Summary
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill, Senate Bill 79, to help build more housing, especially apartments, near busy transportation areas to address the state's housing shortage. This new law lets builders create taller buildings close to transit stops and comes into effect on July 1, 2026. The legislation has sparked debate, with some supporting its potential to ease the housing crisis and others worried about local control and community impact.
Key Facts
- Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 79 to increase housing near transit hubs in California.
- The law allows building tall apartment buildings up to nine stories in designated areas.
- It covers urban counties like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco.
- The bill includes requirements for some housing to have rent restrictions.
- The law aims to reduce housing shortages, traffic, and carbon emissions.
- It's scheduled to start on July 1, 2026.
- The bill passed narrowly in the state Senate and Assembly and has faced opposition.
- Some organizations and leaders worry it reduces local control over development.
