SB 79 transit-oriented development in San Diego
Unlike Los Angeles, San Diego applies SB 79 now, on the parcels mapped on its 'SB 79 Eligible Sites (2026)' layer, about a quarter of the SB 79 areas, since 1 July 2026. Other areas are phased by an ordinance adopted on 21 May 2026, to the Transit Village Plan or, in Low Resource Areas, to 2031.
Where it applies
- A parcel on the City's eligible-sites layer, zoned residential, mixed use or commercial.
- Five or more units at 30 units per acre, or the base zone's minimum density.
- No demolition of more than two rent-controlled units occupied by tenants, and no mobile home park.
The standards
The City's stops are Tier 2. Within 200 ft of a stop: 85 ft, 140 units per acre and a floor area ratio of 4.0. Within a quarter mile: 65 ft, 100 units per acre and 3.0. From a quarter to half a mile: 55 ft, 80 units per acre and 2.5.
How approval works
Under Information Bulletin 479, the City processes an SB 79 project as an allowed use through a Process One building permit. The state law itself does not require a ministerial process (Gov. Code 65912.157(l)).
Questions
- Is SB 79 in effect in San Diego?
- Yes, since 1 July 2026, on the parcels on the City's 'SB 79 Eligible Sites (2026)' layer; other areas are phased by the ordinance of 21 May 2026.
Sources
These guides summarize the code text for general information and are not legal advice. Every site is read under the code, the overlays and the ordinances that apply to it on the day of preparation.
TECTO GROUP takes multifamily sites through these pathways for owners, from the first study through entitlement and design to a permit ready to issue. Send the address of the site under consideration.
Email lucas@tecto.group