Transit-oriented development overlays (SB 79 compliance)
Summary
A new state law on development around transit stops could significantly reshape downtown. Staff presents to council March 16 with a July 1 decision deadline.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 7
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 6, 2026.
Impact analysis
Could reshape development potential on hundreds of parcels near stations, including R-1 lots within the radius.
Potentially renters and transit riders if more housing opens near the station.
Downtown property owners and residents face potential regulatory changes with a rapid timeline.
Mentions & discussions (7)
City Council — October 6, 2026
Candidates agreed state legislation has stripped much of Burlingame's control over residential development. They emphasized getting ahead of growth through specific plans like Bayside, and pointed to the city's record on North Rollins Road transit-oriented housing.
City Council — June 15, 2026
Adopted zoning amendments create TOD overlay zones within a quarter mile of the Millbrae BART/Caltrain station and Downtown Burlingame Caltrain station, creating a local alternative plan to comply with SB 79.
City Council — June 1, 2026
A new state law forces higher-density housing within a quarter mile of the downtown and Millbrae stations. Burlingame's alternative plan keeps the required unit capacity but concentrates height and density near North Rollins while dialing down downtown — the ordinance returns for final adoption later this month.
Planning Commission — May 26, 2026
State law opening housing within a quarter mile of train stations takes effect July 1. Burlingame's alternative plan creates local overlay zones downtown (up to 80 units/acre downtown inner zone) and in North Burlingame instead of the state's default 160 units/acre near stations.
City Council — March 16, 2026
A new state law effective July 1 forces dense housing (75–95 feet, up to 160 units/acre) within a quarter mile of the Burlingame and Millbrae stations. Council chose to draft an Alternative Plan to shift density toward Millbrae/North Rollins Road and protect single-family blocks — but only by counting Washington Park and the high school as theoretical capacity sites, which drew public pushback.
City Council — March 11, 2026
A recent MTC vote ties OBAG transit funding to full compliance with state objective housing standards — Burlingame is only partially compliant and staff must analyze what compliance would cost and require. The Council asked for a full report back.
Planning Commission — March 9, 2026
A new state law on development around transit stops could significantly reshape downtown. Staff presents to council March 16 with a July 1 decision deadline.
Related development
Amendments to Title 25, Zoning Map, General Plan and Specific Plans — Transit-Oriented Development Overlay Zones (ZOA26-0001)
Opens housing opportunities near both stations while keeping Burlingame's densities somewhat lower than the state default — including on some R-1 lots within the radius.
TOD Overlay Zones and Local Alternative Plan (TODAP)
This will reshape zoning near both stations — pushing density to transit-adjacent corridors and North Rollins Road while shielding outer single-family blocks — and will consume planning staff capacity for months.
Transit-Oriented Development Overlay Zones (TODAP / SB 79 compliance)
Higher-density, transit-friendly development becomes possible near the BART and Caltrain stations.
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