City Announces Community Meetings on SB 79
Published on July 14, 2026
July 14, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jennifer Colby, Public Affairs Manager
Phone: (626) 403-7215
Email: socialmedia@southpasadenaca.gov
Subject: City of South Pasadena Announces Community Meetings on State-Mandated Changes to Land Use and Housing Near Transit
South Pasadena, Calif. – The City of South Pasadena is hosting two community meetings to provide information about Senate Bill (SB) 79, discuss the City's obligations under the new state law, and share the priorities the City is considering for implementing the legislation while balancing local priorities and community concerns.
Residents are invited to attend either of the following meetings:
July 27, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Library Community Room, 1115 El Centro Street, South Pasadena, CA 91030
July 30, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers, 1424 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA 91030
SB 79, also known as the Abundant and Affordable Homes Near Transit Act, establishes new state requirements that affect land use and development standards near major transit stops. Effective July 1, 2026, the law requires cities throughout California, including South Pasadena, to allow increased residential development in designated transit areas, overriding certain local zoning regulations.
Cities can comply with SB 79 in several ways. They may apply the state law directly; update their zoning to allow taller buildings, more homes, or mixed-use development near transit stations; or prepare a locally tailored alternative plan that redistributes where growth occurs within transit areas while providing the same overall housing capacity required by the law.
The community meetings will include an overview of SB 79, an explanation of the City's implementation options, the priorities staff are considering 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 plan to the City Council at its meeting on August 4, 2026.
To view Senate Bill No. 79, visit https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov. To contact the City of South Pasadena Community Development Department, call (626) 403-7220.
About the City of South Pasadena
The City of South Pasadena is a charming community, situated only six miles from downtown Los Angeles. Called the City of Trees, the area is known for its stunning homes, unique small businesses, and top-quality schools. South Pasadena’s diverse population of about 25,000 occupies a mere 3.44 square miles of flatlands and hillsides on the west side of the San Gabriel Valley. This small-town atmosphere makes South Pasadena one of California's most desirable locations.
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