The Los Angeles City Council wil consider options on the state law. (photo by Edwin Folven)

The Los Angeles City Council’s PLUM committee on Feb. 24 considered Senate Bill 79, state legislation that allows larger housing projects to be built in neighborhoods within a half mile of subway and light rail stations and major transit lines.

The PLUM Committee previously asked the Los Angeles Department of City Planning last November to further analyze all potential options with the implementation of SB 79, including delayed effectuation and zoning changes that would exempt certain areas. The planning department presented options at the Feb. 24 PLUM Committee meeting, and the committee furthered the recommendations to the full City Council for consideration without supporting a specific option.

Members of the PLUM Committee expressed interest in finding ways to delay effectuation of the law, which could be delayed through 2030 if the City Council supports the approach, and also expressed support for carving out areas where exemptions can be implemented, such as historic neighborhoods and high fire severity zones.

The full City Council will consider SB 79 at an upcoming meeting. The state law will go into effect on July 1, unless the city approves a plan to delay or offset implementation.

For information, visit planning.lacity.gov/resources/senate-bill-sb-79.