Cal Cities Action Alert
OPPOSE
SB 79 (Wiener) Transit-oriented development.
Action requested: OPPOSE SB 79 (Wiener) Transit-oriented Development. SB 79 has not yet been set for hearing but will be heard in the Senate Housing Committee and Senate Local Government Committee in the next few weeks. Opposition letters should be sent ASAP to both committees in order to get reflected in the committee analyses.
What the bill does: Requires cities to ministerially approve higher-density residential projects — up to 7 stories — near public transit stops, regardless of zoning codes. SB 79 limits the use of local development standards and allows transit agencies full land-use authority over residential and commercial development on property they own or lease, without any requirement that developers build housing, let alone affordable housing.
Why this is important to Cal Cities members: SB 79 overrides the state’s own mandated local housing elements by forcing cities to approve transit-oriented development projects near specified transit stops — up to seven stories high and a density of 120 homes per acre — without regard to the community's needs, environmental review, or public input. SB 79 provides transit agencies:
Unlimited land use authority on property they own or have a permanent easement, regardless of the distance from a transit stop.
Power to determine all aspects of residential and commercial development including height, density, and design, without any regard to local zoning or planning. Ability to develop 100% commercial projects, even at transit stops, and not provide a single new home.
Links and attachments: Cal Cities SB 79 opposition letter; sample city letter Where to send letter: See sample city letter for legislative portal link information. Send copy to [email protected], and RPAM email.
Questions? RPAM or Jason Rhine, Senior Director, Legislative Affairs, [email protected]