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San Marcos leaders warn SB 79 mapping could allow dense development near Sprinter stations
Summary
Mayor Jones told the council that upcoming SB 79 mapping may rezone land near Sprinter stops and could allow high-density development; the mayor said maps due in June might permit up to 935 units on a roughly 13-acre site and pledged a future agenda briefing.
Mayor Jones used council commentary to raise alarms about SB 79, a state-level housing law that she said will require local mapping around transit stops and could enable dense development near Sprinter stations.
"It's like, maybe 13 acres or something like that, that they could actually build up to 935 units on one piece of property like that," the mayor said, urging the council and public to watch for SANDAG’s mapping results expected in early June.
She framed SB 79 as a state action that limits local land-use control and said the city would bring the maps back as an agenda item so the council can inform residents and consider responses. The mayor discussed options including legislative advocacy and potential ballot measures to restore more local authority, but the council did not adopt any specific policy at the meeting.
Council members agreed the item warranted a future detailed briefing once SANDAG completes its maps; staff were asked to prepare background materials for the next agenda so residents can understand potential impacts on zoning and development capacity.
The discussion was policy-focused and informational; no zoning changes or findings were adopted at this session.
