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Pasadena pauses parts of SB79 near select transit stops while staff draws transit‑oriented alternative plan
Summary
The City Council voted to adopt a targeted delay to parts of the state’s SB79 near select Metro stations, temporarily exempting locally designated historic resources and lower‑density residential parcels while staff prepares a Transit‑Oriented Development Alternative Plan (TOEDP) and returns with HCD submittal details and a timeline.
The Pasadena City Council on June 8 adopted a targeted ordinance that temporarily pauses implementation of portions of the Abundant and Affordable Homes Near Transit Act (SB79) for selected sites near some Metro A Line stations while staff develops a transit‑oriented development alternative plan.
Staff framed the pause as a limited, time‑bound measure to allow the city to prepare a TOEDP, map where higher densities should be placed, and refine local policy rather than instantly adopting the default SB79 height and density allowances on July 1. Senior planner Natalie Espinosa told the council staff recommends exempting locally designated historic resources and lower‑density multifamily zones (RM12 and RM16) in identified TOD areas and bringing back a draft TOEDP for council review.
Supporters of SB79 who spoke during public comment urged the council to let the state law take effect immediately, saying additional housing near transit is urgently needed to stabilize housing costs and support local schools and businesses. Several residents and development‑policy advocates said delay would slow housing production and keep rents high. Councilmembers who backed the pause said the city needs time to craft a careful local plan to direct new density to appropriate sites and to preserve significant historic resources.
Council and staff agreed on a compromise timeline. The ordinance includes an 18‑month maximum pause measured from July 1, 2026, with an interim staff check‑in at about nine months and a commitment to return with HCD submittal materials and the analytical data used to identify exempted sites. Staff noted HCD has statutory review deadlines for ordinance submissions (typically up to 60 days with a possible extension), and council directed staff to synchronize the city’s TOEDP work with the HCD review timetable.
The ordinance’s first reading passed with five votes; several members recused themselves from participation because of proximity or property interests in some transit zones. Council asked staff to publish the mapping and calculations used to determine zone eligibility, to report back to the housing committee on TOEDP progress, and to include strategies to minimize displacement and to consider parking and infrastructure needs for future projects.
Next steps: staff will complete the data package used to support the ordinance, submit the delay ordinance and supporting materials to the California Department of Housing and Community Development for review, and begin the TOEDP technical work and community engagement to return to council within the nine‑month check‑in window.
