New California Law Allows 9-Story Buildings Near Transit

A new law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom last week allows mid- and high-rise housing near major transit stations regardless of local zoning regulations, reports Matthew Hall in the Santa Monica Daily Press.

“Senate Bill 79, authored by state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, permits residential buildings up to nine stories tall next to subway or heavy rail stations in California's eight largest urban counties. The measure allows five- to eight-story buildings near light rail lines and bus rapid transit corridors, upzoning areas within roughly a half-mile of transit hubs.” SB 79 takes effect in July 2026 and includes affordability requirements, labor standards, and exceptions for sensitive areas such as those with high wildfire risk. The law only applies in counties with the largest public transit systems. 

Critics say the bill undermines community control, threatens to put strain on local infrastructure without requiring up-front upgrades, and doesn’t do enough to address affordability to prevent displacement. Its proponents argue that new housing near transit will help reduce car dependence and bring down housing costs over time.