The Los Angeles City Council on Dec. 2 unanimously approved a motion calling on the Department of City Planning to further analyze how Senate Bill 79 will affect neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles, and how the city may be able to mitigate the impacts.

SB 79, which was authored by state Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and signed into law on Oct. 10, establishes state zoning standards around rail stations and primary bus lines, allowing large multi-family buildings within a half mile of major transit stops. The legislation’s goal is to create more affordable housing in densely populated urban areas near public transportation.

The Los Angeles City Council and Mayor Karen Bass opposed SB 79 because it removes city control over zoning. Under the state law, buildings seven to nine stories tall could be constructed in neighborhoods such as Hancock Park and the Miracle Mile due to their proximity to stations on the D Line subway under Wilshire Boulevard and dedicated bus lanes on Wilshire Boulevard and La Brea Avenue.

The City Council approved the motion on Dec. 2 to further consider options regarding SB 79 by a 15-0 vote, without discussion. The council allocated $375,000 to the Department of City Planning to procure the software and technical support necessary for mapping and modeling analyses to see how the city may delay or prevent implementation of SB 79. The state law includes exemptions if cities designate certain areas as historic, and also provides mechanisms for delayed effectuation is the city takes steps to increase housing.

The Planning Department is expected to return to the council with a report on options by Jan. 5. The council must act by March to implement a plan for delayed effectuation, because any plan must be approved by the state before SB 79 takes effect on July 1, 2026.