News Summary
The California Legislature has passed the Abundant & Affordable Homes Near Transit Act (SB 79) with a 21 to 8 vote. The bill aims to address California’s housing affordability crisis by facilitating multifamily housing construction near transit stops, overriding local zoning restrictions. It awaits approval from Governor Gavin Newsom, who has until October 12 to decide. Senator Scott Wiener emphasizes the bill’s potential to alleviate housing costs and increase supply in urban areas, while facing opposition from local governments concerned about planning authority.
California Legislature Advances Multifamily Housing Bill
The California Legislature has recently passed the Abundant & Affordable Homes Near Transit Act, commonly known as SB 79, with a decisive vote of 21 to 8. This legislation is now awaiting approval from Governor Gavin Newsom, who has until October 12 to either sign or veto the bill. The passage of SB 79 is seen as a significant step toward addressing California’s ongoing housing affordability crisis.
Key Features of SB 79
SB 79 facilitates the construction of multifamily housing near high-capacity transit stops by overriding existing local zoning restrictions. This measure aims to lower housing costs in California by increasing the housing supply in areas with efficient public transit, thereby supporting and enhancing transit systems. The bill is designed to apply to properties that are zoned for residential, mixed-use, or commercial development located within a half-mile of qualifying transit stops. For smaller cities with populations under 35,000, the proximity requirement is reduced to a quarter-mile.
Addressing the Housing Crisis
The author of the bill, State Senator Scott Wiener from San Francisco, asserts that the legislation directly addresses the critical housing affordability crisis that has plagued California. Decades of restrictive policies have contributed to skyrocketing housing costs, and SB 79 seeks to reverse that trend by allowing more development near transit hubs.
Where Construction Can Occur
Under SB 79, apartments can be constructed close to major transit systems such as the San Francisco BART, LA Metro, and the MTS Trolley. Moreover, the legislation grants transit agencies the authority to develop their own land, fostering additional opportunities for housing development.
Height and Density Provisions
The bill adopts a ‘rail plus property’ model, which has been successfully used in places like Hong Kong and other East Asian cities. New buildings will have height limits ranging from 4 to 9 stories, depending on the frequency of transit service and the distance to major transit stations. The provisions of the bill will specifically apply to counties that contain at least 15 passenger rail stations, including major urban areas such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco.
Affordability and Outlined Protections
Projects developed under SB 79 must adhere to minimum affordability standards, with incentives available for deeper affordability through density bonuses. Importantly, the legislation reinforces existing displacement laws, preventing the demolition of rent-stabilized homes comprised of 3 units or more or any multifamily housing that has had tenants in the last 7 years.
Opposition from Local Governments
Legislative Trends and Community Reactions
This legislative move is part of a broader trend in California that includes recent exemptions from the California Environmental Quality Act for urban apartment projects and a freeze on building standards until 2031. Proponents of SB 79 emphasize the necessity of the bill in response to the state’s urgent need for 2.5 million new homes by 2030.
Additionally, the bill has garnered support from labor groups, mainly due to amendments that include provisions for union hiring on certain projects. However, it has also prompted protests from various communities concerned about the potential implications of these zoning changes.
Looking Ahead
As the deadline for Governor Newsom’s decision draws near, the fate of SB 79 remains uncertain but pivotal for the future of affordable housing in California. If signed into law, it could transform the landscape of housing development around transit stops, offering new opportunities for residents struggling against the state’s housing affordability crisis.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Construction CA Resources
KV Capital provides $82.4M loan for 254‑unit Arthur rental in Currie
Lima One Capital opens 60,000‑sq‑ft Greenville headquarters at 300 E. McBee Ave.
JLL Arranges $28M Loan for URBANIA® Flagler 1st Ave and Brokers $117M Rivr Lofts Refinance in Fort Lauderdale
St. Louis contractor promotes senior project manager amid major renovations and regional bids
Chicago NFL team confirms privately financed domed stadium and mixed‑use district in Arlington Heights
Concord Summit Arranges $16.5M C-PACE Loan for 105‑Room Marriott Tribute in Santa Barbara
California Housing Permits Decline Significantly
Bank OZK Sticks to Low‑Leverage Construction Lending While Funding South Florida Deals
Marcus & Millichap Arranges $8.7M Construction Loan for Marshview Apartments in Sheboygan Falls
Housing Authority of Charleston purchases 209‑unit 1800 Ashley West for $39.75M
Additional Resources
- Smart Cities Dive
- Los Angeles Times
- Cal Coast Times
- Mercury News
- The Center Square
- Wikipedia: Transit-oriented development
- Google Search: California housing affordability crisis
- Google Scholar: California housing policy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing architecture
- Google News: California SB 79
Author: Construction CA News
CALIFORNIA STAFF WRITER The CALIFORNIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructioncanews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in California 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 Rose Parade, Coachella, Comic-Con, and the California State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the California Building Industry Association and Associated General Contractors of California, plus leading businesses in technology and entertainment that power the local economy such as Apple and Alphabet. As part of the broader network, including constructionnynews.com, constructiontxnews.com, and constructionflnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape across multiple states.
