California legislators on Sept. 12 approved a measure to expand apartment construction near public transportation stops, overriding local regulations in a bid to combat a shortage of housing and soaring home prices.
The proposal, known as SB 79, squeaked through the state Senate with bipartisan backing after tense debates, marking a win for advocates pushing denser urban development, though opponents argued the measure would lead to buildings in quiet residential neighborhoods.
Authored by state Sen. Scott Wiener, a Democrat, the legislation permits buildings nine floors high near high-transit rail and bus lines across the state. It would also streamline approvals and bypass certain local codes….