A new SANDAG draft map identifies Santee among the San Diego County cities with transit stops affected by Senate Bill 79, a state housing law that allows more residential density near qualifying transit corridors.
The Coast News reported that SANDAG released the draft map June 18 ahead of SB 79 taking effect July 1. The law overrides some local zoning restrictions for parcels near certain transit-oriented development stops, with larger projects allowed closer to the stations.
According to the report, cities with affected stops include San Diego, Lemon Grove, Santee, La Mesa, National City and Chula Vista, along with several North County cities. In Tier 2 zones, residential, commercial or mixed-use parcels could be subject to development standards allowing up to 80 dwelling units per acre and 55 feet in height within one-quarter to one-half mile of a stop, with higher limits closer in.
The draft map is still part of a broader implementation process, and The Coast News reported that SANDAG's methodology may be updated if requirements, data sources or errors change. For Santee residents, the practical question is where the affected transit areas fall and how the city responds through local planning rules.
Source: The Coast News.