Over the last five years, Mountain View has pioneered the use of urban planning tools such as “precise plans”—that allow the city to make zoning more specialized for specific areas in the city—and transit overlay zones, which require developers to adhere to strict pedestrian-friendly design guidelines.  Precise plans replace traditional zoning with customized standards for a designated area.  The plans establish broad goals and objectives with detailed development standards.   Through flexible design approaches, such plans can encourage a variety of housing types, higher densities, narrow streets, public open space, reduced setbacks, and compatibility with the surrounding area.