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**California Senate Passes Bill to Expand High-Density Housing Near Transit Hubs**
The California State Senate has passed Senate Bill 79, a measure that would override local zoning restrictions to allow for higher-density housing near public transit corridors. The bill, which aims to tackle the state’s housing affordability crisis, passed with a 21-8 vote in the Senate following approval by the Assembly. It will now be sent to Governor Gavin Newsom for his signature.
Originally introduced by Senator Scott Wiener in March, the bill underwent amendments and required a second round of approvals. SB 79 is designed to encourage the development of taller and more densely populated residential buildings near major transit hubs. Specifically, the bill permits:
– Buildings up to nine stories high adjacent to certain transit stations
– Up to seven stories within a quarter mile of transit
– Up to six stories within a half-mile radius
“These past five years have shown that housing affordability and homelessness remain two of California’s most pressing issues,” said Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva. “The smartest place to build new housing is within existing communities, near the state’s major transit investments that connect people to jobs, schools, and essential services.”
The bill represents a significant step toward aligning land use policies with public transportation infrastructure to promote sustainable urban growth.
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