California lawmakers paved the way for a whole lot more housing in the Golden State and a new golden age for developers in the state. Senate Bill 79 overrides local zoning laws to allow the expansion of high-density housing. The bill introduced by State Senator Scott Wiener passed 41 to 17.
Single-family neighborhoods within a half-mile of transit stops would be subject to the new zoning rules. Almost all of West Hollywood’s housing stock is located within those limits of a transit corridor or proposed subway station. Over time residential neighborhoods like West Hollywood West would be swallowed into the push for multi-family housing. I wrote about it here one year ago: https://wehoonline.com/oped-will-west-hollywood-west-swallowed-metro/
The bill as written would “upzone” neighborhooods surrounding train, light rail, and subway stations in many of the most populated metro neighborhoods. Developers of multi-family housing will be able to build up to 75 feet tall overriding local zoning maps, elected officials, or density-averse neighbors.
West Hollywood failure to pass an on-time housing element did not make a difference to the end result. SB79, which is named the Abundant & Affordable Homes Near Transit Act is a mandatory state law that overrides all local regulations, even for cities that had previously obtained a state certified and on time housing element.
Anything sponsor by Wiener means trouble. He’s had to amend this bill about 4 times. Senate Bill 79’s push to bulldoze single-family neighborhoods for high-density housing near public transport hubs—powered by Big Real Estate’s investors donations to Sen. Scott Wiener. hates people who lives in single family homes. This is the worst housing bill since SB 50, another Wiener bill. He’s a waterboy/errand boy for the unscrupulous real estate investors. His cover story (along with others) is always climate change, or the environment. He’s not a progressive. He’s chinese stylist capitalist. A lot of stupid and clueless voters see a guy as LGBT++ and… Read more »
California’s hostile business environment and declining quality of life are driving out residents and disuading ambitious young people from moving here.
Are we going to make things more attractive to blue chip companies?
Are we going to remove the crazies and criminals?
No, LoL. We’re going to loot the state some more by building slum apartments in single family neighborhoods – profiting from decline – the Democrat Party
I spoke with a City official today who confirmed that nothing in California’s SB79 initiative supports affordable housing. To make matters worse, Weho is planning to give “carrots” to developers allowing them higher buildings, no setbacks, no parking, no public spaces etc as incentives for them to build some affordable homes. THIS IS GOING TO DESTROY WEST HOLLYWOOD AS WE KNOW IT. Los Angeles is opposing this legislation.West Hollywood needs to do the same
Yes‼️
California, particularly West Hollywood has TOO MANY HOMES.
That’s why they’re so cheap.
California needs fewer residents, while Texas needs more.
Cities are NOT MEANT TO GROW.
I’d rather have 100 more years of Trump than to have to make eye-contact with a 5 story building near a train station.
To paraphrase:
I’d rather have 100 more years of the LA status quo than to have to live in a 5 story building near a train station while avoiding eye-contact with a schizophrenic that might cut my throat like Iryna Zarutska
SB79 now heads to the Governor Newsome. He can sign or veto by 10/12/25. You can call or email the Governor’s office to ask him to VETO! (or support)
(916) 445-2841 / Leg.Unit@gov.ca.gov
YEAH. California has too many homes.
that’s why they’re so cheap!
Building more doesn’t always equate to more affordable housing…look at New York City.
Facts are that LA County is zoned for millions more residents as is (currently, without weirdo weiner’s wrangling).
Facts are, population in LA County is falling.
Developers can build with existing laws and regulations, thousands more affordable homes and apartments/condos, but mysteriously need this blunt force legislation to slumify single family neighborhoods.
By the end of Trump’s term…..there will easily be 2 million less people in LA Count (not county the significant number of high earners fleeing the city).
So “who” exactly are these shotty apartment buildings meant for?
The D Party has run the state into the ground. Just terrible ideas on top of terrible ideas.
Yeah, Republican ideas like bigger cars, more freeways, fewer parks in exactly what West Hollywood needs! No more trees or sidewalks. THIS IS MERICA!
I’m curious, what makes you think a neighborhood of 75’ buildings leads to more trees and sidewalks?
Weird, UCLA study said LA is only zoned enough to provide 40% of the housing needed to meet our RHA.
Surely you must know something that planning experts do not!
Population is falling – theres going to be less people demanding housing. Economy sucks and LA County governance is hemorrhaging jobs and the chronic decline is plain as day – it’s becoming less and less attractive as a destination – the people with means and opportunity are voting with their feet Everyone (of course) wants to live in nice neighborhoods around nice people – they (upwardly mobile successful young people) want to live in single family homes, not the woodframe box apartments being constructed. This is of course why this legislation is being rammed through – the crappy neighborhoods have… Read more »
Population decline in LA is more about affordability than lack of demand. People are leaving because housing costs are crushing them, not because nobody wants to live here. Rents and home prices staying sky-high despite fewer people proves there’s still a huge shortage. While single-family homes are great for those who can afford them, most younger folks simply can’t buy one in LA. Your “woodframe box” apartments are the only realistic way for many people to live near jobs, schools, and transit. As for zoning, you’re right that some neighborhoods already allow more density, but projects don’t pencil out there… Read more »
“Legislation like SB79 is trying to actually open up opportunity in high-demand areas where housing is artificially scarce due to restrictive zoning.”
You’ll longterm destroy the neighborhood and what made it attractive in an effort to provide developers with profitable short-term construction. That’s what this legislation is about and what will happen.