City Council - 2026-05-07 - Special Agenda
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to phase implementation of SB 79 transit-oriented development requirements, deferring to SANDAG's forthcoming map to identify qualifying transit stops rather than specifying them in the ordinance. The 6-0 vote (with three absent) came after extensive debate about whether bus lanes on El Cajon Blvd., University Ave., and Park Blvd. should qualify as dedicated transit lanes. Council Member Whitburn will lead a letter to SANDAG requesting inclusion of those corridors.
Key Decisions (1)
SB 79 Phased Implementation Ordinance (First Reading)
City Council approved first reading of ordinance to phase implementation of SB 79 transit-oriented development requirements. The ordinance phases implementation in low resource areas (until 2031-2032), very high fire severity zones, sites with designated historic resources, and areas vulnerable to 1-foot sea level rise. Areas outside 1-mile walking distance from transit stops are exempted. Final version removes specific transit stop enumeration and defers entirely to SANDAG's map.
Zoning Changes (1)
Citywide - within half-mile of qualifying transit stops
City of San Diego Planning Department
Development Activity (1)
SB 79 Transit-Oriented Development Zones
SB 79 requires ministerial approval of housing developments within quarter-mile and half-mile of qualifying transit stops. Approximately 22% of TOD zones (areas in yellow on city maps) will take effect July 1, 2025 - those outside low resource areas, not containing historic resources, not subject to sea level rise, and not in very high fire severity zones. Existing zoning capacity is 494,000 units versus SB 79 target of 861,000 units.
Market Signals (4)
Housing Demand
City staff noted existing Complete Communities program already exceeds SB 79 density requirements in many areas, with 6.5 FAR allowed in mid-city versus SB 79's 4.0 FAR maximum.
Infrastructure
City faces $8 billion five-year capital improvement project funding deficit, with DIF fees not keeping pace with infrastructure needs for new development.
Sentiment
Strong pro-housing advocacy from YIMBY Democrats and coalition groups pushing for broader interpretation of qualifying bus lanes, while community planning groups support measured phased approach.
Housing Demand
Low resource areas contain naturally occurring affordable housing with 3-bedroom homes renting at $2,300/month, raising concerns about displacement from upzoning.