BREAKING: California’s housing landscape is poised for transformation as the state Legislature has just approved SB 79, a groundbreaking bill that will pave the way for high-rise residential buildings near public transit hubs. This urgent measure, which allows construction of up to nine stories within half a mile of bus and rail stations, is now headed to Governor Gavin Newsom for final approval.
The dramatic shift comes as California grapples with a severe housing crisis. Senator Scott Wiener, the bill’s architect, argues that local officials have failed to adequately address the state’s housing shortage, leading to increased homelessness. “This vote is a dramatic step forward to undo decades of harm and reduce our most severe costs,” Wiener stated following the Legislature’s approval on October 6, 2023.
The new law will effectively override local zoning regulations, significantly altering the construction landscape in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orange County, San Diego, and other major urban centers. The bill aims to address the pressing need for affordable housing and reduce traffic congestion by promoting living spaces near transit lines.
However, not everyone welcomes this change. Community groups, including United Neighbors, have expressed concerns that the law could force multi-family housing into established single-family neighborhoods. Critics argue that the rapid upzoning lacks provisions for essential community amenities, such as parks and recreational spaces.
The Los Angeles City Council has voiced opposition to the bill, with Mayor Karen Bass asserting that cities with approved housing plans should be exempt from such sweeping changes. Homeowners in areas like Sherman Oaks and Van Nuys fear their communities may soon see a surge in high-density housing projects, drastically altering the character of their neighborhoods.
“Large swaths of our communities will shift from single-family homes to towering apartment complexes,” warned Jeff Kalban, an architect and member of the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association. “The vision of a vibrant, beautiful community is at risk of being obliterated.”
In contrast, proponents of the bill, including the California YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) group, believe that the initial skepticism surrounding SB 79 will dissipate as new developments emerge. “Many residents will welcome moderate density housing—fourplexes and six-plexes—back into their neighborhoods,” said spokesperson Matthew Lewis.
As California embarks on this ambitious housing initiative, the implications for urban planning, community dynamics, and the fight against homelessness are profound. The bill’s passage marks a pivotal moment in the state’s approach to housing, reflecting a significant departure from the slow-growth policies of previous decades.
WHAT’S NEXT: All eyes are now on Governor Newsom, who is expected to sign SB 79 into law. The impact of this legislation will unfold in the coming months as cities and developers begin to navigate the new requirements. Will this be the solution to California’s housing crisis, or will it ignite further conflicts in communities across the state? Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.