MEETING DATE:
July 14, 2026
SUBJECT:
Title
URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 2026-1580 AND ORDINANCE NO. 2026-1581 - IMPLEMENTING SENATE BILL 79 (SB 79) FOR TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SITE EXEMPTIONS, PHASED IMPLEMENTATION AREAS, AND ZONING MAP AMENDMENTS.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
ADOPTION of the following, in the order set forth below:
1. ADOPT Notice of Exemption (EX26-041); and
2. ADOPT an Urgency Ordinance No. 2026-1580 adding Chapter 20.280 to the San Marcos Municipal Code to adopt and implement SB79 (Four Votes Required); and
3. INTRODUCE Ordinance No. 2026-1581 (Text Amendment TA 26-0001) adding Chapter 20.280 to the San Marcos Municipal Code to adopt and implement SB79.
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Board or Commission Action
On June 15, 2026, the Planning Commission met and considered the proposed ordinance. The Commission voted 7-0 recommending approval and adoption of the proposed Text Amendment to the City Council. The Planning Commission Draft Meeting Minutes are provided as Attachment F.
Executive Summary
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 qualifying transit stops. The proposed ordinance would implement SB 79 locally, enact provisions of the law 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.
SB 79 became effective on July 1, 2026, and eligible sites in San Marcos are now subject to the provisions of state law. Adoption of the proposed ordinance, together with the companion urgency ordinance providing for its immediate effectiveness, would implement the exemptions, phased implementation measures, and local objecti...
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