Joint Special Meeting
CC/BFPD/Odesa/Harvey House
04/7/25 05:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Other
Doc ID: 5947
AGENDA ITEM
AGENDA MATTER:
OPPOSITION TO SENATE BILL 79 (SB 79)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
SB 79, introduced by Senator Wiener, requires cities to administratively approve high-density residential projects-up to seven stories-near public transit stops, regardless of local zoning codes. The bill significantly limits the use of local development standards and grants 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.
The League of California Cities (Cal Cities) has issued an action alert urging opposition to SB 79 due to its potential negative impacts on local jurisdictions, including the erosion of local control, disregard for mandated housing elements, and lack of community engagement in development decisions.
DISCUSSION:
1. Erosion of Local Control
SB 79 overrides state-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 consideration of community needs, environmental review, or public input.
2. Unlimited Authority for Transit Agencies
SB 79 grants transit agencies:
Unlimited land-use authority on property they own or have a permanent easement, regardless of distance from a transit stop.
Power to determine all aspects of residential and commercial development, including height, density, and design, with no regard for local zoning or planning. The ability to develop 100% commercial projects, even at transit stops, without providing a single new home.
3. Lack of Affordable Housing Requirements
Despite claims that SB 79 will address California’s housing crisis, the bill does not require developers to build any residential units, let alone affordable housing. This could lead to increased commercial development near transit hubs without solving housing shortages.
4. Environmental and Infrastructure Concerns
By allowing development without local oversight or environmental review, SB 79 raises significant concerns regarding traffic congestion, infrastructure strain, and potential displacement of existing communities. Cities must retain the ability to balance growth with sustainability and infrastructure capacity.
Joint Special Meeting
CC/BFPD/Odesa/Harvey House
04/7/25 05:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Other
Doc ID: 5947
AGENDA ITEM
For the reasons stated above, staff strongly recommends that the City Council oppose SB 79. Preserving local control over land use and zoning decisions is essential to ensuring that growth occurs in a way that aligns with community needs.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Cal Cities Opposition Letter
2. Bill Text and Analysis
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council direct staff to communicate the City's opposition to State Legislators, the League of California Cities (Cal Cities), and other relevant stakeholders.