South Pasadena to Hold Community Meetings on New Transit Housing Law

South Pasadena City Hall (Photo – southpasadenaca.gov)

The City of South Pasadena will host two community meetings later this month to provide residents with information about Senate Bill 79 (SB 79), explain the City’s obligations under the new state law, and discuss priorities for implementing the legislation while balancing local priorities and community concerns.

By News Desk

Residents may attend either meeting:

• July 27, 2026, at 6:00 pm at the Library Community Room, 1115 El Centro Street, South Pasadena.
• July 30, 2026, at 6:00 pm at the City Council Chambers, 1424 Mission Street, South Pasadena.

SB 79, known as the Abundant and Affordable Homes Near Transit Act, took effect on July 1, 2026, and establishes new statewide requirements affecting land use and development standards near major transit stops. Under the law, cities throughout California, including South Pasadena, must allow increased residential development in designated transit areas, overriding certain local zoning regulations.

According to the City, municipalities have several options for complying with the law. They may implement the state’s requirements directly, update local zoning to permit taller buildings, more housing, or mixed-use development near transit stations, or develop a locally tailored alternative plan that redistributes growth within transit areas while maintaining the housing capacity required by the legislation.

The upcoming meetings will include an overview of SB 79, an explanation of the City’s implementation options, a discussion of staff priorities 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 implementation plan to the South Pasadena City Council during its Aug. 4, 2026, meeting.

Residents seeking additional information about SB 79 can review the legislation through the California Legislature. Questions about the City’s planning process can be directed to the South Pasadena Community Development Department at (626) 403-7220.