WHAT IS IT?
Senate Bill 827: A closely watched state zoning bill that would force cities to allow more housing near transit stops.
Effect: Cities could not use lower height or density limits to reject projects proposed within those areas or require off-street parking.
What is it? A closely watched state zoning bill that would force cities to allow taller buildings near transit. It would apply to the half mile surrounding every BART station, Caltrain stop or other rail hub, and a quarter of a mile around bus stops with frequent bus service. Cities could not use lower height or density limits to reject projects proposed within those areas or require off-street parking.
How high? Up to roughly four stories on side streets or five stories on main streets. Those limits get even higher within a block of a rail station or a quarter mile of a stop with frequent bus service: five stories on side streets and eight stories on main streets. The bill would also allow developers to apply an existing state law that encourages more housing near transit, adding roughly two stories to the total. That works out to six to 10 stories, depending on the location. Who is for it? Tech CEOs and associations representing landlords, developers and realtors, SPUR, Silicon Valley Leadership Group and the Bay Area Council. California YIMBY, a coalition of pro-housing groups, is the bill’s sponsor.
Who’s against it? The League of California Cities, Sierra Club California, and several cities, including Palo Alto and Milpitas.
New amendments: Wiener announced changes to the bill this week to protect tenants from being evicted or displaced as a result of the legislation. The changes would require developers to give tenants, even in cities without rent control, a “Right to Remain Guarantee.” That includes moving expenses and assistance to cover higher rent in a comparable temporary apartment for up to 42 months during construction, and the right to live in the newly built apartment building with the same rent.
“I’d hate to see it change that much; this is a charming little area with old buildings and things that have been here for forever,” she said. “But I also see maybe the necessity of it. It’s progress, as they say.”