SB 79 will allow larger multi-family projects within a half mile of rail stops such as the Metro stations on Wilshire Boulevard. (photo by Edwin Folven)

The Los Angeles City Council approved a motion on Nov. 4 calling for a report by Dec. 1 from the Department of City Planning and Department of Transportation on the potential impacts of Senate Bill 79, which was signed into law on Oct. 10.

SB 79, authored by state Sen. Scott Wiener, establishes state zoning standards around rail stations and primary bus lines, allowing multi-family buildings within a half mile of major transit stops. The City Council and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass opposed SB 79 because it will supersede local zoning codes and clear the way for larger projects in single-family neighborhoods where they otherwise would not be allowed.

The motion by Councilmembers Traci Park, 11th District; Monica Rodriguez, 7th District; and John Lee, 12th District, directs the Department of City Planning and LADOT to provide a report that includes detailed maps of the areas where development projects would be allowed under SB 79, including all types of transit stops and whether they are or will be served by heavy rail, very high frequency commuter rail, light rail, high frequency commuter rail or qualifying bus service, as well as each transit stop’s status (existing, under construction, funded, in active planning, potential or no longer under consideration). The council, which is hoping to lessen the impacts on historic and residential communities, also asked for options for implementing SB 79, including proceeding with implementation, developing a Transit-Oriented Development Alternative Plan or delayed effectuation, as well as the timelines and deadlines for implementing a plan. SB 79 takes effect on July 1, 2026.

The council additionally directed the city administrative officer to report by Dec. 1 on options for providing the Department of City Planning and other city departments with personnel and financial sources needed to prepare for implementation of SB 79, and asked for a report by Jan. 5 on further details of the impacts of the state law with a focus on information needed for the City Council to determine what actions to take before it takes effect.

The council voted unanimously to approve the motion without comment. The public will have a chance to review and comment on the reports when they are presented on Dec. 1.