California’s latest upzoning law, SB 79, has passed the State Legislature and is now awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom's signature. A major effort is underway to convince Newsom to veto the bill.
SB 79 was introduced by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) in March 2025. It would allow multifamily housing of several stories on sites zoned residential, mixed-use, or commercial within a half-mile (or in some cases, a quarter-mile) of qualifying transit stops, regardless of local zoning restrictions. Height allowance would depend on the distance from transit hubs. Projects meeting the bill’s requirements are eligible for streamlined, ministerial review. The bill would also allow transit agencies to develop land they own at greater density.
Neighborhood advocacy groups, as well as Cal Cities, are opposed to SB 79. They argue the bill would dismantle local control over land-use and zoning decisions and upend many single-family neighborhoods.
The California State Association of Counties (CSAC) has maintained a neutral position.
Support from labor unions helped push the bill over the finish line once amendments were added requiring union or “skilled and trained labor” hiring for certain projects. Importantly, the final version of the bill applies only to counties with at least 15 passenger rail stations: Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Santa Clara, Alameda, Sacramento, San Francisco and San Mateo.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has sent Newsom a letter requesting that he veto SB 79.
“While I support the intent to accelerate housing development statewide, as written, Senate Bill 79 (SB79) risks significant unintended consequences for many of Los Angeles’ diverse communities," she wrote.
“We must create more housing near transit hubs and areas with access to jobs, education, and amenities. We must streamline the production of housing for all Angelenos. However, we must do so in a way that does not erode local control, diminish community input on planning and zoning, and disproportionately impact low-resource neighborhoods. The City of Los Angeles has already made substantial efforts to align with state housing goals and increase housing development citywide, and will continue to do so."
In a Sept. 13 statement, Los Angeles City Councilmember Traci Park said SB 79 "opens the floodgates for developers, displacement, and gentrification, with no regard for our neighborhoods."
Read more about SB 79 and its potential impacts at the Los Angeles Times.