Starting July 2026, California’ s largest metropolitan areas will be allowed to build more homes and apartment buildings up to six stories tall, especially near transit stops, and in neighborhoods that are currently classified as single-family zones.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 79 into law to expedite the construction of affordable housing by accelerating the housing permitting and inspection time and by overriding local restrictions and possible objections of neighbors in the spirit of “YIMBY” or "Yes, in my backyard.”

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Supporters of SB 79 have said having affordable housing units within a mile of bus or subway transit spots will allow working-class Californians to safely commute to and from work.

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