Transit-Oriented Development

• Author: Kyler Massner
• Pages: 108-111

108 Sustainable Development Code: Climate Change

TRAN SIT -OR IEN TED

DEVE LOP MEN T

Kyler Massner (author)

Jonathan Rosenbloom & Christopher Duerksen (editors)

INTRODUCTION

Transit-oriented developments (TODs) represent a variety of methods and

strategies to shape and encourage development around public transporta-

tion hubs.1 TODs seek to leverage the benets of public transportation in a

desire to create compact, walkable, pedest rian-oriented neighborhoods along

transit hubs while reducing reliance on automobiles.2 A TOD ordinance can

operate by either creating incentives or requiring particu lar types of develop-

ment around transit hubs. Incentive-based ordinances provide a number of

benets to developers, such as density, area or height bonuses, if the develop-

ment complies with certain requirements.3 In contrast, zoning c odes can also

require that developments meet certain requirements before development

may begin. Requirements such as mixed-use m inimums, density minimums,

and maximum limits on available parking, must be achieved if the develop-

ment is located within a designated TOD district.4 Both incentive-based a nd

mandatory systems each have benets.5 Mandatory programs are easier to

control and allow for more predictive outcomes, while incentive-based sys-

tems can be broadly applied and suciently exible to meet the needs of a

particular circumstance.6

EFFECTS

Local governments can implement TOD districts to create areas around

public transit stations, which encourage individua ls to fulll the majority,

if not all, of their daily needs without the use of automobiles. Any need not

immediately accessible within the TOD district should be easily satised by

use of the transit system, where the need can t hen be fullled by riding to the

adjacent TOD district. Since individuals can rely on public transit for their

daily commutes and everyday needs, TOD’s have the ability to reduce auto-

mobile trac by encouraging individua ls to either walk, bike, or use public

transportation.7 Since TOD’s reduce the need of automobiles, the result is