built surveys and producing floor plan drawings needed for all types of renovation projects. I also work with/for architects and consultants of all types. So reach out if any of this provides value to you.

Best of luck with everything.

Thai

Jennifer Kim · Answer

Daniel,

Thank you for the comprehensive information.

I've thoroughly researched SB9 and have had a meeting with the city planner, resulting in a list of requirements. To move forward, I'm in need of recommendations for a reliable surveyor, civil engineer, and architect.

Regrettably, I've had a challenging experience in the past, losing both time and money while renovating the old house on the lot due to issues with the contractor. I encountered significant challenges with worker attendance and site management. I'm hopeful that I can now assemble a more effective team to advance my plans for this property.

If you know anyone, please send me DM. I would greatly appreciate your help. Thank you!

Paul Dashevsky · Answer

@Jennifer Kim I can recommend a few SB9 architects and contractors in Los Angeles...please DM me.

Jennifer Kim · Answer

Thank you Daniel for sharing your experience. Would you recommend any consultant for me in LA area? Since I am new to RE development, I need help finding trustworthy consultants in the area…

Joyce Kim · Answer

My initial plan was to split the land into 3 different lots but the city official said it might take a decade to finish and suggested to go through SB9. I was looking for an expediter but didn’t work out. Are you a land use consultant? I would love to talk to the experts.