Race Is on as California Housing Zoning Mandate Is Now Law

West Coast Land Use and Environment attorney Will Sterling was quoted in a Law360 article examining how California cities are responding to Senate Bill 79, a new state law intended to increase housing density near passenger rail corridors. The article explored the range of compliance strategies municipalities are pursuing as the law takes effect, including temporary exclusions, zoning changes and alternative implementation plans. It also highlighted the challenges local governments face as they work to balance statewide housing objectives with local planning priorities. Mr. Sterling shared his perspective on the varied approaches cities are taking to address the legislation's requirements.

"Oakland is also doing some temporary exclusion stuff [with their proposal], but not citywide in the way that San Francisco, Palo Alto, Los Angeles is doing," he said. "Everyone's racing to do something, and everyone's racing in a different direction."

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