Governor Signs Sen. Dodd’s Bill to Encourage City-Centered Growth

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, announced today that Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed his bill to extend a pilot program in Napa and San Bernardino counties that helps prevent urban sprawl and protects natural resources.

“The signing of this new law preserves farmlands and open space by ensuring Napa County focuses its new construction in city centers and transportation corridors,” Sen. Dodd said. “I thank Gov. Newsom and the Legislature for supporting 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. The provision is set to expire Jan. 1, 2021. Sen. Dodd’s new bill would extend the provision until 2026.

The extension is supported by both counties. It passed the Senate and Assembly with unanimous, bipartisan support before it was signed late Monday by the governor.

“With the signing of SB 13, Napa County can 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 in getting this bill across the finish line.”

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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.