Publication Date

Fall 2003

Degree Type

Master's Project

Degree Name

Master of Urban Planning (MUP)

Department

Urban and Regional Planning

Abstract

This planning report, prepared in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the granting of a Master of Urban Planning degree by San Jose State University, addresses the question of vv^hat opportunities exist for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) in the city of Campbell, California, and what new land use regulations should be implemented to encourage successful TOD projects. Campbell, where I was employed as a planner between 1999 and mid-2003, currently has a unique new opportunity to encourage TOD projects because the city will soon have three new Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) light rail stations. These stations are under construction as part of Phase I of the 5.3- mile Vasona line extension from Downtown San Jose to Campbell, as shown in Figure 1.

While these stations are not scheduled to open until 2006, the City took them into consideration in the General Plan update in 2001. New goals, policies, strategies, and land use designations in the General Plan allow for, but do not require, higher development intensities, mixed-use projects, and housing near the stations; however, there are currently few land use regulations—such as a minimum floor area ratio and residential density, parking standards, design guidelines, and a list of transit-supportive land uses—in place that would specifically promote TOD projects near the stations. Without specific regulations to support TOD projects, neither the City nor project proponents have clear direction for projects near light rail stations, which can result in costly project delays and a frustrating development review and permitting process. It can also lead to the approval of projects near the stations that are not transit-oriented, resulting in the loss of a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the city. The TOD-supportive regulations are needed to demonstrate to financial institutions and investors that TOD projects will be processed in a similar manner and time frame as other development projects. A lack of confidence about TOD projects discourage developers from attempting to budd them at all. Therefore these regulations would be of enormous benefit not only to the City government but also to developers, can architects, investors, and residents.

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