California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a bill into law clearing the way for the construction of more multistory apartment buildings near high-traffic mass transit stops in several major metros, part of the state’s effort to ease its severe housing crisis.
The landmark legislation, known as Senate Bill (SB) 79, updates local zoning rules to allow developers to build five- and six-story buildings in communities currently dominated by single-family homes, provided the sites are located within a quarter-mile to a half-mile from rail, subway, and bus rapid transit stops.
“For too long, California has poured billions into transit without building the housing density needed for those systems to reach their potential,” Newsom said in a written statement released by his office. “SB 79 helps change that by focusing more homes near rail stations—boosting ridership, cutting traffic and pollution, lowering household costs, and expanding access to jobs, schools, and services.”…