"Palo Alto City Council on Wednesday (Oct. 22) will discuss the impacts of a new state law that could allow seven-story residential buildings within a quarter mile of the city's three Caltrain stations. The buildings could be even taller - nine stories - if they're right next to the train station, under Senate Bill 79 by Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco."
"The alternative plan must allow the same number of housing units and the same square footage within a half-mile of a Caltrain station, but the city has some flexibility on how it's arranged. With an alternative plan, the city might be able to steer taller buildings away from single-family neighborhoods, according to a report to council approved by Planning Director Jonathan Lait."
"The report suggests that the city develop SB79 alternative plans for each of its three Caltrain stations: University Avenue, California Avenue and San Antonio Road. For the University Caltrain station, the half-mile radius includes some of the South of Forest Avenue neighborhood and the Stanford Shopping Center, as well as downtown. Council's discussion on Wednesday will focus on the downtown housing plan that the city started developing in February 2024."
Senate Bill 79 allows seven-story residential buildings within a quarter mile of Caltrain stations, six stories between a quarter and a half mile, and up to nine stories adjacent to stations. The law permits transit agencies to develop their own land to generate revenue. The bill was signed on Oct. 10 and takes effect July 1. Cities may submit transit-oriented development alternative plans that must provide the same number of housing units and square footage within a half-mile while offering flexibility in arrangement. Alternative plans can steer taller buildings away from single-family neighborhoods. Palo Alto staff recommends creating alternative plans for each Caltrain station and prioritizing them over the downtown housing plan.
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