"On the campaign trail eight years ago, Gov. Newsom famously promised to support the construction of 3.5 million new homes in California by the end of this year. He'll likely fall short by millions, but his latest move reaffirms the effort. Newsom signed Senate Bill 79 into law on Friday. The historic bill, which looks to add density to transit hubs across California, is one of the most ambitious state-imposed housing efforts in recent memory."
"The sweeping bill - which takes effect July 1, 2026 - upzones areas across California, overriding local zoning laws to allow taller, denser projects near transit hubs such as subway stops, light rail stops and bus stops with dedicated lanes. Developers will be permitted to build up to nine-story residential buildings adjacent to subway stops, seven stories within a quarter-mile of them and six stories within a half-mile."
Gov. Newsom signed SB 79 to increase housing density near transit hubs in eight California counties by overriding local zoning. The law, effective July 1, 2026, permits up to nine-story residential buildings adjacent to subway stops, seven stories within a quarter-mile, and six stories within a half-mile, with scaled allowances for light rail and dedicated bus lanes. Multiple exemptions add complexity, and cities are awaiting an official map to determine which properties qualify. Mayor Bass and the City Council opposed the measure citing local control concerns. The measure aims to expand housing supply near jobs and transit.
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