LA delays state housing mandate with 'low-rise ordinance'

The Los Angeles City Council approved a "Low-Rise Ordinance" aimed at delaying SB 79, a state law that requires cities to upzone areas for more density near transit, reports David Wagner for LAist. SB 79 allows apartment buildings up to nine stories near train and bus rapid transit stops, but lets cities delay its implementation until 2030 if they submit other proposals for increasing the housing supply in the meantime.

The new LA law allows buildings up to four stories tall near transit stops in 57 of the city's neighborhoods and "aims to delay full implementation of SB 79 in areas deemed historically significant, at high risk of fires or economically 'low resource.'" Proponents of the plan say some areas are not currently suitable for new development and that forcing growth could have "unintended consequences."

The plan will return to the council for another vote before going to Mayor Karen Bass for final approval.