The California Legislature is set to pass SB 79, which will override local zoning laws to facilitate the construction of dense housing near major transportation hubs. However, residents living in fire-prone areas express concerns that this could lead to unwanted developments in their neighborhoods.
Sponsored by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), this bill is part of California’s push to support the “Yes in My Backyard” (YIMBY) movement, which advocates for increased housing development.
Yet, those living near fire stations are against the legislation, fearing it will result in high-rise buildings in zones previously designated for single-family homes. They worry this could lead to the misuse of temporary housing forms.
Reports indicate:
Senate Bill 79, written by Senator Scott Wiener, aims to “upzone” areas surrounding many train, light rail, and metro stations in California’s most populated metro areas. This means apartment developers can construct residential buildings up to 75 feet tall, bypassing local zoning rules and community objections.
In a particularly contentious year for housing legislation, SB 79 managed to navigate significant pushback from various city governments and advocates, yet it succeeded in obtaining the backing of the Democratic majority, which ultimately has influence over issues like affordability and labor standards in housing construction.
Susan Kirsch, founder of Local Control, a nonprofit advocating for local governance in housing policy, warns that this law could severely impact low-rise neighborhoods in California. She points out the potential for towering seven-story buildings to be placed next to single-family homes, disrupting community dynamics.
Back in June, residents from the Palisade Fire and Eton Fireburn Zone had previously persuaded Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) to issue an executive order waiving fire-damaged zones from state expansion plans. Still, many of those living near fire stations remain unconvinced that this executive action is enough, urging the governor to reject SB 79.
However, it appears the governor is likely to sign it, leaving residents uncertain about the future of their neighborhoods.
Wiener has previously sponsored legislation to transform California into a “sanctuary” for transgender surgeries for minors. Some of his other proposals have aimed to lessen penalties in cases of statutory rape involving gay individuals, aligning them with those for heterosexual cases, and to decriminalize certain aspects of prostitution. He has also introduced measures to restrict federal immigration enforcement activities.
