Updated: Statewide Upzoning Falls Short Again in California

For the third year in a row, an effort to increase density near transit in statewide in California has stalled in the legislature.

2 minute read

January 30, 2020, 8:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


NIMBY Sign

Richard Masoner / Flickr

"California lawmakers failed to pass high-profile legislation on Wednesday to dramatically increase homebuilding in the state," reports Liam Dillon. The vote is the latest defeat in Senator Scott Wiener's crusade to implement a statewide upzoning of properties located near transit routes.

"Senate Bill 50, which would allow construction of mid-rise apartment complexes near transit and job centers and fourplexes in most single-family neighborhoods throughout California, was opposed by state senators who said the measure took too much power away from local governments and failed to sufficiently address low-income housing needs," explains Dillon.

As noted in a separate article by Chris Nichols, the bill has one more chance to achieve the necessary number of votes on Thursday, January 30. [Update: A final vote on Thursday, January 30, finally ends the chances of SB 50's approval. A tweet by John MeyersSacramento bureau chief of the Los Angeles Times, confirms the final vote.] The Senate vote on Wednesday actually favored the bill, 18–15, falling three votes short of the necessary 21.

SB 50 had new life at the beginning of 2020 after falling short in 2019. The previous iteration of the bill, SB 827, failed in committee in 2018. Dillon's article includes a complete history of Senator Scott Wiener's attempts to pass the two bills.

Dillon also provides analysis of the politics of the defeat, noting that nine Los Angeles-area senators either voted no or abstained from the vote.

2020 is already failing to live up to the hopes of pro-development forces around the country—two bills that would have dramatically increased the zoned capacity of residential properties in Virginia failed to make it out of a House of Delegates subcommittee last week.

Additional coverage of the SB 50 vote is available from the Mercury News and the San Francisco Chronicle.

Wednesday, January 29, 2020 in Los Angeles Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

"Stage 4" soundstage wall seen through ornate metal gate at Paramount Studios lot in Los Angeles, California.

Demise of Entertainment Industry Mirrors Demise of Housing in LA

Making movies has a lot in common with developing real estate: producers = developers; screenwriters = architects; directors = general contractors. The similarities are more than trivial. Both industries are now hurting in L.A.

1 hour ago - California Planning & Development Report

Two young women roller skating in a park on a sunny day.

How Public Spaces Exclude Teen Girls

Adolescent girls face unique challenges and concerns when navigating public spaces. We can design cities with their needs in mind.

2 hours ago - Next City

Ohio State Senate building nwith modern downtown Columbus skyscrapers in background.

Proposed Ohio Budget Preserves Housing Trust Fund

The Senate-approved budget also creates two new programs aimed at encouraging housing construction.

3 hours ago - Ohio Capital Journal