News Summary
California lawmakers have approved Senate Bill 79, aimed at increasing housing density near transit hubs. The bill allows for taller buildings near major transit corridors and seeks to address the state’s housing crisis. Despite opposition from local governments, supporters emphasize the bill’s potential to alleviate affordability issues in California’s housing market. Governor Gavin Newsom is expected to sign it into law soon.
California lawmakers have passed a significant housing bill known as Senate Bill 79, designed to increase housing density near transit hubs across the state. The California Senate voted 21 to 8 to approve the bill during the 2025 legislative session, following a prior approval from the California Assembly, which passed the bill a day earlier with a vote of 41 to 17. The bill will soon be sent to Governor Gavin Newsom, who is anticipated to sign it into law in October.
Senate Bill 79 was introduced in March by Senator Scott Wiener from San Francisco, aiming to address California’s ongoing housing crisis. The bill allows for the construction of buildings up to nine stories tall near select transit corridors, seven stories within a quarter-mile, and six stories within a half-mile of transit stops. This new zoning will also apply to single-family neighborhoods located within a half-mile of transit stations.
New Zoning Regulations
The zoning established by SB 79 is divided into tiers designed to promote high-density housing development. Tier 1 permits the construction of six to nine-story buildings near heavy rail lines, while Tier 2 allows five to eight-story buildings near light rail lines and bus routes that have dedicated lanes. Eligible areas for development under the bill include parts of major thoroughfares like Wilshire, Vermont, and Hollywood Boulevards, as well as the San Fernando Valley, and routes stretching from Long Beach to the San Gabriel Valley.
Opposition and Support
Despite its passage, SB 79 encountered significant opposition from local governments and homeowners who raised concerns about state overreach into local zoning decisions and the potential impact on existing neighborhoods. For example, the Los Angeles City Council voted 8 to 5 against the bill, emphasizing the importance of local control over zoning matters. Critics also expressed worries that the legislation could lead to increased competition for land near transit, potentially disadvantaging lower-priced neighborhoods.
However, supporters of SB 79 argue that it is vital for addressing California’s severe affordability crisis and housing shortage, which has driven median home prices close to $900,000 and average rents past $2,600 per month. In an encouraging turn, the State Building and Construction Trades Council reversed its earlier opposition after agreeing to union hiring amendments, thereby lending its support to the bill.
A Historical Context
Senator Wiener stresses that SB 79 could result in the development of hundreds of thousands of new multifamily homes, underscoring the bill’s potential to reshape California’s housing landscape. The bill’s passage marks a notable success following numerous attempts over the years to enact similar legislation aimed at alleviating the housing crisis.
As discussions around urban development and housing affordability continue, multiple protests against SB 79 took place in various communities throughout Southern California. Residents expressed concerns regarding the potential changes to their single-family residential areas and the overall impact of increased density on their neighborhoods.
In conclusion, Senate Bill 79 stands as a pivotal legislative initiative that could significantly alter California’s housing dynamics by promoting higher-density developments closer to transit options. While the bill has garnered both support and opposition, its ultimate effect on the state’s housing availability and affordability remains to be seen as it moves toward implementation.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times
- Wikipedia: Housing in California
- Politico
- Google Search: California housing bill SB 79
- LAist
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
