Over the fence: Kenmore approves Transit-Oriented-Development (TOD) District

At its October 12, 2015 meeting, the Kenmore City Council unanimously approved an ordinance creating a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) District. The purpose of the District is to reinforce pedestrian-oriented mixed-use development at intensities that support and are supported by multimodal transportation options, including high capacity transit along SR 522.

The District generally is located in commercial and multifamily areas north of SR 522 and east of 73rd Avenue NE. Developing under the TOD standards is optional; a developer can choose to develop either under the existing zoning regulations or under the standards of the TOD district.

For development using the TOD standards, a minimum density of 60 dwelling units per acre is required and a maximum density of 150 dwelling units is permitted. Parking requirements may be reduced.

In exchange for these opportunities, a developer must provide affordable housing serving income-eligible households for a minimum period of 50 years.

TOD developments would have to comply with the City’s most stringent design standards and projects would have to improve pedestrian connectivity to transit facilities.