California signs laws to build more housing
California Governor Gavin Newsom signs new law overriding local zoning to increase housing starts. The law enacted, Senate Bill 79, applies directly to neighborhoods within half a mile of major rail, subway and bus rapid transit stops. This over rules local zoning laws and is a step forward for builders in the state.
“The world looks to California for leadership — it’s time to build modern, connected communities that fulfill California’s promise, meeting the needs of today and the next generation,” wrote Newsome in his signing statement.
The bill allows for new buildings like multi-family apartments to be up to nine stories high. Additionally, it only affects certain counties of Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Santa Clara, Alameda, Sacramento, San Francisco and San Mateo. San Francisco Sen. Scott Wiener, authored the bill and marks is his fourth attempt since 2018 in introducing housing reform. The law goes into effect on July 1, 2026. For builders in California, the aim is a positive for new development and ease housing affordability woes.
Alongside Senate Bill 79, another bill was signed by the Governor. California Residential Private Permitting Review Act, known as AB 253, requires a county or city to prepare a residential building permit fee schedule and post the schedule on an internet website. The bill also allows housing developers to hire third-party building plan checkers for permits if the process exceeds 30 days. The bill will fast-track development and simplify the construction process for builders. It goes into effect April, 1, 2027.
