Transit-oriented Development Ordinance: Louisville, KY
The intent of this Louisville, Kentucky ordinance is to provide a framework and approval process for creating Planned Transit Development (PTD) Districts that promote transit-oriented development (TOD) around advanced transit facilities.
The PTD District establishes a set of standards for transit districts. It sets out regulations regarding definitions and terms, development guidelines, development standards, land uses, site design, urban design, parking, signs, landscaping, pedestrian and transit amenities and administrative procedures for the district. A PTD District is established through a four-part process: concept plan preparation and review, master plan preparation and review, zoning district map amendment and the detailed development plan application and approval. This process is intended to ensure that the future district is rooted in community vision and purpose.
This document includes definitions, development guidelines, development standards and procedures. Certain standards — such as permitted uses and the process for approval — are quite specific, but other aspects - such as the site design, urban design, parking, signage, landscape and pedestrian regulations — are left somewhat vague. These standards refer to meeting general standards of broader planning goals and vision, and do not include specific “shalls” and “shall nots.” It is critical then that this district incorporate a very specific and thorough adoption process that generates specific implementing standards.
