California Legislature Passes Landmark Bill Allowing Taller Housing Near Transit Hubs

Sacramento, California – After eight years of legislative efforts, California's Senate Bill 79 (SB 79), a significant upzoning measure designed to increase housing density near public transit, has successfully passed both chambers of the state Legislature. The bill now awaits Governor Gavin Newsom's signature. Brian Hanlon, CEO of California YIMBY, celebrated the milestone on social media, stating, "After 8 years, we did it! SB 79, the biggest upzoning bill in state history, just passed the Legislature."

Authored by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), SB 79 aims to tackle California's severe housing shortage and bolster public transit ridership by allowing for the construction of multi-family housing up to nine stories tall around major transit stations. The legislation establishes statewide zoning standards, overriding some local regulations, to facilitate denser development within a half-mile radius of train, light rail, and major bus stops. Proponents argue this strategy will reduce housing costs and decrease reliance on automobiles.

The bill categorizes transit areas into tiers, with Tier 1 locations like BART and LA Metro's heavy rail lines potentially seeing buildings up to nine stories adjacent to stops. Tier 2 areas, including light rail and high-frequency commuter rail, could allow for up to eight stories. SB 79 also includes provisions for affordability, requiring projects to set aside a minimum percentage of units for lower-income residents, and offers protections against the demolition of rent-controlled units.

Despite its passage, SB 79 faced considerable opposition, particularly from local governments and community groups concerned about the erosion of local control and potential impacts on existing neighborhoods. Critics, including the Los Angeles City Council and organizations like the LA Conservancy, voiced fears of gentrification, displacement, and the loss of historic resources. Amendments were introduced to address some of these concerns, providing local flexibility for alternative plans and safeguards for historic preservation and worker's rights.

Senator Wiener emphasized the bill's importance, stating, "Decades of overly restrictive policies have driven housing costs to astronomical levels... Today’s vote is a dramatic step forward." Supporters like California YIMBY believe the bill will unlock critical land for housing, while opponents like Susan Kirsch of Catalysts for Local Control predict a "devastating impact" on low-rise neighborhoods. The bill's long-term effects on California's housing market and urban landscape will be closely watched as it moves towards potential enactment.