Los Angeles Begins Implementing SB 79: What Homeowners & Developers need too Know
Published December 8, 2025
Los angeles is taking the crucial first steps to comply with California Senate Bill 79 (SB 79), a landmark law poised to reshape housing density near public transportation. This means notable changes are coming to development possibilities within a half-mile radius of major transit corridors. Here’s what you need to understand about the rollout and how it might impact your property or development plans.
Understanding SB 79: A New Era for Transit-Oriented Development
Signed into law by governor gavin Newsom in October, SB 79 mandates that cities allow for increased housing density around key transit hubs – rail stations and major bus lines. The goal? To address California’s housing crisis and encourage more lasting, transit-amiable communities. Roughly 150 sites across Los Angeles are anticipated to be affected.
The law officially takes effect July 1, 2025. But before that happens, the City of Los Angeles is initiating a detailed mapping and modeling process to understand the full scope of SB 79’s impact.
What’s happening Now? The City’s Action Plan
The Los Angeles City Council recently approved funding and resources to begin this critical planning phase. Specifically, the Department of City Planning will:
* Acquire specialized software: This will allow planners to visualize where new height and density allowances will apply under SB 79.
* Conduct a citywide analysis: This analysis, supported by up to $375,000 in general Fund dollars, will pinpoint areas impacted by the new regulations.
* Explore Implementation Options: The city is evaluating two primary pathways for implementing SB 79: a “delay in effectuation” and a “transit-oriented development alternative plan” (Alt Plan).
Your Options: Delay vs. Alternative Plans
SB 79 offers cities some flexibility in how they implement the new density rules. Here’s a breakdown of the two main options:
* Delay in Effectuation: This allows cities to temporarily postpone the law’s requirements in specific areas that meet certain criteria. though, this is not a blanket exemption.
* Transit-oriented Development Alternative Plan (Alt Plan): This allows cities to shift density from one location to another, as long as the overall housing capacity remains the same. Essentially,you can build less densely in one area if you increase density elsewhere.
What does this mean for you? If you own property in an area potentially affected by SB 79, understanding these options is crucial.
Which Neighborhoods Will Be Most Affected?
City planners are currently working to determine which neighborhoods will be most impacted. Here’s what we know so far:
* Low-density neighborhoods with good access to jobs and schools are less likely to qualify for a delay. The state wants to encourage density in areas already well-served by amenities.
* Alt Plans require careful planning. If a city chooses this route,it must identify alternative locations to absorb any lost housing capacity if developers choose to build smaller projects.
Timeline: What to Expect in the Coming Months
The City Planning Department aims to present initial mapping results early next year.Here’s a key timeline to keep in mind:
* Early 2025: Initial mapping results are expected.
* First Quarter of 2025: Any proposed delay ordinances or Alt Plans must be submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to be in effect before July 1, 2025.
* July 1,2025: SB 79 officially goes into effect.
Staying Informed & Getting Involved
SB 79 represents a significant shift in Los Angeles’s approach to housing and urban planning.Staying informed is key.
* Monitor the Department of City planning website: https://planning.lacity.org/ for updates and public meeting schedules.
* Engage with your local City Councilmember: Share your concerns and perspectives.
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