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ARTICLE · 23 JUNE 2026

Tracking SB 79 Implementation Before the Train Leaves the Station

Holland & Knight
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California Senate Bill 79 takes effect July 1, 2026, requiring cities to facilitate multifamily housing development near major transit stops through increased height and density standards.

United StatesReal Estate and Construction
Chelsea Maclean
Chelsea Maclean
Tara Sullivan
Tara Sullivan
William E. Sterling
William E. Sterling
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Highlights

  • As California Senate Bill (SB) 79 takes effect on July 1, 2026, cities are pursuing a range of implementation strategies – including exclusion ordinances, transit-oriented development alternative plans and hybrid approaches – to manage the law's impact.
  • Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) review and approval will play a central role in determining whether local implementation measures comply with SB 79, with early responses providing insight into how the agency may evaluate future proposals._
  • Developers and property owners should closely monitor local ordinances, HCD actions and evolving implementation practices to identify and preserve development opportunities near qualifying transit stops

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