PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DATE:
JUNE 15, 2026
SUBJECT:
Title
SENATE BILL 79 (SB 79) IMPLEMENTATION ORDINANCE FOR TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SITE EXEMPTIONS, PHASED IMPLEMENTATION AREAS, AND ZONING MAP AMENDMENTS.
LOCATION/APN:
CITYWIDE
CASE NUMBER:
TEXT AMENDMENT (TA) 26-0001
Body
Recommendation
Recommend to the City Council ADOPTION and APPROVAL of the following, in the order set forth below:
1. ADOPT Notice of Exemption (EX26-041); and
2. APPROVE Resolution PC 26-5216 (Text Amendment TA 26-0001) Recommending approval of an ordinance implementing SB 79.
Body
Introduction
Senate Bill 79 (SB 79) was adopted by the State of California to allow more intensive residential development near qualifying transit stops by establishing minimum standards for residential density, building height, and floor area ratio on certain residential, commercial, and mixed-use sites located within one-half mile of transit. The proposed ordinance would implement SB 79 locally by exempting certain sites, phasing implementation on others, and establishing objective development standards, as authorized by state law, until the City completes the seventh Housing Element cycle. Without adoption of the proposed ordinance, SB 79 would take effect in San Marcos on July 1, 2026, and eligible sites would be subject to the provisions of state law without the exemptions, phased implementation measures, and local development standards provided by the ordinance.
Discussion
Senate Bill 79 (SB 79), the Abundant and Affordable Homes Near Transit Act (California Government Code Sections 65912.155 through 65912.162), was adopted by the California Legislature, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on October 10, 2025, and becomes effective on July 1, 2026. The law establishes Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Zones within a one-half-mile radius of qualifying TOD Stops and permits Transit-Oriented Housing Development Projects on parcels zoned for residential, ...
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