Projects & Transit Planning

Transit Oriented Development

Building an integrated land use and transit system is key to managing the rapid growth occurring in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area and to invigorating existing communities into better places to live and work. This requires making land use decisions that encourage residents to use transit as an alternative for their daily and occasional travel. It also requires ensuring that the areas around transit stations encourage pedestrian activity and provide for a mix of land uses in a vibrant, active and safe environment.

Integrated land use planning and transit oriented development (TOD) are the cornerstones of the 2030 Transit Corridor System Plan. These high-quality urban environments are carefully planned and designed to attract and retain transit ridership. TODs provide for a pedestrian-friendly environment, connected to rapid transit stations with an increased density of residential, retail and employment opportunities, creating a sense of place or community. These types of communities allow for a high quality of life and mobility, while simultaneously helping to reduce pollution and vehicle miles traveled. Here are some factors that make transit oriented developments so appealing:

Transit contributes to the vitality and prosperity of quality urban communities by encouraging pedestrian activity at and around transit stations.
Transit makes better use of existing investments in rail and road systems by
The integration of transit and land use supports growth management while discouraging urban sprawl.
Slowing the increase in vehicle trips means less increase in congestion and travel time, and improved air quality

Local municipalities within Mecklenburg County have taken the first steps to integrating land use and rapid transit. These policies were based from a set of principles and guidelines called the Transit Station Area Joint Development Principles and Policy Guidelines.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission has developed Transit Station Area Principles to ensure that future development takes advantage of access to transit and promotes transit use. This portion of the General Development Principles provides guidance for future development and redevelopment of transit station areas.