California Governor Implored to Veto Transit-Adjacent Upzoning

With Senate Bill 79 on its way to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk, homeowners — as well as one of Newsom’s key allies in state politics — are hoping he’ll throw it in the trash.

Members of homeowners associations across Los Angeles are lobbying for Newsom’s veto of the transit-oriented upzoning bill, Beverly Press reported.

The legislation, known as the Abundant and Affordable Homes Near Transit Act, was penned by San Francisco state Sen. Scott Wiener with the goal of addressing the state’s affordable housing crisis by allowing developers to construct larger multi-unit residential buildings near transit stops.

The bill would permit the construction of up to nine stories for buildings adjacent to certain bus stops and train stations, seven stories for buildings within a quarter-mile of the stops and six stories for buildings within a half-mile. Single-family neighborhoods within a half-mile of transit stops would be subject to the new zoning rules.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass isn’t too hot on the density-increasing legislation. On Wednesday, Bass appealed directly to Newsom asking him to veto the bill, Larchmont Buzz reported.

“While I support the intent to accelerate housing development statewide, as written, Senate Bill 79 risks significant unintended consequences for many of Los Angeles’ diverse communities,” Bass wrote.

At issue is the perceived state control of local zoning decisions.

“We must create more housing near transit hubs and areas with access to jobs, education, and amenities. We must streamline the production of housing for all Angelenos. However, we must do so in a way that does not erode local control, diminish community input on planning and zoning, and disproportionately impact low-resource neighborhoods,” Bass wrote in her letter to the governor. “The City of Los Angeles has already made substantial efforts to align with state housing goals and increase housing development citywide, and will continue to do so.”

Under the amended bill, counties with more than 15 high-frequency train or bus stops would be eligible for the upzoning. That touches just seven counties across the state: Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara. An amendment to legislation gave Contra Costa County a pass from the upzoning.

Newsom has until Oct. 13 to decide whether to sign, veto or do nothing with SB 79.

— Chris Malone Méndez