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SB 79 Cleanup Bill Leads Legislative Action This Year
Early legislative activity in Sacramento is centering on a proposed cleanup measure to SB 79, which could broaden the scope of the state’s transit-oriented housing policies. The bill is moving quickly through the Legislature and may expand the reach of the original law, which was intended to encourage housing development near major transit corridors. At the same time, policymakers and industry stakeholders are closely watching a potential ballot initiative that would significantly reform the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Together, these proposals could shape the state’s housing and development policy discussions during the 2026 legislative session. Click here to read more.
Second Staircase Debate, HCD Letters, and Other Housing Policy Updates
Recent developments in California housing policy include a growing debate over allowing single-staircase apartment buildings, a design used internationally that could enable more flexible mid-rise housing development but raises safety and building-code questions. Meanwhile, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) continues to send compliance letters to jurisdictions regarding housing elements and implementation requirements. These developments reflect the state’s ongoing push to increase housing production while navigating building standards, local planning requirements, and safety considerations. Click here to read more.
ICYMI: The Coming Battle Over Impact Fees
Impact fees are emerging as a key policy battleground in California’s housing and land-use debates. Local governments rely on these fees to fund infrastructure such as parks, roads, and schools, but critics argue that rising fees can significantly increase the cost of housing development. Recent examples highlight how local formulas can produce substantial fees for relatively small projects, fueling calls for reforms. As the state continues to pursue aggressive housing production goals, lawmakers, developers, and local governments may increasingly clash over how impact fees are calculated and applied. Click here to read more.
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