Tools and resources to support your development project’s trail component

NAHB Surveys: trails are increasingly important to home buyers
According to the 2002 Consumers’ Survey on Smart Choices for Home Buyers, 36 percent of home buyers said nearby walking, jogging or biking trails are an important or very important consideration as an amenity. (see NAHB Study - Home buyers sold on trails)

Trails were cited by 57 percent of prospective home buyers in the 2004 survey, according to The New York Times.

[see the NY Times article "From Kitchen to the Wild in 30 Seconds"]

Century 21 recommends that home sellers reference nearby bike trails in their MLS (Multiple Listing Service) posting for their home (see March/April 2009 edition of At Home)

The City of San Jose PDO/PIO fees support park development and were recently updated to now support development of our trail network.

In 1988, the City Council adopted the Parkland Dedication Ordinance (PDO) to help meet the demand for neighborhood and community parks generated by the development of new residential parcels. In 1992, the City Council adopted the Park Impact Ordinance (PIO), which applied parkland dedication requirements to new units in non-subdivided residential projects.  In 2007 the ordinance was expanded to include trails.

For questions about the City’s PDO/PIO fees, please contact Dave Mitchell, Parks Planning Manager, dave.mitchell@sanjoseca.gov

[see PDO/PIO page for more resources]

_Win recognition with trails

San Jose has an award-winning trail program.

Building trails here is not only good for your new community but can get your firm some well deserved recognition. The American Trails Organization recognizes the development community with an annual award for being "partners in providing access to trails from the doorsteps of American homes." (see American Trails developer award)

2008 award winners!

Proximity to trails earns points in the green building rating system LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). The green building value of trails comes from providing nearby opportunities for "active transportation" since they are recognized as alternative transportation corridors. Thus interconnected trails can help reduce automobile trips and earn your development points towards green building certification.

_Working near existing trails

When you are developing a project near an existing trail, please be aware that the City requires you to follow a process to ensure that the community is aware of a closure to the trail. The trail should be reponed as soon as possible with adequate notice given to the community.

Click here for information on the Trail Closure Process.