Impact of SB 79
Mountain View
Monta Loma area
- Buildings of about 7 stories (75 feet) must be allowed within a quarter mile of transit, at a minimum of 120 homes per acre.
- Apartment buildings of about 6 stories (65 feet) must be allowed within a half mile of transit, at a minimum of 100 homes per acre.
- This goes up to 12–14 stories with the state density bonus.
What SB 79 does
SB 79 is a state housing law. It took effect on July 1, 2026. It requires higher density housing near transit by limiting how cities can regulate height and capacity in those areas. Read the text of SB 79.
Local news articles
- MV Voice article: Bill to allow taller, denser housing near transit clears state Senate
- MV Voice article: Mountain View commissioners, city staff clash on response to state housing law
- MV Voice article: Mountain View looks to mitigate impact of state housing law SB 79
- PA Daily Post: State Sen. Becker votes for bill that would allow 7-story buildings
Concerns
- Local decision-making: major land-use decisions shift from local residents and elected officials to state rules and developers.
- Infrastructure pressure: rapid density increases may outpace roads, schools, utilities, and other local infrastructure.
- Environmental impacts: reduced local planning control may affect tree canopy, green space, flooding mitigation, and neighborhood design.