Starting January 1, your lot may be approvable for for-sale townhomes — by right.
AB 1751 creates a ministerial, CEQA-exempt path to subdivide qualifying multifamily-zoned land and underutilized single-family lots into fee-simple townhomes. Get ahead of it: find out free what your lot could become.
AB 1751 in plain English
AB 1751 was signed on September 29, 2026 and takes effect January 1, 2027. Qualifying townhome projects are approved by planning staff — no discretionary review, public hearing or appeal.
Who qualifies
Multifamily-zoned parcels, and single-family parcels with no permanent homes (or only abandoned or uninhabitable ones). Sites need public water or sewer service.
What you can build
Townhomes of up to three stories, up to 150 per project, on fee-simple lots as small as 600 sq ft, averaging 1,750 sq ft or less. Projects of 11+ homes set aside 10% as affordable.
How approval works
Ministerial approval, exempt from CEQA, under a 60-day clock. A city can deny only with written findings of a specific, unmitigable health or safety impact.
Generally not eligible
- The Coastal Zone, and all of San Francisco
- High and very high fire hazard severity zones
- Historic resources and historic district contributors
- Sites with 5+ existing units, rent-controlled or recently Ellis Act homes
- Prime farmland, wetlands, protected habitat, conservation easements
- Sites covered by SB 79 (transit-oriented upzoning)
Why look now
Applications open January 1, 2027. Owners who know their eligibility, lot yield and approval path in advance can file first — or choose a partner or buyer before demand catches up.
Summary only. Eligibility depends on the statute, local objective standards and the specific parcel.
Site feasibility report
A written, parcel-specific answer to one question: what can be built on this lot under AB 1751, and how do you get it approved?
- Eligibility screen and any disqualifying exclusions
- Maximum lot count and home count
- Lot layout options (test fit)
- Product type and home sizes
- Site constraints: hazard zones, utilities, easements, historic status, topography
- Approval path, required studies and timeline
- Next steps and recommended consultants
The report does not include a valuation, appraisal or opinion of value.
Delivered in 5 business days.
Order a reportNot sure yet? Start with the free eligibility check.
Your lot, your choice
Owners who qualify usually take one of three paths. We can help with any of them — or just give you the facts.
1Develop it yourself
Use the report to brief your architect, engineer and lender, and file the application.
Order a report →2Partner on it
Contribute the land to a joint venture and share in the upside, while an affiliate runs entitlement and construction.
Talk about partnering →3Sell it
If you'd rather not build, an affiliate can make you an offer to purchase.
Ask for an offer →Brokers, builders, lenders and architects
We screen parcels city by city. Interested in lists of sites that pass the screen in your market?
Get on the list →Ask about your property
Send the address and your question. We'll reply within one business day — the eligibility check is free and there's no obligation.
Prefer email? info@ab1751.com
FAQ
Can I apply before January 1, 2027?
The law takes effect January 1, 2027. You can complete feasibility, design and due diligence now so you're ready to file on day one.
Is the eligibility check really free?
Yes. Send the address and we'll tell you whether the lot appears to qualify and what the main issues are. No obligation.
Will you make me an offer?
Only if you want one. Clients can opt to have an affiliate offer to purchase the property, form a joint venture, or consult on and entitle the project. Any affiliate interest is disclosed to you in writing.
Does the report tell me what my property is worth?
No. The report covers what can be built and how to get it approved. It does not include a valuation or appraisal.
Is this legal advice?
No. We're development and entitlement consultants, not your attorney. For legal questions about your property, consult a land-use attorney — we can recommend one.
Are you part of the government?
No. This site is privately operated and is not affiliated with the State of California or any city or county.