Transit-oriented Development Overlay District Model Ordinance
This model Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) ordinance provides a foundation for municipalities seeking to develop their own TOD ordinance. No single "model" ordinance can be adopted by a municipality without some tailoring to the unique characteristics and needs of that individual municipality. Therefore, readers are encouraged to revise and adapt the text to reflect their community's character, and to be compatible with their existing zoning ordinances.
This model zoning ordinance establishes a baseline set of standards that can be added to or upgraded to include additional provisions specific to the locality. The baseline set of standards establishes provisions for terms and definitions; administrative procedures; allowable, prohibited and special uses; parking requirements; dimensional requirements; design standards and exemptions. These baseline provisions are consistent with Smart Growth and New Urbanist principles encouraging pedestrian-oriented uses; wide sidewalks; buildings fronting streets and sidewalks; parking hidden to the side and rear of buildings; and higher-density, mixed-use developments.
The TOD template is a solid regulatory foundation for any municipality pursuing Smart Growth- or New Urbanist-based development standards. Details pertaining to parking ratios are specifically related to the presence of transit and should be adjusted accordingly based on the mode of transit available. Otherwise, the standards of this template are good practice for any community. One crucial missing element of this template is community open space. Any model template should include provisions for open space to be provided as a part of any new development.
A term typically applied to real estate development projects that combine residential and commercial or retail components.
