Housing development: transit-oriented development.
- Requires cities to allow higher-density housing developments within a half-mile of major transit stops.
- Establishes minimum height limits of 55-75 feet and density requirements of 80-120 units per acre near transit.
- Mandates that qualifying projects include 7-13% affordable housing units with 45-55 year affordability terms.
- Takes effect July 2026 and allows cities to create alternative plans that maintain equivalent housing capacity.
Senator Wiener's transit-oriented development legislation would establish new statewide standards for housing projects near public transit stops, requiring local governments to allow increased density and building heights while maintaining affordability requirements and anti-displacement protections.
The bill creates a tiered system of development standards based on proximity to transit. Within a quarter-mile of major transit stops, local governments could not impose height limits below 75 feet or density restrictions under 120 units per acre. Projects between a quarter and half-mile would face slightly lower thresholds. All qualifying developments must include at least five units and meet affordability requirements for lower-income households.
Transit agencies would gain authority to set development standards for agency-owned parcels near stations, provided they maintain minimum residential requirements and include 20% affordable units. Local governments must either comply with the state standards or adopt alternative plans that preserve equivalent development capacity while protecting against displacement.
The Department of Housing and Community Development would oversee implementation, reviewing local ordinances for compliance starting in July 2026. Projects meeting the bill's criteria would qualify for streamlined approval. Beginning in 2027, jurisdictions denying eligible projects in high-resource areas would face a presumption of violating state housing law unless they demonstrate health and safety concerns.
The legislation includes protections against demolishing rent-controlled housing and requires projects to meet labor standards. Local governments could exempt certain areas, such as those vulnerable to sea level rise or designated as industrial employment hubs. The provisions would apply to all California cities, including charter cities, reflecting the Legislature's finding that addressing the housing crisis through transit-oriented development is a matter of statewide concern.
 Scott WienerD Senator | Bill Author |  Not Contacted | |
 Buffy WicksD Assemblymember | Bill Author | Not Contacted | |
 Alex LeeD Assemblymember | Bill Author | Not Contacted | |
 Matt HaneyD Assemblymember | Bill Author | Not Contacted |
Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.
Introduced By
Latest Voting History
| Ayes | Noes | NVR | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | 8 | 11 | 40 | PASS |
- Requires cities to allow higher-density housing developments within a half-mile of major transit stops.
- Establishes minimum height limits of 55-75 feet and density requirements of 80-120 units per acre near transit.
- Mandates that qualifying projects include 7-13% affordable housing units with 45-55 year affordability terms.
- Takes effect July 2026 and allows cities to create alternative plans that maintain equivalent housing capacity.
Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.
Introduced By
Senator Wiener's transit-oriented development legislation would establish new statewide standards for housing projects near public transit stops, requiring local governments to allow increased density and building heights while maintaining affordability requirements and anti-displacement protections.
The bill creates a tiered system of development standards based on proximity to transit. Within a quarter-mile of major transit stops, local governments could not impose height limits below 75 feet or density restrictions under 120 units per acre. Projects between a quarter and half-mile would face slightly lower thresholds. All qualifying developments must include at least five units and meet affordability requirements for lower-income households.
Transit agencies would gain authority to set development standards for agency-owned parcels near stations, provided they maintain minimum residential requirements and include 20% affordable units. Local governments must either comply with the state standards or adopt alternative plans that preserve equivalent development capacity while protecting against displacement.
The Department of Housing and Community Development would oversee implementation, reviewing local ordinances for compliance starting in July 2026. Projects meeting the bill's criteria would qualify for streamlined approval. Beginning in 2027, jurisdictions denying eligible projects in high-resource areas would face a presumption of violating state housing law unless they demonstrate health and safety concerns.
The legislation includes protections against demolishing rent-controlled housing and requires projects to meet labor standards. Local governments could exempt certain areas, such as those vulnerable to sea level rise or designated as industrial employment hubs. The provisions would apply to all California cities, including charter cities, reflecting the Legislature's finding that addressing the housing crisis through transit-oriented development is a matter of statewide concern.
Latest Voting History
| Ayes | Noes | NVR | Total | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | 8 | 11 | 40 | PASS |
Scott WienerD Senator | Bill Author | Not Contacted | |
Buffy WicksD Assemblymember | Bill Author | Not Contacted | |
Alex LeeD Assemblymember | Bill Author | Not Contacted | |
Matt HaneyD Assemblymember | Bill Author | Not Contacted |