38.010 Purpose and Intent

The Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Zone is established to create self-sustaining, walkable neighborhoods, in which residents may walk or bike to work, shopping, and recreational opportunities, and have access to mass transit. These neighborhoods are located in areas with existing or probable future transit choices, including bus rapid transit (BRT), TRAX and Front-runner. Lehi City finds that TODs will benefit the general health and welfare of the inhabitants of Lehi City by fulfilling existing housing, transportation and employment needs. While a TOD does not preclude the choice of using an automobile, it provides an alternative for those who cannot drive or prefer not to use personal vehicles for every trip. It also balances street design to accommodate driving, walking, biking, and taking transit. The purpose and intent of the TOD Zone is to: A. require a complementary mix of land uses, including moderate and/or high density residential, horizontally or vertically, within a half mile walking distance of transit stations to increase transit ridership; B. foster a sense of place through the creation of mixed-use centers that combine residential uses with diverse economic activity; C. create a human-scale environment to encourage walking, bicycling and transit use, and to limit traffic congestion and automobile dependence; D. provide an alternative to traditional development by emphasizing mixed use, compact site design, and land uses oriented to people walking and biking; E. provide a more environmentally sustainable development type; F. create a neighborhood identity that promotes pedestrian activity, social interactions, safety and long-term livability; G. reduce auto dependency and roadway congestion by locating multiple destinations and trip purposes within walking distance of one another; and H. provide a range of housing options for people of different income levels and at different stages of life. A TOD should build upon the community’s existing identity and serve as a mechanism for communicating that identity to others. The development should create a community focus at which people will be present at all times of the day, creating a stimulating and meaningful public environment. New development should create a sustainable neighborhood, in which residents and business owners make a long-term investment in the community. Adopted 01/13/15 An application for approval of a TOD Zone is a request by the applicant for additional flexibility beyond that allowed by traditional zoning within the City. It is the sole responsibility and burden of the applicant to convince the Planning Commission and City Council that the proposed TOD zone is preferable to traditional zoning. Approval is at the discretion of the City Council.