Urgent action…calls and letters…new information…

SB 677 & SB 908: Potential Expansions of SB 79

SB 677 (Sen. Scott Wiener) has been repurposed into an SB 79 follow-up by rewriting the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) definitions that control eligibility. Although described as “tightening,” SB 677 keeps the key expansion: it adds “intercity rail” to the “high-frequency commuter rail” definition and changes counting language around the 48-trains-per-weekday threshold. Those definition and counting changes can make additional stations qualify, expand the mapped SB 79 TOD footprint, and pull more communities into Tier 2 (and potentially move some closer to Tier 1 if further tweaks follow). In San Diego County, that includes real-world stations like Solana Beach and Oceanside if Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains are counted toward the threshold alongside existing commuter service.

Why this matters for small communities like Solana Beach

For a small city, getting swept into Tier 2 is not an abstract planning label. It can trigger a much bigger zoning and permitting workload on a fast timeline, with fewer practical options to phase, pace, or tailor growth to local constraints. Cities like Solana Beach (about 13,000 residents) often have limited staff capacity, tight budgets, and real physical limits near stations: narrow streets, constrained circulation, stormwater shortcomings, limited room for sidewalks or bike facilities, and fire and emergency response limitations for mid-rise buildings. When Sacramento changes who qualifies through definition tweaks, the city can be forced into a “TOD jump” without the infrastructure, staffing, or public process time to make it workable or safe.

SB 677 also includes “no reimbursement” language, signaling cities must absorb new workload and costs. 

Process-wise, SB 677 moved quickly (Housing → Local Government → Appropriations via Rule 28.8) and is now positioned for possible Senate floor action (listed on the Third Reading file for 1/26).

SB 908: The next shoe

On top of SB 677, Senator Wiener introduced SB 908 as an intent/placeholder bill stating the Legislature plans to make additional “technical and clarifying” TOD changes later, including adding a “select set” of Bay Area ferry terminals. In plain terms: another TOD definitions bill is already being queued up, and more expansion attempts are likely.

Why timing matters

Cities were originally required to comply with SB 79 by July 1, 2026. SB 677 may shift implementation timing to January 1, 2027, but it also changes who is covered. If new cities are pulled in by SB 677’s revised thresholds, they should not be forced to meet the earlier deadline. They need time to plan, budget, and hold public meetings.

Bottom line

SB 677 is not just editing words. It can expand where SB 79 applies, shift costs to local communities, and move too fast for public understanding, all through definition changes most people will never see.

In simple terms: SB 677 can make more cities follow SB 79, add local costs, and compress timelines, while SB 908 signals more “cleanup” expansions are likely next.