2030 Comprehensive Plan Update, April 2024

Land Use

3.4 Equitable

Development Around Transit

Equitable Transit-oriented Development Transit-oriented development (TOD) is defined as a moderate- to high-density mix of uses— such as residences, retail shops, offices, and civic and entertainment uses—located within one-half mile of a transit station and designed to support transit use. The typical “station area” is considered to be a half-mile radius, which is an acceptable 10-minute walking distance for most transit users if the area contains a destination, provides dedicated walking routes, and is safe and visually appealing. TOD reduces the need for driving by creating compact, vibrant, walkable neighborhoods with convenient access to activities and destinations that are connected by transit. If a transit corridor contains a station once every mile, TOD should extend along the entire corridor with the highest densities and intensities of uses occurring near each station. Within the U.S., TOD is typically associated with rail transit; however, in Raleigh TOD should occur with other fixed guideway transit service as well, such as bus rapid transit, if it provides facilities and service levels similar to rail transit. Adding equity to the TOD concept embraces Raleigh’s vision to broadly share the benefits of the city’s transit investments by combatting displacement, expanding affordable housing options, promoting job creation, and increasing programs that benefit existing low-income residents where BRT is planned. ETOD will be achieved directly by policies and actions in this subsection, the creation of an Equity Fund, and future station area planning outlined in Section 16: Area Specific Guidance.

Outside of Raleigh’s inner core—downtown and its adjacent neighborhoods—the majority of Raleigh’s populace lives, works, and socializes within an auto-dependent land use framework. To reduce vehicle miles traveled and improve air quality, and ensure the benefit of this planning is broadly and equitably shared, Raleigh’s land use and transportation coordination policies focus on: • Providing more housing for people of all income levels near existing and planned transit. • Shortening trips. • Encouraging pedestrian, bicycle, and transit friendly communities. • Directing density toward transit-rich mixed use centers and corridors or areas adjacent and accessible to them via sidewalks, trails, or transit. • Directing growth to less congested areas with development capacity.

Policy LU 4.1 Coordinate Transportation Investments with Land Use

Ensure that transportation decisions, strategies, and investments are coordinated with and support the city’s land use objectives.

Policy LU 4.2 Transportation in Support of Walkable Neighborhoods Make the design and scale of transportation facilities compatible with planned land uses and with consideration for the character anticipated by this Comprehensive Plan for the surrounding neighborhood.

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