California Senate Passes SB 79 to Allow 7-Story Housing Near Transit

SACRAMENTO – California's State Senate has advanced Senate Bill 79 (SB 79), the "Abundant & Affordable Homes Near Transit Act," a landmark housing measure aimed at addressing the state's severe housing shortage and high cost of living. The bill, authored by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), passed the Senate on June 4, 2025, and now moves to the Assembly for further consideration. This legislative effort seeks to facilitate the construction of more housing units, particularly in transit-rich areas, to combat rising rents and displacement across the state.

SB 79 establishes state zoning standards permitting multi-family homes up to seven stories near major public transportation stops, with height standards tapering down within a half-mile radius. It also streamlines permitting processes for these developments and allows transit agencies to build at higher densities on their own land. Senator Wiener emphasized the urgency of the bill, stating, "California urgently needs to build more homes to bring down costs, and building them near transit provides our public transportation systems with an urgently needed infusion of new riders."

Proponents, including California YIMBY, SPUR, and Streets for All, argue that the bill tackles the root causes of the affordability crisis by increasing housing supply in sustainable locations. They assert that restrictive local zoning has historically prevented dense development near transit, contributing to sprawl, increased emissions, and financial strain on public transportation systems. "It’s unfair to take tax dollars from everyone to run trains, then ban housing nearby and lock people out. SB 79 ends this exclusion," said Brian Hanlon, CEO of California YIMBY.

However, the bill faces strong opposition from various groups, including numerous California cities and some Democratic lawmakers. Critics express concerns over the erosion of local control, the potential for "forced density" in existing neighborhoods, and whether the legislation genuinely addresses the need for affordable housing without adequate infrastructure. San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond warned that the bill "bulldozes the American Dream" by allowing high-rise apartments in single-family areas based solely on proximity to a bus stop.

The debate around SB 79 resonates deeply in communities like San Francisco's Castro district, where the issue of housing affordability and displacement is acutely felt. Senator Wiener himself acknowledged this sentiment, noting, "He says that loves the look and aesthetic of his neighborhood, The Castro district in San Francisco. But he'd love even more if thousands of people hadn't been displaced by exploding rents, and to solve that, we need to build more." The bill's journey through the Assembly will continue to highlight the tension between increasing housing supply and preserving community character and affordability for existing residents.