California Lawmakers Approve Transit-Oriented Upzoning Despite LA Blowback
California state lawmakers are pushing through a controversial housing bill that overrides local zoning laws and allows for high-density construction near transit hubs.
After the recent CEQA overhaul, California is not slowing down in its efforts to increase housing construction. In the final hours of the 2025 legislative session, state lawmakers approved Senate Bill 79, a landmark proposal introduced by San Francisco state Sen. Scott Wiener that would upzone areas near transit hubs for high-density housing. This comes despite pushback and criticism from Los Angeles residents and officials.
The bill, which passed in the state legislature, allows for buildings adjacent to certain bus stops and train stations to reach up to nine stories, while those within a quarter-mile of the stops can go up to seven stories, and those within a half-mile can reach six stories. This move is intended to increase housing density and affordability in areas with easy access to public transportation.
However, the bill has received backlash from residents and officials in Los Angeles, who argue that it takes away local control over zoning and could lead to overdevelopment and gentrification in certain neighborhoods. LA City Councilmember Kevin de León has called the bill "a major blow to our city's ability to regulate growth and protect our communities."
Despite the controversy, state lawmakers have pushed through with the bill, citing the urgent need for more housing in California. Wiener has defended the bill, stating that "if we're serious about addressing affordability, we have to be serious about building more housing near public transportation."
Originally reported by The Real Deal.
https://therealdeal.com/la/2025/09/15/california-lawmakers-approve-transit-oriented-upzoning/