The City of South Pasadena is hosting community meetings to provide information about Senate Bill (SB) 79, discuss the City’s obligations under the new state law, and share the priorities the City is considering for implementing the legislation while balancing local priorities and community concerns.
Residents are invited to attend the final upcoming meeting:
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July 30, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. City Council Chambers, 1424 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA 91030 (Note: An initial meeting was held on July 27).
SB 79, also known as the Abundant and Affordable Homes Near Transit Act, establishes new state requirements that affect land use and development standards near major transit stops. Effective July 1, 2026, the law requires cities throughout California, including South Pasadena, to allow increased residential development in designated transit areas, overriding certain local zoning regulations.
Cities can comply with SB 79 in several ways. They may apply the state law directly; update their zoning to allow taller buildings, more homes, or mixed-use development near transit stations; or prepare a locally tailored alternative plan that redistributes where growth occurs within transit areas while providing the same overall housing capacity required by the law.
The community meeting will include an overview of SB 79, an explanation of the City’s implementation options, the priorities staff are considering as they develop an alternative plan, and an opportunity for residents to ask questions and learn more about the process.
City staff are expected to present recommendations for an alternative plan to the City Council at its meeting on August 5, 2026.
To view Senate Bill No. 79, visit https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov. To contact the City of South Pasadena Community Development Department, call (626) 403-7220.
