San Jose Citywide Design Guidelines

This document contains the Objective Development Standards adopted by the City of San Jose for Priority Development Areas (PDAs) and growth areas throughout the city in 2021. It provides site design standards and guidelines to support walkable, functional and safe communities throughout San José. The Design Standards and Guidelines work in conjunction with other City documents and regulations to ensure that buildings throughout San José have a high-quality design and are appropriate for their site, function and neighborhood.

Priority Development Areas (PDAs) Program

By bringing transit, jobs and housing together in downtowns, along main streets and around rail stations, PDAs help the Bay Area reduce greenhouse gas emissions and begin to solve the region’s housing crisis.