Update: Gavin Newsom signs bill allowing denser housing near BART stations and transit hubs

"Update, Oct. 10: Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB 79 into law on Friday, opening the door to more apartment buildings around major public transit stops in the state's biggest metro areas, including Berkeley. The world looks to California for leadership it's time to build modern, connected communities that fulfill California's promise, meeting the needs of today and the next generation, the governor wrote in a signing statement."

"Original story, Sept. 16: California lawmakers just laid the groundwork for a highly targeted building boom. Senate Bill 79, authored by San Francisco Democrat Sen. Scott Wiener, would upzone neighborhoods immediately surrounding train, light rail and subway stations in many of the state's most populous metro areas. That means apartment developers will be able to construct residential buildings some as tall as 75 feet regardless of what local zoning maps, elected officials or density-averse neighbors say."

"In a legislative year teeming with controversial housing bills designed to kick-start more construction in California, SB 79 has been among the most controversial. Because it would override the planning decisions of local governments, the bill had to overcome opposition from a host of city governments and their defenders in the Legislature, while fracturing the Capitol's reigning Democratic Party over questions of affordability, labor standards and who ultimately has the final say over what gets built where."

SB 79 allows taller, denser residential development near train, light rail and subway stations across major California metro areas. The law enables apartment buildings up to about 75 feet regardless of existing local zoning. The measure aims to address the statewide housing shortage and stabilize transit agency finances by promoting transit-oriented development. The proposal provoked strong debate because it preempts local planning, drew opposition from many city governments and split legislative allies over affordability, labor rules and local control. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law, marking a major state-level intervention in land use policy.

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