CaliforniaCalifornia law defines which cities qualify as industrial cities
California law sets three tests for classifying a small, industry-focused city while preserving separate development rules and preferences.
What it does
California law defines an “industrial city” as a small city dominated by industrial or large commercial uses and supporting more daytime workers than residents. The definition does not change separate Chapter 2.8 rules.
Argument forClear tests could help state and local officials identify which cities fit the industrial-city category.
Argument againstThe three required tests may exclude small industrial cities with less than majority qualifying land or daytime workforces no larger than resident populations.
More detail
State law defines an “industrial city” using population, land-use, and workforce tests. The definition applies to cities with fewer than 25,000 residents, a majority of land devoted to specified industrial or large commercial uses, and a daytime workforce larger than the resident population. A majority of the city’s jurisdiction must be zoned or used for industrial, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, energy production, or other large-scale commercial use. Large-scale commercial use means commercial use with at least 250,000 square feet of building space. The definition does not change the separate rules, benefits, exemptions, exceptions, or preferences governed by Chapter 2.8 of Title 7. The act was approved and filed on September 14, 2026. The supplied text does not state a separate effective date.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed Assembly
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Sep 14Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 231, Statutes of 2026.Latest
- Sep 14Approved by the Governor Gavin Newsom.Became Law
- Aug 21Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 3 p.m.To Governor
- Aug 18Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 40. Noes 0. Page 5515.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.Major
- Vote recorded Unfinished Business SB1274 Archuleta et al. Concurrence. Result: pass.Upper
- Aug 13In Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending.
- Vote recorded SB 1274 Archuleta Senate Third Reading By Pacheco. Result: pass.Lower
- Aug 13Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 68. Noes 0. Page 6149.) Ordered to the Senate.Passed Assembly
- Aug 3Read second time. Ordered to third reading.Minor
- Jul 2Read second time and amended. Ordered to second reading.Major
- Jul 2From committee: Do pass as amended. (Ayes 10. Noes 0.) (July 1).Major
- Jul 1
- Vote recorded Do pass as amended. Result: pass.Lower
- May 11Referred to Com. on L. GOV.Minor
- Apr 30In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.Minor
- Vote recorded Consent Calendar 2nd. Result: pass.Upper
- Apr 30Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 36. Noes 0. Page 4113.) Ordered to the Assembly.Passed Senate
- Apr 23Read second time. Ordered to consent calendar.Minor
- Apr 22From committee: Do pass. Ordered to consent calendar. (Ayes 7. Noes 0. Page 4015.) (April 22).Minor
- Vote recorded Do pass and be ordered to the Consent Calendar. Result: pass.Upper
- Apr 13From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on L. GOV.Major
- Apr 9Set for hearing April 22.
- Apr 8Re-referred to Com. on L. GOV.Minor
- Mar 24From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on RLS.Major
- Mar 4Referred to Com. on RLS.Minor
- Feb 23Read first time.Minor
- Feb 23From printer. May be acted upon on or after March 23.
- Feb 20Introduced. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.Introduced
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