Attorney General Bonta Files Notice of Appeal to Overturn Superior Court Decision on Senate Bill 9

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today filed a notice of appeal to reverse a judgment by the Los Angeles County Superior Court that would prevent the California Department of Justice from enforcing Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) against five charter cities on the basis that it violates their state constitutional authority. Under SB 9, local agencies must provide a “ministerial," or streamlined, approval process for homeowners to build a duplex on, or subdivide into two lots, a lot 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 underlying lawsuit challenging SB 9 was 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.