When it comes to pushing for fewer housing regulations, the “yes in my backyard” crowd has scored wins across the country, beating back zoning rules that limit density.

YIMBYs, however, have also taken big losses. The latest one came in California’s largest city, Los Angeles.

In a decisive move, the L.A. City Council voted 8–5 this week to officially oppose California’s Senate Bill 79, legislation designed to increase housing density near public transit.

Opponents raised familiar complaints: diminished community input, loss of neighborhood character, and risks to historic sites—common refrains in fights against density nationwide.

Growing Opposition

The bill, spearheaded by San Francisco State Senator Scott Wiener, seeks to streamline approvals for significant, multi-family developments near train stations and bus lines statewide, curbing the ability of cities like Los Angeles to block such projects.

SB 79 is Sacramento’s attempt to hijack local planning and hand the keys to developers, silencing the voices of residents,” Councilmember Traci Park said at a post-meeting press conference.

Community leaders and residents echoed that sentiment, warning the bill would disrupt established neighborhoods and threaten public safety.

Los Angeles is already taking steps to meet housing needs responsibly,” Park added, pointing to the city’s existing incentive programs.

L.A.'s action followed the Pacific Palisades Community Council sending a letter to Newsom urging him to veto SB 79 if it passes, citing wildfire risks and the lack of carveouts for high-hazard areas. The group invoked January’s devastating Palisades fire.

Mayor Karen Bass signed onto the council’s resolution, later posting on social media that the bill should be amended to exempt cities with state-approved housing plans that already comply with California’s “housing element” mandate. The requirement calls for a five-year component in a city's general plan that analyzes housing needs, identifies potential housing sites, and outlines programs to meet housing goals for all income levels within the community. 

While I support the intent to accelerate housing development statewide, as written, this bill risks unintended consequences for L.A.,” Bass wrote.

Wiener responded that many cities opposing the bill don’t even have eligible transit stops.

Some electeds say they want to build more homes while finding a reason to oppose efforts actually to do so,” he said.

L.A. previously won an exemption for the fire-ravaged Pacific Palisades from a state law allowing single-family parcels to be split, with Governor Newsom’s blessing.

Just two months ago, Newsom signed sweeping reforms that allow infill housing to bypass the state’s notoriously burdensome environmental reviews.

Introduced in January 2025, SB 79 has passed the State Senate, cleared Assembly committees, and now awaits action in the full Assembly.

Supporters insist the bill is essential for addressing California’s housing crisis and cutting car dependence, while critics remain resolute in defending local control.

Key Provisions in SB 79

Transit-Oriented Development Zones

Properties within a half-mile of major transit stops become eligible for increased residential density and height, overriding local zoning.

Height and Density Standards

Cities must permit up to 75 feet in height and 120 units per acre within a quarter mile of major transit hubs, with slightly reduced requirements further out. Local rules cannot block minimum floor-area ratios: 3.5 near top-tier stations, 2.5 nearby.

Affordable Housing Mandates

Projects with 11-plus units must set aside housing: 7% extremely low-income, 10% very low-income, or 13% low-income (or a state-approved alternative standard).

Streamlining & Legal Protections

Qualifying projects are automatically considered consistent with local plans and are shielded from denial unless safety is explicitly at stake. They gain protections under the Housing Accountability Act, first passed in 1982 to address housing shortfalls.

Local Planning Flexibility

Cities can reduce density by up to 50% at specific sites so long as overall unit counts in transit areas comply with state targets.

Incentives

Projects may receive density bonuses, with greater allowances near frequent transit stops.

Tenant and Unit Protections

Protected units cannot be demolished without replacements and tenant safeguards.

Stakes for the Future

The legislation may read like just another planning bill, but it represents a turning point. On one side is a state intent on addressing its housing crisis by overriding long-standing notions of local control. On the other hand, there are cities determined to preserve neighborhood character and retain authority over growth.

L.A. is banking on its own housing strategies to satisfy state requirements. However, if those efforts fall short, the city risks deepening its housing shortage and straining the very livability it aims to protect.