Building Setback Requirements for the TOD-CC Transit Community Center Zoning District in Charlotte
In the City of Charlotte, the TOD-CC Transit Community Center Zoning District utilizes a system of frontage-based setbacks where the distance from the street depends on the classification of the adjacent thoroughfare, ranging from 5 feet for transit stations to 36 feet for linear parks. The TOD-CC District generally permits 0-foot side and rear setbacks unless the property abuts a Neighborhood 1 Place Type, in which case the City of Charlotte requires a 10-foot side setback and a 20-foot rear setback. Additionally, the TOD-CC District features a mandatory build-to zone (BTZ) extending 10 feet from the frontage setback line, requiring a high percentage of the building facade to be positioned close to the street [Table 13-1].
Front Setback and Build-To Zone Requirements
The City of Charlotte regulates the "front" of a property in the TOD-CC Transit Community Center Zoning District based on the specific type of street frontage. These setbacks are measured from the future back of curb, except for transit stations, public paths, and parks, which are measured from the property line or right-of-way [Table 13-1, Footnote 3].
| Frontage Type | Frontage Setback Line (from future back of curb) | Build-To Zone (BTZ) (from frontage setback line) |
|---|---|---|
| Uptown Signature | 24 feet | 0 to 10 feet |
| Main Street | 24 feet | 0 to 10 feet |
| Linear Park | 36 feet | 0 to 10 feet |
| 4-5 Lane Avenue/Boulevard | 20 feet | 0 to 10 feet |
| 6 or more Lane Avenue/Boulevard | 24 feet | 0 to 10 feet |
| 2-3 Lane Avenue | 20 feet | 0 to 10 feet |
| Transit Station, Public Path, or Park | 5 feet | 0 to 10 feet |
| Uptown Primary | 20 feet | 0 to 10 feet |
| Other - Primary | 20 feet | 0 to 10 feet |
| Uptown Secondary | 16 feet | 0 to 10 feet |
| Secondary | 16 feet | 0 to 10 feet |
| Parkway (Measured from ROW) | 20 feet | N/A |
| Limited Access (Measured from ROW) | 10 feet | N/A |
Facade Placement and Multiple Frontages
The City of Charlotte requires a minimum percentage of the building facade to be located within the 10-foot build-to zone. For Main Streets and Primary frontages in the TOD-CC District, this requirement is 80% to 100%. For Secondary frontages, the requirement is 60% [Table 13-1].
If a lot in the TOD-CC District has more than two frontages that require a build-to zone, the City of Charlotte mandates that the build-to zone be increased by 100% for those frontages exceeding two. This increase is applied to the frontages lowest in the established hierarchy [Table 13-1, Footnote 5].
Side and Rear Setback Requirements
The City of Charlotte sets side and rear setbacks for the TOD-CC Transit Community Center Zoning District based on the context of the neighboring land. This ensures a transition between higher-intensity transit development and lower-intensity residential areas [Section 13.1.B].
| Setback Type | Not Abutting Neighborhood 1 Place Type | Abutting Neighborhood 1 Place Type |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Side Setback | 0 feet | 10 feet |
| Minimum Rear Setback | 0 feet | 20 feet |
Alternative Standards for Multiple Frontages
For properties in the TOD-CC Transit Community Center Zoning District with three or more frontages, any frontage not classified as a "primary frontage" may be designated as the "last frontage." Under the City of Charlotte code, the "last frontage" is eligible for alternative standards. These include the elimination of ground floor activation and prominent entrance requirements, as well as a reduction of ground floor transparency to 10% [Section 3.6.A].
Sections Cited
- Article 13, Transit Oriented Development Zoning Districts
- Section 13.1.B, TOD-CC Transit Community Center Zoning District Purpose
- Section 13.3, Dimensional and Design Standards
- Table 13-1, Transit Oriented Development Zoning Districts Building Siting Standards
- Section 3.5.D, Hierarchy of Frontage Types
- Section 3.6.A, Alternative Standards for Lots with Three or More Frontages