SB 79
Coverage of SB 79 in the Nexus archive.
- New State Housing Law Puts Pasadena’s Historic Neighborhoods on a Deadline
California’s SB 79 will expand housing development rights around Pasadena’s six Metro A Line stations, threatening historic neighborhoods. The Pasadena City Council has passed a temporary ordinance to protect certain historic areas while developing a long-term plan, but preservation groups argue the law leaves unresolved challenges for many historic sites.
- LA passes plan for new ‘low-rise’ housing, delaying state law that aims higher
The Los Angeles City Council approved a 'Low-Rise Ordinance' allowing up to four-story buildings in 57 neighborhoods near transit stops, delaying full implementation of state law SB 79 until 2030. The ordinance targets areas deemed historically significant, fire-prone, or economically 'low resource,' while opponents argue it prioritizes apartment buildings over smaller housing types. Advocates support mixed-income developments but seek adjustments for affordability.
- State law will put more housing near transit stops. This SoCal map finally shows where
A new California state law (SB 79) effective July 1 requires cities to increase housing near transit stops. The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) has published a map detailing allowed housing density, with 'Tier 1' zones near subway stops permitting up to nine-story buildings and 'Tier 2' zones near light rail or bus stops allowing up to eight-story buildings. Political opposition has emerged, particularly in Los Angeles, with debates over housing in single-family zones.