Bill allowing denser housing near BART stations and transit hubs passed by California lawmakers

"California lawmakers just laid the groundwork for a highly targeted building boom. Senate Bill 79, authored by San Francisco Democrat Sen. Scott Wiener, would upzone neighborhoods immediately surrounding train, light rail and subway stations in many of the state's most populous metro areas. That means apartment developers will be able to construct residential buildings some as tall as 75 feet regardless of what local zoning maps, elected officials or density-averse neighbors say."

"Because it would override the planning decisions of local governments, the bill had to overcome opposition from a host of city governments and their defenders in the Legislature, while fracturing the Capitol's reigning Democratic Party over questions of affordability, labor standards and who ultimately has the final say over what gets built where. The bill now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom who supporters expect will sign it."

"Wiener's bill is meant to address two crises at once: The state's long-term housing shortage and the financial precarity of its public transit agencies. By allowing taller and denser development, the legislation is meant to pave the way for more apartment developments in areas closest to jobs and services. By centering that development around public transit stations, it's meant to steer more people away from cars and towards buses and trains."

SB 79 upzones neighborhoods immediately surrounding train, light rail and subway stations in many of California's most populous metro areas, permitting taller, denser residential construction regardless of local zoning. The measure allows apartment buildings up to about 75 feet near transit and aims to increase housing supply while boosting transit ridership and stabilizing transit agency finances. The override of local planning decisions sparked opposition from city governments and split the Democratic caucus over affordability, labor standards and local control. The legislation advanced through the Legislature and now awaits the governor, with supporters expecting a signature.

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