California is on the brink of a radical housing transformation that could reshape urban neighborhoods and potentially make living in the Bay Area more affordable. State Senator Scott Wiener’s Senate Bill 79 is poised to revolutionize housing development by allowing taller, denser housing near major public transit stops.

The proposed legislation would permit developers to construct buildings up to six stories high in areas currently restricted to single-family homes, specifically within a half-mile radius of well-trafficked transit stations. This groundbreaking approach aims to address California’s chronic housing shortage and skyrocketing living costs.

In a surprising turn of events, the State Building and Construction Trades Council, a powerful labor group, has dropped its opposition to the bill. The compromise includes an amendment requiring some projects to hire union workers, signaling a potential shift in collaborative housing policy.

Supported by “Yes in my backyard” activists and public transit advocates, the bill has faced significant resistance from neighborhood preservation groups and local governments who argue it undermines local development control. However, proponents like Wiener argue that current zoning restrictions are a major barrier to solving the housing crisis.

The bill’s potential impact extends beyond mere construction. By encouraging development near transit hubs, it could create more accessible, sustainable urban living spaces. Projects over 85 feet tall would need to meet specific labor standards, potentially ensuring quality construction and fair worker treatment.

Unite Here, a union representing hospitality workers, has also endorsed the bill, further strengthening its momentum. With the legislative session ending September 12th, SB 79 still needs final votes in the Assembly and Senate before potentially landing on Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk.

“This is exactly where we should be building more housing, right by our highest quality transit,” Wiener stated, underscoring the bill’s strategic approach to urban development.

As California continues to grapple with housing affordability, SB 79 represents a bold, progressive step towards reimagining how and where we live in our rapidly changing urban landscapes.