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Introduction Why develop this framework and how can it be used? The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), in partnership with the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA), developed A Framework for Transit Oriented Development (TOD) in Florida to address how TOD can be a part of transforming Florida's existing auto-oriented, largely suburban patterns of development into more compact, livable patterns that support walking, biking, transit, and shorter-length auto trips. This effort was initiated as local governments in Florida increasingly encountered TOD concepts and projects characterized as "TOD" for adoption in their comprehensive plans, land development codes, and development review processes. A working group composed of agency and local government representatives was formed to develop Florida­specifc TOD design guidelines and implementation strategies. FDOT held a series of ten workshops across the state to present draft TOD materials. In response to input received…

This study seeks to understand the relative efficacy of two classes of policies intended to increase the ridership and productivity of transit ridership in Florida. 

Executive Summary Suburban multifamily housing is an often overlooked housing typology that is the fastest growing housing market in the country and holds strong potential for achieving smart growth goals in suburbia. This housing type is ubiquitous throughout all regions in the nation, is a widespread example of density in suburbia, and is typically located next to commercial uses. The proximity between suburban multifamily housing and commercial uses creates the potential for nodes of concentrated activity, mixed use, and the possibility of substantial non-auto transport in suburbia. While this potential exists, the design of this housing type often follows an enclaved pattern of development, negating any synergy, minimizing the possibility of non-auto transport, and denying any potential for sustainable development. Through case studies of suburban multifamily development in Oregon, Arizona, Florida, and Massachusetts, this report looks at the specific ways in which regulation,…

Executive Summary Two Choices for the Region’s Future High-speed rail (HSR) integrated with local transit systems will connect Florida’s Super Region in a way that provides an opportunity to reshape its future. Using computer-aided analysis based on population and job projections, this study presents two alternatives for the Super Region in 2050. In one alternative, new development follows the patterns already established in Florida, despite transportation investments. In the second alternative, the presence of HSR and local transit permits compact urban centers and infill development along transit corridors, while development away from the new transportation continues in current patterns. This second alternative creates a far more sustainable development future while preserving a range of lifestyle choices. Saving The Region’s Natural Landscape Florida’s landscape and lifestyle are great competitive advantages, but new development can threaten the unique natural character of…

The development of a fixed-guideway mass transit system for the Tampa Bay region has been under consideration for several years. ln 2002, the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) Authority completed a multi-year effort to examine the feasibility of a light rail system in Hillsborough County using CSXT rail lines and new track in other areas. A previous major investment study, “The Mobility Study,” identified a rail system that one day could connect Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough and Polk counties via CSXT lines. The HART Rail Study (Environmental lmpact Study, Tampa Rail Project, 2002) refined the plans for the first phase of this system, examining lines in the most densely populated parts of Hillsborough. The first lines would link Downtown Tampa to the USF area and to the Westshore Business Area. The technical and planning information in the HART Rail Study has been integrated into current planning efforts.

This 52-slide July 2009 presentation on Tampa Transit Station Types includes a discussion of transit-oriented development basics and a detailed discussion of station area planning, including determining characteristics of an area, transit mode and frequency, mix of use and housing types, the scale and placemaking. The slides include examples of the five main station area types: high intensity urban, mixed use regional, community stations, neighborhood center and commuter station.

Introduction The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), in partnership with the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA), is developing Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Design Guidelines to provide general parameters and strategies to local governments and agencies to promote and implement ‘transit ready’ development patterns. Focusing land use and urban design policies towards transit will help to optimize future transit investments and potential transit ridership. FDOT is holding a series of workshops throughout the state to vet the TOD Design Guidelines with local governments, agencies, and the public. Based on this outreach process, the resulting guidelines are intended to provide guidance to local governments in refining their Comprehensive Plans and Land Development Codes to support various transit technologies and TOD. TODs are moderate to high density, mixed-use, and walkable developments designed to facilitate transit and accommodate multiple modes of…

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of walkability on property values and investment returns. Walkability is the degree to which an area within walking distance of a property encourages walking for recreational or functional purposes. It is of particular concern to developers, investors and others interested in sustainable and responsible property investing because of its potential social and environmental benefits. We used data from the National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries (NCREIF) and Walk Score to examine the effects of walkability on the market value and annual investment returns of nearly 11,000 office, apartment, retail and industrial properties over the past decade in the USA. We find that, all else being equal, the benefits of walkability are capitalized into office, retail, apartment and industrial property values with more walkable sites commanding higher property values. On a 100 point scale, a 10 point increase in walkability…