From Los Angeles Business Journal · staff-author · · 1m 10s
Los Angeles Opted Out of Housing Fix
Los Angeles delays housing reform to 2030, missing statewide housing goals.
In brief
Los Angeles delays housing reform to 2030, missing statewide housing goals. Los Angeles delayed SB 79 housing reforms until 2030, permitting only 81,306 units against a 456,643 target by 2029. Originally reported by Los Angeles Business Journal.
California enacts SB 79
California enacted SB 79, the 'Abundant and Affordable Homes Near Transit Act', on July 1, 2026.
Los Angeles delays SB 79
Los Angeles adopted two ordinances to postpone SB 79 until 2030 while expanding exempt properties.
Phased Implementation Ordinance
The ordinance allows temporary exemption until a year after the next Housing Element is released, likely in 2030.
Low-Rise Ordinance
The ordinance upzones properties that currently don’t qualify for temporary exemption so they do.
Housing shortfall
Los Angeles permitted 81,306 units against a 456,643 target by 2029, falling further behind.
Economic consequences
Employers struggle to recruit workers, professionals leave for less expensive regions, and businesses face higher wage pressures.
Los Angeles misses housing boom
Los Angeles faces higher transaction costs, lengthy approvals, and regulatory uncertainty compared to neighboring cities.
The takeaway
Los Angeles delayed SB 79 housing reforms until 2030, permitting only 81,306 units against a 456,643 target by 2029.
