Everything You Need to Know About [California] SB 79
7 hours ago
- #Transit-Oriented Development
- #YIMBY Movement
- #California Housing
- SB 79, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on October 10, 2025, is a landmark piece of legislation in California, marking the culmination of eight years of work since Senator Scott Wiener introduced SB 827.
- The law allows mid-rise multifamily housing within a quarter to half-mile of subway, light rail, bus rapid transit (BRT) stations, and the busiest commuter rail stations across urban transit counties in California.
- SB 79 introduces phased implementation, with cities having the option to adopt Eckhouse Plans—alternative implementation plans that allow for density adjustments without overall reduction.
- Transit authorities are empowered to establish development standards on parcels they own, aiming to boost housing and transit ridership while generating revenue through land value capture.
- The legislation includes specific density and height requirements based on proximity to transit stations, with Tier 1 and Tier 2 zones offering different allowances.
- SB 79 mandates the inclusion of below-market-rate units in projects with more than 10 units, adhering to flexible affordability standards set by AB 1893.
- Anti-displacement measures are included, restricting the demolition of rent-controlled or stabilized multifamily buildings occupied in the past seven years.
- The law takes partial effect on July 1, 2026, with full implementation aligned with the start of the seventh Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) cycle around 2030.
- Cities can exclude certain lots from SB 79 requirements, such as those in high fire severity zones, at risk of sea-level rise, or with designated historic resources.
- Transit agencies can develop housing on their land, provided at least 50% of the development is housing and 20% of units are affordable to lower-income households.