Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed Senate Bill 79 into law, setting the stage for increased residential density around transit hubs in eight California counties, including Santa Clara. This measure, authored by State Senator Scott Wiener, enables developers to construct taller and denser housing projects within a half-mile radius of qualifying rail stops, bypassing some local zoning limits. For San Jose residents, this opens doors to more vibrant neighborhoods where living close to public transportation becomes easier and more appealing.
The law targets counties with over 15 passenger rail stations, a threshold Santa Clara County meets with its extensive network of BART, Caltrain, and VTA light rail options. Projects under SB 79 must include affordable units if they exceed a certain size, ensuring broader access to housing. This approach addresses California's housing shortage by prioritizing development in areas already served by efficient transit, which could reduce reliance on cars and ease traffic congestion in the South Bay.
Details of the upzoning vary by transit type. Around Tier 1 stops like BART and Caltrain, buildings can reach up to nine stories near the station entrance, seven stories within a quarter mile, and six stories out to a half mile. For Tier 2 stops, such as light rail lines, the heights are slightly lower, topping out at eight stories adjacent to the stop. These provisions apply to sites zoned for residential, mixed-use, or commercial purposes, provided they meet density and affordability criteria.
San Jose stands to benefit greatly from this initiative, fostering communities that blend urban convenience with sustainable living. As the city expands its transit infrastructure, including extensions to key areas, SB 79 supports a future where more people can call San Jose home without sacrificing accessibility or adding to traffic gridlock. The result could be a more lively cityscape that showcases San Jose's potential as a leader in smart urban development.
Source: SVBJ
