Summary
A new state law would override local zoning within a quarter mile of the Caltrain station, allowing up to 75-foot buildings and 120 units per acre — including in the downtown core where the city wants ground-floor retail. The council introduced an exclusion ordinance preserving current zoning until 2032 while staff prepares a local transit-oriented development plan. Councilmembers also want the city's story told in Sacramento.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Apr 13, 2026.
Impact analysis
The city has already spent over $2 million on state-mandated housing planning that SB 79 would partially override.
Downtown property owners and anyone who values Laurel Street's current small-scale character keep the existing rules for five more years.
Housing advocates note the exclusion temporarily limits maximum-density housing near transit, though zones not excluded remain subject to SB 79.
Mentions & discussions (2)
City Council Regular Meeting - Apr 13, 2026
The city adopted an ordinance temporarily keeping downtown and near-station sites out of SB 79's state-mandated transit-oriented development standards. The current local zones already allow at least 50% of SB 79's density, so officials say this just keeps compliance orderly while the Downtown Specific Plan is updated.
City Council Regular Meeting - Mar 23, 2026
A new state law would override local zoning within a quarter mile of the Caltrain station, allowing up to 75-foot buildings and 120 units per acre — including in the downtown core where the city wants ground-floor retail. The council introduced an exclusion ordinance preserving current zoning until 2032 while staff prepares a local transit-oriented development plan. Councilmembers also want the city's story told in Sacramento.
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