Land Development and Transit Oriented Development

Land Development

Projects that are developing adjacent to a Transit Corridor and wanting access or use of such Transit Corridor must apply for the appropriate Corridor Access Agreement(s) from CATS (Agreement Request Package).  The land development review, agreement and permitting process is separate from the City’s standard Land Development submittal and approval process.  CATS approval for a Corridor Access agreement does not guarantee City approval of a proposed land development. No entry or work in a Transit Corridor is allowed without prior approval from CATS and execution of the necessary agreement(s).

  1. For more information review the Transit Corridor Adjacent Development Process.(PDF, 242KB)

  2. To complete a Pre-submittal application click here.

Transit Oriented Development (TOD)

The tremendous success of Transit-Oriented Development along the Blue Line and Blue Line Extension illustrates the power of linking intentional planning with transformative transit investments.  CATS has a long history of integrating land use and transit planning, since the 2025 Integrated Transit/Land-Use Plan was created in 1998.  As CATS continues to build new transit corridors, including Silver Line, Red Line, Gold Line and bus rapid transit, and integrate land use and transportation planning, CATS will continue to work with local jurisdictions to promote walkable, mixed-use development along these transit corridors.  As a transit agency, CATS is committed to improving transit access for Charlotte residents and visitors.  Transit-oriented Development will focus on connectivity, and accessibility through increased ridership by providing a mix of residential and commercial uses. 

CATS has already completed the Silver Line Transit-Oriented Development Study, and it currently is working through the Equitable Transit-Oriented Development Study, which builds upon the previous Study.  Additionally, as the Red Line project continues to move forward, a potential future Red Line Transit-Oriented Development Study could be undertaken. 

Learn more about our current studies:

CATS SILVER LINE TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT STUDY

  • In 2022, CATS embarked on a Silver Line Transit-Oriented Development Study.  This was a partnership between our regional partners and CATS in the hopes to implement shared goals to guide our region’s future success.  This Study provided an opportunity to build upon past lessons, guide growth, and expand transportation options and TOD to neighborhoods along the east-west corridor and beyond Charlotte’s borders.  In collaboration with the City of Charlotte Planning, Design & Development Department, CATS wanted to focus on how adjacent areas and communities, particularly those around future light rail stations- will experience and guide development.

  • The TOD Study was guided by a public process focused on engaging regional stakeholders and residents to set a vision for equitable growth and vibrant places linked to walking , biking, and rapid transit options. 

CATS SILVER LINE EQUITY TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT POLICY AND IMPLEMENTATION STUDY (ETOD)

  • In 2023, CATS received a Federal Transportation Administration Equitable Transit-Oriented Development grant to expand on the recommendations from the 2022 Study.  It will develop plans to achieve the goals of creating transit-oriented development along the Silver Line that is equitable, multimodal, and economically resilient. 

  • Equitable Transit-Oriented Development:
    •  Ensures that marginalized groups have power and ownership in decision-making processes; and
    • Implements policies designed to equitable direct resources to those who need it most to overcome historical and structural barriers, specifically Black Indigenous, and People of Color communities, low-income communities and the disabled community; and
    • Values and preserves community history and culture; and 
    • Improves life outcomes for all by increasing spending power, wealth, and access to quality jobs for the most vulnerable; and
    • Is intentional about securing affordability in housing and transportation costs for the most vulnerable community members.
  • The ETOD Study is broken into two phases:
    • Phase 1: geared toward the development of an ETOD Policy Plan, which is community-driven road map to develop equitable policies; and
    • Phase 2: building the capacity of underserved community members to engage, influence, and benefit from development in station areas is foundational to both the policy and implementation plans. 

 

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