SB 79 (Wiener)
Sponsoring HWG Member: California YIMBY
SB 79 will make it faster and easier to build multi-family housing near transit stops, like train and rapid bus lines, by making it legal for more homes to be built in these areas and streamlining project review processes.
SB 79 creates a set of tiers legalizing new homes near qualifying major transit stops on any site zoned for residential, mixed use, commercial, or light industrial development, with homes of up to seven stories allowed in areas closest to transit, stepping down to shorter structures for building sites further from transit stops.
The bill also ensures that SB 79 projects can seek streamlined approval through SB 423 if they meet the labor, environmental, and affordability requirements of that bill.
The bill also gives transit agencies authority to set zoning standards on properties they own or lease, giving them greater authority to develop transit-oriented housing. Joint development projects meeting specified criteria on these parcels will also be exempt from CEQA.
SB 79 will reduce housing costs in these areas by substantially increasing the supply of housing near transit, while also reducing the pollution that causes climate change and increasing revenue for public transportation systems.
Resources:
Letters of support greatly appreciated: You can customize this template support letter and submit it to the state portal, or send it to Emily (emily@cayimby.org) to submit on your behalf.