City grapples with new upzoning law

"Palo Alto City Council is grappling with how to plan for housing after the state Legislature passed a law to allow seven-story apartment buildings within a quarter mile of the city's three Caltrain stations. The new law, Senate Bill 79, allows for cities to create alternative plans that shift the height around. For example, four-story buildings could be allowed on some properties while ten-story buildings are allowed on others, Planning Director Jonathan Lait said."

"With an alternative plan, the city might be able to steer taller buildings away from single-family neighborhoods, Lait said. But the city will also need its plans approved by the state, and there may be winners and losers when taller buildings are shifted around, Lait said. Mayor Ed Lauing said he wants to aggressively pursue an alternative plan, "in fairness to all of our neighbors in all of the neighborhoods that are impacted.""

SB79 allows seven-story apartment buildings within a quarter mile of the city's three Caltrain stations. The law permits cities to create alternative plans that shift height allowances, enabling four-story buildings in some locations and up to ten-story buildings in others. A two- or three-member council committee will consider alternative plans for University Avenue, California Avenue and San Antonio Road. The law takes effect July 1, with alternative plans expected by the end of next year. An alternative plan could steer taller buildings away from single-family neighborhoods but requires state approval and could redistribute impacts. Rules against combining lots in residential areas could limit effects to commercial zones, while concentrated new units could strain traffic and infrastructure.

Read at Padailypost