New California law aims to trigger condo construction boom for transit commuters
A new state law that allows denser housing development near major transit stops goes into effect in July, opening the door to construction of more than 1 million new units in California’s urban centers.The law forces cities to approve taller apartment and condominium complexes around rail stops, ferry terminals and rapid transit bus stops, overriding local restrictions that might have stopped development in the past.The Abundant and Affordable Homes Near Transit Act, also known as Senate Bill 79, is one of the most aggressive measures state legislators have taken to address California’s housing shortage in recent years.
Real estate developers are already cautiously planning to take advantage of the eased regulations and plan to announce new projects after the law goes into effect.The bill was introduced in 2025 by Sen.
Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), who emphasizes that the state needs to take immediate action to address California’s housing shortage.“This removes a bunch of uncertainty” about whether proposed projects will get approved, said Chief Executive Sean Burton of Cityview, one of the largest apartment developers in the state.“We’re very excited about it.
“This law limits the ability of local governments and officials to block new housing projects as long as you live within the parameters of the bill,” Burton said.“This should really accelerate the production of new housing in Los Angeles and beyond.”The law preempts local control to legalize midrise and high-rise multifamily housing, unlocking zoning for up to 1.5 million new units in major cities, including Los Angeles.
Developers may build housing up to nine stories tall for buildings adjacent to certain transit stops, seven stories for buildings within a quarter-mile and six stories for buildings within a half-mile.Height limits are based on tiers.Tier 1 zoning, which includes heavy-rail lines such as the L.A.
Metro B and D lines, allows six- to nine-story buildings, depending...