Monday, October 13, 2025- California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a groundbreaking housing bill allowing high-density residential construction near major transit stations across the state.
The law, known as Senate Bill 79 (SB 79), aims to tackle California’s severe housing shortage by overriding restrictive local zoning and encouraging the creation of mid- and high-rise apartments around rail and bus corridors.
The measure, set to take effect in July 2026, permits buildings up to nine stories adjacent to train or metro stops, gradually reducing height limits farther from transit zones. Supporters say the policy will make housing more affordable, cut down on long commutes, and promote climate-friendly urban growth.
Environmental and housing advocates hailed it as a decisive move toward transit-oriented development in a state struggling with affordability and congestion.
Some local governments and community groups have expressed concern that the bill could lead to displacement or erode local control over zoning. In response, the law includes exemptions for fire-prone and historic areas. Despite opposition, SB 79 represents one of California’s boldest housing reforms in decades: a shift toward building up, not out.
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