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Resources for Churches, Investors & Community Partners 

Curated, actionable resources to help faith communities, investors, and civic partners plan, finance, and deliver attainable homes - faster.

Featured Guidance

SB 4 Knowledge Hub

What SB 4 enables, how “by‑right” works, labor standards, and eligibility.

Read the Bill
Terner Center Findings

Pocket Community Toolkit

Design principles, lot sizing, streets/greens, governance, financing.

Download Overview
See Example Layouts

Pro‑Forma & Budgeting

Line‑item models for sitework, homes, and soft costs.

View Assumptions
Add Pro‑Forma

Confirmed SB 4 Resources

California SB 4 — Official Bill Text (CA Legislature)

Canonical reference for eligibility, ministerial approval, labor standards, and sunset.

Read the Bill
Open in New Tab

Terner Center Report (Aug 2023, PDF)

Statewide parcel analysis; ~171k potentially developable acres.

Download Report
Open Report Page

SB 4 Fact Sheet (NPH/SCANPH, PDF)

Plain-English summary: by-right streamlining, objective standards, timeline.

Download Fact Sheet
View on NPH

SB 4 Applicant Prep Checklist (PDF)

Step-by-step worksheet to prepare a faith or higher-ed institution for an SB 4 housing application.

Download Checklist
Coming Soon - More Guidance

How-To Guides

Is My Parcel SB 4-Eligible?
Steps: ownership type, zoning check (informational), objective standards, labor, environmental overlays, next actions.
Download Checklist (PDF)
Is My Parcel SB 4-Eligible?
Steps: ownership type, zoning check (informational), objective standards, labor, environmental overlays, next actions.
Download Checklist (PDF)

Templates & Checklists

PDF

SB 4 Applicant Prep Checklist
Step-by-step prep for SB 4 submittals.
 
Download (PDF)

DOCX

Community Partner MOU Template
Draft framework for roles, governance, and commitments.
Download (DOCX)

DOCX

RFI/RFP to Modular Manufacturers
Scope + specs to solicit vendor responses.
Download (DOCX)

PPTX

Church Board Briefing Deck
One-page summary + slides to brief leadership.
Download (PPTX)

Case Studies

Gianone Park
Status: Concept
Proof-of-concept community demonstrating IDS housing model.
View Project
Martinez ADU Infill
Status: Permitting
Multi-unit ADU infill community in Martinez, CA.
 
View on NPH

Tools & Downloads

SHEET

Pocket Community Lot/Yield Calculator
Quickly estimate lot counts and yields for pocket community layouts.
Download

SHEET

Unit Mix & Pricing Scenarios
 
Compare housing unit mixes and pricing assumptions.
 
Download

PDF

Site Utilities Cost Primer
Understand basic costs for water, sewer, and electrical site work.
Download
View on NPH

MODEL

Pro-Forma (Coming Soon)
IDS financial model outlining project costs and revenue assumptions.
Notify Me

FAQ (Top 6)

Q1. What does “by-right” mean under SB 4?

A: “By-right” means approvals are ministerial - checked against written, objective standards (like height, setbacks, parking) without discretionary hearings. If the site and project meet SB 4’s eligibility and standards, the city processes it like a checklist.

Q2. Does SB 4 override zoning?

A: SB 4 allows qualifying religious or nonprofit college land to develop housing in many zones without rezoning, but projects must still meet objective local standards and SB 4’s rules. Some areas (e.g., certain sensitive or hazard zones) are excluded.

Q3. What are the labor/apprenticeship requirements?

A: Projects generally must pay prevailing wage and, depending on size/scope, may need a skilled & trained workforce. Your GC/subs should be able to certify compliance. We’ll help you confirm the right pathway for your project.

Q4. How does SB 4 affect CEQA and environmental review?

A: If a project qualifies and is approved ministerially under SB 4, CEQA is streamlined (ministerial approvals aren’t subject to typical CEQA). Sites in excluded/sensitive areas don’t qualify. You must still meet all objective standards and codes.

Q5. What about parking - especially near transit?

A: Near qualifying transit, SB 4 can reduce parking requirements (sometimes to zero). Outside transit areas, follow your city’s objective parking standards. We’ll confirm the exact ratios during feasibility.

Q6. How is SB 4 different from SB 35 or AB 2011?

A: • SB 4: Streamlines housing on religious/NP college land (by-right if eligible). • SB 35: Statewide streamlining where cities miss housing goals; broad sites; affordability & labor conditions. • AB 2011: Streamlines along commercial corridors meeting criteria; strong labor & affordability requirements. We’ll help compare paths and pick the best fit.

Friendly note: SB 4 is a state law with nuances; this FAQ is informational, not legal advice. Local standards still apply.

Ready to Bring Your Project to Life?

Let’s talk about how IDS can support your housing vision.

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