BREAKING NEWS: California’s Legislature has just approved a transformative housing bill, SB 79, paving the way for high-rise residential buildings near key transit locations. This urgent measure aims to tackle the state’s severe housing shortage by allowing construction of up to nine stories in areas within half a mile of bus and rail stops.
The bill is set to be sent to Governor Gavin Newsom in October 2023, where his signature is anticipated. This legislative shift marks a significant departure from the “slow growth” policies that have dominated California since the 1980s, as communities previously resisted large-scale construction due to concerns over traffic and neighborhood integrity.
Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), the bill’s architect, has stated that local governments have failed to adequately address the ever-growing housing crisis, pushing vulnerable Californians closer to homelessness. In his words, “Today’s vote is a dramatic step forward to undo these decades of harm, reduce our most severe costs, and slash traffic congestion and air pollution in our state.”
The final approval of SB 79 came after numerous amendments aimed at making it more acceptable to rural and suburban lawmakers. The new regulations will specifically apply to only eight of California’s 58 counties, including major urban centers like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, thereby fostering development in the most densely populated areas.
However, community groups, including the coalition known as United Neighbors, have voiced strong opposition, arguing that the law will lead to an influx of apartments in single-family home neighborhoods without addressing the need for parks and community amenities. The Los Angeles City Council has also taken a stand against the bill, with Mayor Karen Bass advocating for exemptions for cities with existing housing plans.
Architect and activist Jeff Kalban fears the new law will drastically alter the character of neighborhoods like Sherman Oaks and Van Nuys, stating, “The California dream, the American dream… is all being obliterated.”
On the other side of the debate, the group California YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) believes that this new law will ultimately be accepted by skeptics once they see the results. Spokesperson Matthew Lewis noted, “SB 79 means we’ll see a few more moderate density housing options like fourplexes and six-plexes, which were common in California until the 1980s.”
As these developments unfold, all eyes are on Governor Newsom and how he will respond to this pivotal moment in California’s housing policy. Residents and stakeholders across the state are urged to stay informed as this legislation could reshape the California landscape for years to come.
