New State Transit-Housing Law to Take Effect Around Caltrain Following Council Approval In Redwood City

REDWOOD CITY, CA — Redwood City’s City Council voted unanimously at the early July meeting to let California’s new SB 79 Abundant and Affordable Homes Near Transit Act take effect around the downtown Caltrain station while staff develops a local transit-oriented alternative plan.

SB 79 established by-right housing and new height and density minimums within a half-mile of major transit. By-right housing allows proposed projects to receive automatic approval, provided they meet all current local zoning and building requirements.

Senior Planner Ellen Yau told the council the law created three tiers around the station, with maximums ranging from 65 feet and 100 units per acre in the outer ring to 95 feet and 160 units per acre closest in.

Yao said much of downtown already met or exceeded those standards and predicted “near-term impact of SB 79 may be limited” due to small lot sizes, existing entitlements, and current construction costs.

Councilmember Jeff Gee framed the move as a long-term capacity decision ahead of the next housing cycle.

“I think what we’re looking at is the next RHNA cycle, where I think it’s safe to say the number for cities is not going to go down for housing,” Gee said. He added that the SB 79 framework does create capacity for future transit-oriented development.

Councilmember Isabella Chu argued the city’s existing pro-housing posture near transit explained why SB 79 had not sparked immediate applications.

“There’s a neighboring city that’s gotten six applications, and it’s been live for 13 days,” Chu said. “Our city has been very focused on transit-oriented development. That’s just kind of what we do.”

On a motion by Gee, seconded by Howard, the council directed staff to allow SB 79’s baseline obligations to remain in effect and to prepare an SB 79-compliant transit-oriented development alternative plan in coordination with the Greater Downtown Area Plan and regional policies, with added emphasis on community outreach.