All Forum Posts by: Felicia Nitu

Excited to announce that CityStructure InstaDev 1.0 for real estate agents is launching soon!

InstaDev 1.0 is a powerful marketing tool that helps agents stand out as experts by providing Development Rights information to attract unrepresented buyers.

Once a mere code in the 3R report or a forgotten hidden line in the disclosure package, Development Rights are now a goldmine for both buyers and agents.

What are Development Rights and why agents should care about them?

Development rights, given by the City to property owners, allow them to control and develop land in compliance with land use regulations.

Traditionally, buyers investigated their development rights after purchasing property, usually when hiring an architect for specific improvements. This often led to disappointing discoveries that their desired improvements were restricted by zoning laws. Frustrated, they would question why their real estate agent hadn't informed them of these limitations before purchase.

Now, with low inventory and new state incentives, not only is it agents' duty to inform their clients, but buyers also want to know the Development Rights as one of the features of the property even before touring it.

Why is InstaDev 1.0 a game-changer?

Agents can now instantly access and share Development Rights information for any property – on- or off- market. With just one click, generate branded, shareable reports for unlimited properties to attract unrepresented buyers.

By using Development rights in marketing outreach, agents instantly demonstrate value by saving buyers trips to the city and architects' fees, while gaining status as industry experts.

Join our early adopters' list for a chance to test-drive InstaDev 1.0 free of charge.

** DM me to secure your spot on the early access list.**

Ever wondered what truly separates a TIC from a condo? Understanding TIC vs. Condo Ownership just got easier! While both involve shared spaces, the way ownership works is entirely different, and it can impact your rights, control, and future flexibility.

Who Really Owns What?

// Shared Ownership, Different Rules
TIC Owners: Hold fractional shares of the entire property, but no one owns a specific unit outright. No right of survivorship. If an owner passes away, their share goes to their estate.
Condo Owners: Own their units exclusively while sharing common spaces. The HOA governs those areas and may assign exclusive rights to amenities like parking or pool.

// Differences in Control & Management
TIC: All owners collectively manage the property, often requiring group decisions on maintenance and sales.
Condo: An HOA enforces rules, collects fees, and oversees shared spaces, reducing direct owner control.

// Which One is Right for You?
TIC offers lower entry costs and flexibility but comes with shared risks and complexities. Condo ownership provides clear property rights but means living under HOA rules. Understanding these differences can help buyers make the right choice.

For years, many projects in Chula Vista's Coastal Zones faced long delays, but starting in 2025, SB-423 changes that. Eligible developments can now move forward with streamlined approvals provided they meet affordability requirements.

How SB-423 Accelerates Coastal Development:

// Faster Permitting
·For projects with 150 units or fewer:
- Eligibility Review deadline: 60 days from submittal
- Approval deadline, including Design Review: 90 days from submittal

· For projects with more than 150 units:
- Eligibility Review deadline: 90 days from submittal
- Approval deadline, including Design Review: 180 days from submittal
· No public hearings or environmental impact reports for qualifying projects 

// Smarter Development Rules
· Excludes high-risk areas, like those prone to sea-level rise
· Ensures projects meet affordability and public investment requirements

// More Housing, Less Uncertainty
· Projects stay approved if at least 50% of units are affordable and include public investment beyond tax credits
· Opens up new opportunities in previously restricted areas
· Clearer guidelines help developers plan with confidence

Hello Lisa, 
I'd recommend reaching out directly to the planning department. From what I've seen, most places in California only allow ADUs and JADUs to be rented for 30 days or longer. The planning staff should be able to walk you through any options for zoning changes or variances if there's a way to make short-term rentals work in your case.

For real estate agents and investors,

Are you looking for new ways to stand out and attract buyers in Chula Vista's competitive market? SB-9 is a game-changer. It allows you to take a single-family lot, even as small as 2,400 square feet, divide it into 2 parcels, and build up to 2 units on each. That's 4 homes on what used to be just one property. For investors, this means more potential for rental income and resale value.

Chula Vista has a strong demand for housing, and properties with multi-unit potential are becoming gold mines. As an agent, you're no longer just marketing or selling single-family homes; you're evaluating their potential to multiply income and long-term value. Spotting opportunities where others only see a single house can set you apart and help you guide buyers toward smarter investments or multi-generational living solutions.

To stand out from other agents, knowing which neighborhoods offer the best potential for lot splits and understanding the city's permitting process will be key. SB-9 is opening doors, and agents who embrace this powerful change will be the ones leading the market.

If you're curious about how to make the most of these opportunities, check out the All You Need to Know About Building on Properties in Chula Vista Under SB-9 article. I’ve done a lot of research on these projects, so feel free to ask any questions here. I’m happy to help and share what I’ve learned!

Hello everyone!

For real estate professionals and developers! Suppose you're always on the lookout for ways to help your clients grow their investments and add value to properties. In that case, Carlsbad is buzzing with possibilities thanks to California's evolving zoning laws. Staying ahead of the game by understanding how local regulations align with state bills like SB-9, SB-684, and SB-423 can open doors to exciting development projects.

SB-9: Simplifying Lot Splits and Duplex Builds
SB-9 streamlines the process for lot splits and duplex construction, offering a straightforward way to increase property value and expand housing options.

SB-684: More Flexibility for Smaller Projects
For urban lots under 5 acres, SB-684 makes it easier to pursue smaller housing developments, transforming overlooked properties and vacant lots into productive investments.

SB-423: Faster Approvals, Fewer Headaches
No one likes endless waiting. Time is money, and SB-423 speeds up the permitting process, making it easier to get projects off the ground with reduced delays.

Navigating Carlsbad’s ADU Regulations

Understanding Carlsbad's ADU regulations and permitting procedures is essential for successful development. Helping clients navigate these processes can prevent costly setbacks and ensure smooth project execution.

Carlsbad is bursting with potential right now, and with the right knowledge, you can be the expert your clients rely on to open these incredible opportunities. Happy investing and developing!

If you're curious about California’s real estate investment check out It's Time to Invest in California, now! The zoning changes will make California a hot real estate market. With zoning changes making California’s real estate market even more attractive, now’s a great time to dive in. I’ve done a lot of research on these projects, so feel free to ask any questions here. I’m happy to help and share what I’ve learned!

Hello BiggerPockets Community!

For real estate investors and developers exploring Carlsbad, SB-423 offers a streamlined pathway for multi-unit housing projects. This California law eliminates much of the red tape by bypassing environmental reviews and subjective local approvals, creating a faster and more predictable development process. Investors can fast-track their timelines and boost ROI, while agents can use these streamlined rules as a selling point to attract development-minded buyers.

In Carlsbad, SB-423 projects are allowed in residential or mixed-use zones near urban areas, with 75% of the site’s perimeter needing to border developed spaces like homes or businesses. But not all land is fair game. Earthquake fault zones, flood plains, and high fire hazard areas are off-limits. You'll also need to avoid environmentally restricted spots, including wetlands, protected habitats, and prime farmland. Knowing these boundaries can help you zero in on profitable, compliant locations.

Timing is crucial when it comes to approvals. For projects with 150 or fewer units, the city has 60 days for eligibility review and 90 days for final approval, including design review. Bigger projects (more than 150 units) have a 90-day eligibility review and a 180-day final approval deadline. To keep these approvals valid, developments should secure public investment to support housing affordability and ensure that at least 50% of the units are affordable. Hitting these targets could be the key to unlocking lasting investment returns.

Before diving in, developers need to complete pre-submittal steps, including issuing a "Notice of Intent." Carlsbad officials are required to notify Native American tribes within 30 days, and tribes have 30 days to respond if cultural resources might be affected. If no agreement is reached, the project becomes ineligible for SB-423. In moderate- or low-resource areas, developers also need to hold a public meeting within 45 days to gather feedback. Addressing community concerns upfront isn’t just a requirement, it’s a smart move for standing out with well-received projects. This info also gives agents the edge in guiding clients, setting them apart as the go-to experts in Carlsbad’s fast-moving market.

If you're curious about how SB-423 can work in other parts of California, definitely check out It's Time to Invest in California, now! The zoning changes will make California a hot real estate market. With zoning changes making California’s real estate market even more attractive, now’s a great time to dive in. I’ve done a lot of research on these projects, so feel free to ask any questions here. I’m happy to help and share what I’ve learned!

Hello everyone!

SB-684 is creating a buzz in Carlsbad, and if you're an investor or developer, it's worth keeping on your radar. The law streamlines approvals for housing projects up to 10 units on lots under 5 acres, opening up new opportunities for smart investments in a city with high housing demand.

Here’s where it gets interesting: SB-684 applies to multi-family zones and even vacant lots in single-family neighborhoods. You can divide lots into as many as 10 parcels, each at least 600 square feet, with units up to 1,750 square feet. Setbacks require just 4 feet from the side and rear property lines. Parking rules are generally in place but can be waived near transit, which boosts the value of properties in walkable areas.

If you're wondering about permits, SB-684 allows for ministerial approvals, which means no public hearings, just straightforward evaluations based on set rules within a 60-day review period. That’s a big win for developers who want faster project timelines.

One thing to watch out for: affordable housing units protected by agreements or laws can't be demolished or altered. On the cost side, permit fees vary depending on the number of lots and units, but as of May 20, 2024, SB-937 allows developers to delay some fees until they receive an occupancy certificate, easing those upfront expenses. Investors can see quicker returns, and agents who understand these changes can stand out by guiding buyers to newly potential properties. Now it’s the perfect time to scout new opportunities and position yourself as a market expert.

If you're curious about how SB-684 can work in other parts of California, definitely check out It's Time to Invest in California, now! The zoning changes will make California a hot real estate market. With zoning changes making California’s real estate market even more attractive, now’s a great time to dive in. I’ve done a lot of research on these projects, so feel free to ask any questions here. I’m happy to help and share what I’ve learned!

Hello BiggerPockets Community,

Carlsbad is a fantastic opportunity for real estate professionals who want to stand out. By adding ADUs to single-family or multifamily properties, you can unlock great potential for your clients. With attached and detached ADUs allowed up to 1,200 square feet, and even two-story ADUs permitted, developers have the flexibility to create standout properties that are sure to attract premium buyers.

For you as an agent, understanding and highlighting ADU opportunities can really set you apart. Show your clients the value in properties that allow ADUs, helping them see the potential for boosting their investment. Knowing the design requirements is key, Carlsbad, for example, requires a full, permanent kitchen in all ADUs, making them different from guest houses. Depending on the project, independent utility meters might be needed, but converting existing spaces could skip this. Plus, ADUs need to meet a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet following California Building Code guidelines.

From an investor's standpoint, the returns are impressive. A 900-square-foot ADU might cost around $330,000 to build, but in neighborhoods like La Costa Oaks, that same unit can be worth up to $820,000. This translates to a 150% return on investment, which is a huge selling point for anyone looking to increase their property value. Renting out ADUs in Carlsbad is another win since they aren’t subject to rent control, landlords have the flexibility to charge market rates. This is a major advantage that you can use when helping clients see the rental income potential.

And if you or your clients are concerned about financing, there’s support available. The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) offers up to $40,000 in grants through the ADU Grant Program, which can help cover costs like permits and design fees. With financing options like these, Carlsbad is a great market for ADU development, offering plenty of potential while keeping costs manageable.

If you're curious about how ADUs work in other parts of California, definitely check out California new ADU law. There are plenty of new opportunities in the market right now, making it the perfect time to explore. I've done a lot of research on these projects, so feel free to ask any questions. I’m happy to share what I’ve learned and help out!