Transit-oriented Development Ordinance: Phoenix, AZ
With this ordinance, Phoenix, Arizona, created a Transit-Oriented District to encourage an appropriate mixture and density of activity around its transit stations to increase ridership and promote alternative modes of transportation. A secondary intent was to decrease auto dependency, and mitigate the effects of congestion and pollution.
The regulations seek to achieve these goals by encouraging pedestrian-, bicycle- and transit-supportive development that integrates auto uses with a complementary mix of land uses, where streets have a high level of connectivity and the blocks are small, all within a comfortable walking and bicycling distance from light rail stations. 31 pages
This TOD district is a zoning tool designed to facilitate TOD development in identified areas of the city. The TOD district regulates uses, development standards, street and sidewalk regulations, sign regulations and parking and loading regulations.
The Phoenix TOD utilizes creative mechanisms to facilitate TOD development. Drive-through establishments, fast food restaurants, accessory parking lots and grocery stores greater than 50,000 square feet in size are all allowed only through special permit. Buildings are required to break up their scale and massing and provide pedestrian access. Facades must have 50% fenestration and cannot have more than 20 feet of wall without fenestration. Building entrances must be oriented towards transit. On-street and bicycle parking are encouraged and parking decks must have active uses along the ground floor level. The Phoenix TOD ordinance provides enough specifics to be effective and enough innovative measures to ensure a well-designed and effective development pattern as a result.
