Text Amendment (TA) 26-0001 and CEQA Exemption (EX) 26-041 – Transit-Oriented Development

The City of San Marcos is advancing Text Amendment TA 26-0001 to modify Chapter 20.280 of the San Marcos Municipal Code to implement provisions related to Senate Bill 79, which pertains to transit-oriented development. This amendment identifies specific sites eligible for exclusion from SB 79 requirements and others designated for phased implementation, allowing tailored regulatory approaches based on local context and infrastructure readiness. The zoning map will be formally updated to reflect these exemptions and phased timelines, ensuring alignment with the city’s housing and transportation goals. Development standards will be established to govern construction, density, and design on these sites, balancing state mandates with community-specific planning priorities. The action is accompanied by CEQA Exemption EX 26-041, indicating that the amendment qualifies for a categorical exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act due to its regulatory nature and minimal environmental impact. The amendment is part of the city’s broader strategy to facilitate denser, transit-accessible housing near key transit corridors while preserving neighborhood character in selected areas. Joseph Farace, Planning Division Director, serves as the point of contact for inquiries, and the initiative was posted for public notice on July 31, 2026, with project details available through the CEQA Net portal. The measures reflect a coordinated effort to respond to state housing mandates through localized planning tools and regulatory adjustments.