L.A. is not immune to the housing challenges faced by many cities worldwide, with high costs for both buying a first home and renting. To address this issue while also encouraging public transit use, lawmakers have introduced a bill that aims to “kill two birds with one stone:” increase housing availability and boost public transit ridership.
The legislation, SB 79, aims to upzone thousands of parcels, enabling denser housing near key transit hubs. Properties within a quarter mile of B and D line subway stations (including those planned for the D-line expansion), would be allowed to build up to seven stories, the tallest new height limits under the bill.
The bill, which has been making headlines since the beginning of the year, has now been officially approved by the state Senate by a majority and now requires the governor’s approval in October, according to the L.A. Times.
Building height limits vary by tier. Tier 1 areas, near heavy rail lines like the Metro B and D lines, permit six- to nine-story buildings depending on how close they are to the transit hub. Tier 2 areas, near light rail lines such as the A, C, E, and K lines or bus routes with dedicated lanes, allow buildings of five to eight stories.
A preliminary map, verified by the housing nonprofit and bill advocate YIMBY Action and shared on Reddit, shows the areas around L.A. eligible for development under SB 79. Tier 1 zones cover hubs along Wilshire Boulevard, Vermont Avenue, and Hollywood Boulevard, plus select locations in DTLA and the San Fernando Valley.