New density bill would require 7 California cities to establish regional transit hubs

The bill would also require major cities in California to permit high-rise residential buildings.

1 minute read

September 23, 2026, 7:00 AM PDT

By Zachary Whalen


People cross a wide street in San Francisco, with tall buildings in the background.

If signed, the bill will impact California cities with at least two transit stops and a population of at least 400,000 people, which includes Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. | Tupungato

A downtown density bill that would require 7 California cities to permit high-rise residential buildings is headed to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk. The bill is part of a “larger effort to increase housing density in the state to meet a goal of 2.5 million new homes by 2030,” Ryan Kushner writes for Smart Cities Dive. 

“AB 2074 requires major cities with transit to establish regional transit hub districts, areas with at least one transit-oriented development stop where the city must allow residential building height limits to be set at a maximum of at least 150 feet. Residential buildings with a maximum height of at least 450 feet would have to be allowed in at least 25% all regional transit hub districts in a city,” Kushner writes. 

If signed, the bill will impact cities with at least two transit stops and a population of at least 400,000 people, which includes Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. The bill would also “trigger a housing construction loan and financing study by the California Housing Finance Agency,” Smart Cities Dive reports.

Tuesday, September 22, 2026 in Smart Cities Dive

Young Professional

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 and Environmental 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 and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

3 hours ago - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

A downtown area in Los Angeles, with a Taco Bell visible. People wait to cross the street towards a tall apartment building.

The LA housing policies making developers turn away from the city

Despite LA’s housing shortage, developers say the city’s "mansion-tax" and pandemic-era policies make it an unappealing place to build housing.

1 minute ago - Los Angeles Times

People cross a wide street in San Francisco, with tall buildings in the background.

New density bill would require 7 California cities to establish regional transit hubs

The bill would also require major cities in California to permit high-rise residential buildings.

1 hour ago - Smart Cities Dive

People walking down a hill on a steep street in San Francisco, with buildings on the right.

San Francisco supervisor looks to establish city’s first department of housing

The proposed agency would coordinate planning and financing around housing, as well as support affordable housing production.

2 hours ago - Mission Local