Legislature Approves Sen. Dodd’s Bill to Encourage City-Centered Growth

SACRAMENTO – A bill from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, to extend a pilot program in Napa and San Bernardino counties that helps prevent urban sprawl and protects natural resources has cleared the Legislature today and heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his signature.

“Today we’ve taken a step toward preserving agricultural land and open space in Napa County,” Sen. Dodd said. “I appreciate support for this commonsense measure that will extend necessary services while reducing the need for new wells or septic systems.”

Senate Bill 13 extends the provisions of a law written by Sen. Dodd in 2015 that allow 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. This allows qualifying properties to get off septic systems without forcing city growth. Sen. Dodd’s new bill would extend the provision until 2026. The bill also supports the development of farmworker housing.

The extension is supported by both counties. It passed the Senate and Assembly with unanimous, bipartisan support.

“Passage of SB 13 will allow the county to continue its long-standing practice of protecting agriculture and preventing urban sprawl while providing flexibility to expand workforce housing,” said Diane Dillon, Napa County supervisor and chair of the Local Agency Formation Commission. “Thanks to Sen. Dodd for his leadership moving this important bill a step closer to being signed.”

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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.