Sen. Dodd Introduces Bill Encouraging City-Centered Growth

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

SACRAMENTO –Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, introduced legislation today to extend a pilot program in Napa and San Bernardino counties that helps prevent urban sprawl and protects natural resources.

“This is a common sense measure that helps extend necessary services while reducing the need for new wells or septic systems,” Sen. Dodd said. “It embraces our goals to preserve agricultural land and open space while focusing new construction in city centers and transportation corridors.”

Assembly Bill 402, introduced by Sen. Dodd in 2015 and signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown, allows a Local Agency Formation Commission to authorize city or district services outside urban boundaries as long as open space or agriculture are not adversely affected. The provision is set to expire Jan. 1, 2021. Sen. Dodd’s new bill, Senate Bill 799, would extend the provision indefinitely.

SB 799 is supported by both counties.

“I thank Sen. Dodd for his leadership in extending this successful program to prevent urban sprawl,” Napa County Supervisor Diane Dillon said. “It will allow us to continue protecting existing housing and small businesses while preventing encroachment on ag lands and open space.”

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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Yolo, Sonoma, Solano, Sacramento and Contra Costa counties. More information on Senator Bill Dodd can be found at www.senate.ca.gov/dodd.