State bill targets transit areas for housing

Senate Bill 79 would allow transit agencies to develop high-density housing between 45-75 feet near rail and bus stations, bypassing local approvals and CEQA sparking debate over growth, local control

A new state bill would allow transit agencies to bypass local jurisdictions to build high-density housing at certain transit stations and locations. The North County Transit Agency has already announced plans to build housing projects at 11 stations. Steve Puterski photo

NORTH COUNTY — A new state bill targeting the housing crisis would give transit agencies carte blanche to build housing on their right-of-way.

Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) introduced Senate Bill 79 on Jan. 15 in hopes of agencies taking more responsibility in tackling the states affordability and inventory issues. The bill requires ministerial approval (no City Council, Planning Commission or Board of Supervisors), exempts certain projects from the California Environmental Quality Act, allows higher density and cities and counties must include transit-oriented districts (TOD) in their housing inventories, among many other provisions.

The bill was been referred to the housing and local government committees on March 12 and no further action has been taken, according to the legislature’s website.

The bill mandates residential developments near TOD stops must be allowed on land zoned for residential, mixed-use, commercial, or light industrial purposes should they meet specific requirements. It also establishes state zoning standards around train stations and major bus stops (bus rapid transit stops) allowing for multi-family homes up to seven stories near “immediately” surrounding major transit stops, with lower height standards extending up to half a mile away from such stops.

“The NCTD Board of Directors has not discussed this bill, so NCTD has not taken a position,” said North County Transit District Chief of Staff Mary Dover.

NCTD owns two rail lines — one down the coast to San Diego (Coaster) and one east-west route from Oceanside to Escondido (Sprinter) — along with operating the Breeze bus lines. The agency has already announced several development projects with two proposals each in Carlsbad and Oceanside and one each in Escondido, San Marcos and Vista, which preceded SB 79. The bill applies to all cities including charter cities.

NCTD, though, has already begun its process for TOD along its rail corridors. According to its website, the agency is planning to revitalize 11 transit stations for mixed-use developments and other amenities such as parks, trails and gathering spaces.