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CC - ACTION ITEM: Discussion and Direction on California State Senate Bill 79, The Abundant and Affordable Homes Near Transit Act.
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Meeting Date: March 16, 2026
Contact Person/Dept.: Troy Evangelho / Planning & Development Department
Lauren Wrenn / Planning & Development Department
Phone Number: (310) 253-5744 / (310) 253-5766
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Attachments: Yes [X] No []
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (03/12/2026)
Department Approval: Mark E. Muenzer, Planning & Development Director, Interim Housing & Human Services Director, (03/04/2026) _____________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council receive a report on California State Senate Bill 79, The Abundant and Affordable Homes Near Transit Act, and discuss and give direction as applicable.
BACKGROUND
Senate Bill (SB) 79 was signed by Governor Newsom on October 10, 2025 and will become effective on July 1, 2026. The bill, called the Abundant and Affordable Homes Near Transit Act, establishes new development standards for "transit-oriented housing developments" ("TODs"), which are residential projects on land zoned for commercial, residential, and mixed uses within specified distances of transit stops. These standards will supersede otherwise applicable standards and will allow increased heights and densities to encourage residential and mixed use development near transit stops. These new standards apply only to TODs with five or more units and a minimum 30 dwelling units per acre, while all other projects would be subject to existing zoning standards.
Eligible transit stops are divided into two tiers. Tier 1 includes heavy rail transit stations, such as those along the LA Metro B and D lines, and commuter rail stations with at least 72 trips per day. Tier 2 includes light rail, such as the LA Metro E line, commute...
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