Building standards for a greener, transit-oriented future

By /

Area around the Addison Road/Seat Pleasant metro station in Prince George’s County that currently follows old zoning regulations. (Caption and photo credit: Bryan Barnett-Wood)

Building standards for a greener, transit-oriented future

With the forthcoming arrival of a new light rail line, the leadership of Prince George’s County, Maryland—located directly east of Washington, DC—is intent on creating a greener, transit-oriented future. The county is in the process of updating its over 50-year old zoning codes to take maximum advantage of the new Purple Line light rail stations, and is taking the role of building design into serious consideration.

In addition to reduced parking minimums and direct bicycle and pedestrian connections to transit stations, the updated zones call for building code standards that encourage walkable streetscapes. This means “buildings will be close to sidewalks, have windows for window shopping, and incorporate architectural features that help create a ‘Main Street’ feel (things like balconies, ground floor awnings, etc.).” (GGWash)

The ordinance also calls for new developments of 10-dwelling units or more to include a minimum level of sustainable building features. Developers can choose from a menu of features that include “alternative energy such as solar panels, water conservation elements like rain barrels and low impact low-flow plumbing fixtures, and even urban agriculture features such as on-site composting or community garden space.” (GGWash)

TODs, when well-designed, create a sense of place, feel comfortable and safe, limit dead space, and provide visual interest to an area. Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Design Guidelines, a report from the Utah Transit Authority available on TODresources.org, offers guidance on development forms and pedestrian-scale design. While the report focuses on UTA-owned properties, the guidelines are applicable to Prince George’s County and all other communities that are considering ways to optimize transit-connected land to support regional growth.

Update: legislation to update the county’s zoning code has been introduced and there are public hearings coming up in July, 2018, via GGWash.

Recent news

Here are a few things that have been happening this week with TOD projects across the country.