Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC): Palo Alto vs San Jose
How do transit-oriented communities (toc) rules compare between Palo Alto, CA and San Jose, CA?
Palo Alto, CA
Santa Clara County
No data available yet for Palo Alto.
San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
San Jose's transit-oriented development strategy concentrates housing and jobs around BART, Caltrain, light rail, and high-frequency bus through the Diridon Station Area Plan, 70+ Urban Villages, and reduced parking minimums in the Envision 2040 General Plan.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Palo Alto | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Major hub | - | Diridon Station Area Plan |
| Village count | - | 70+ Urban Villages |
| Max FAR | - | 12.0 at Diridon |
| Parking preemption | - | AB-2097 within 0.5 mi |
| Streamlining | - | SB-35, SB-423, AB-2011 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Palo Alto FAQ
No FAQs available.
San Jose FAQ
Does my project need parking near a BART station?
AB-2097 preempts parking minimums within half a mile of major-transit stops. San Jose cannot require parking, though developers may still build it. Lenders and tenants ultimately decide actual parking ratios.
How tall can I build near Diridon?
The Diridon Station Area Plan allows up to 300+ feet and FAR 12.0 in core blocks, with stepped-down zones around the edges. FAA height review applies due to proximity to Mineta SJC airport flight paths.
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