A bill proposed by Sen. Scott Wiener would exempt transit agencies from zoning rules near ‘high-quality’ transit stops and allow denser transit-oriented development.
California Senator Scott Wiener has introduced a bill that would exempt transit agencies from local zoning laws within half a mile of transit stations, which would open the door to denser transit-oriented development.
As Damien Newton explains in Streetsblog California, Senate Bill 79 would “allow buildings up to seven stories high within a quarter mile from major transit stops and up to four stories high within a half-mile,” let transit agencies set their own zoning rules for properties they own, and speed up permitting for TOD projects.
“In making the case for the bill, Wiener argued that even in the current chaotic federal context, California should do more to expedite housing construction.” Wiener stressed that his bill focuses on areas with the “highest quality transit,” unlike prior bills that included bus stops and ‘job rich’ areas without robust transit.
FULL STORY: Wiener Introduces Legislation to Increase Housing Density Near Transit
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Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
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Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Paris Bike Boom Leads to Steep Drop in Air Pollution
The French city’s air quality has improved dramatically in the past 20 years, coinciding with a growth in cycling.
Why Housing Costs More to Build in California Than in Texas
Hard costs like labor and materials combined with ‘soft’ costs such as permitting make building in the San Francisco Bay Area almost three times as costly as in Texas cities.
San Diego County Sees a Rise in Urban Coyotes
San Diego County experiences a rise in urban coyotes, as sightings become prevalent throughout its urban neighbourhoods and surrounding areas.
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Planning for Universal Design
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Smith Gee Studio
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