Charlotte TOD-TR: Transit Transition Zoning District Use Guide
The TOD-TR Transit Transition Zoning District in the City of Charlotte provides a development bridge between high-intensity transit stations and lower-density residential neighborhoods. While it allows for a diverse range of by-right commercial and residential activities, the City of Charlotte regulates several uses through prescribed conditions (PC) to ensure compatibility with transit goals. Standard building heights in the TOD-TR district are capped at 50 feet, though this may increase to 75 feet through the use of development bonuses [Section 13.1.A, Table 13-2].
Purpose of the TOD-TR Designation
The City of Charlotte established the TOD-TR Transit Transition Zoning District for areas near moderate-intensity rapid transit stations and streetcar stops. Its primary intent is to facilitate the transition from higher-intensity transit-oriented development to existing neighborhoods and to encourage the adaptive reuse of existing building stock to preserve community character [Section 13.1.A].
Allowed Residential Uses
In the City of Charlotte, the TOD-TR district permits a variety of housing types. Uses marked as "PC" must comply with the specific prescribed conditions found in Article 15 of the Ordinance.
| Residential Use Type | Status in TOD-TR |
|---|---|
| Multi-Family Stacked Dwelling | Permitted (X) |
| Residential Care Facility | Permitted (X) |
| Continuum Care Retirement Community (CCRC) | Permitted (X) |
| Dormitory | Permitted (X) |
| Dwelling – Live/Work | Permitted (X) |
| Dwelling – Duplex | Prescribed Conditions (PC) |
| Dwelling – Multi-Family Attached | Prescribed Conditions (PC) |
| Dwelling – Quadraplex | Prescribed Conditions (PC) |
| Dwelling – Triplex | Prescribed Conditions (PC) |
| Group Home | Prescribed Conditions (PC) |
| Multi-Dwelling Development | Prescribed Conditions (PC) |
| Single Room Occupancy (SRO) | Prescribed Conditions (PC) |
[Section 15.2, Table 15-1]
Allowed Commercial and Industrial Uses
The City of Charlotte allows for significant commercial activity within the TOD-TR district to support transit ridership and local economic mobility.
| Commercial/Industrial Use Type | Status in TOD-TR |
|---|---|
| Art Gallery | Permitted (X) |
| Arts or Fitness Studio | Permitted (X) |
| Office / Medical / Dental Office | Permitted (X) |
| Retail Goods Establishment / Showroom | Permitted (X) |
| Financial Institution | Permitted (X) |
| Hotel/Motel | Permitted (X) |
| Research and Development (R&D) | Permitted (X) |
| Restaurant/Bar | Prescribed Conditions (PC) |
| Nightclub | Prescribed Conditions (PC) |
| Micro-Production of Alcohol | Prescribed Conditions (PC) |
| Live Performance Venue (Indoor) | Prescribed Conditions (PC) |
| Industrial, Craft | Prescribed Conditions (PC) |
| Movie Studio | Prescribed Conditions (PC) |
| Stadium | Conditional (C) |
[Section 15.2, Table 15-1]
Allowed Institutional, Governmental, and Infrastructure Uses
The following public and community uses are permitted by the City of Charlotte in the TOD-TR district to ensure necessary services are accessible via transit.
| Use Type | Status in TOD-TR |
|---|---|
| Community Center | Permitted (X) |
| Cultural Facility | Permitted (X) |
| Educational Facility (Primary, Secondary, University, Vocational) | Permitted (X) |
| Place of Worship | Permitted (X) |
| Public Safety Facility | Permitted (X) |
| Childcare Center (including Large) | Prescribed Conditions (PC) |
| Adult Care Center | Prescribed Conditions (PC) |
| Public Transit Facility | Permitted (X) |
| Wireless Telecommunications | Prescribed Conditions (PC) |
[Section 15.2, Table 15-1]
Prohibited Uses
In the City of Charlotte, any use not explicitly listed as permitted (X), conditional (C), or subject to prescribed conditions (PC) in the Use Matrix is prohibited within the TOD-TR district. Major prohibited uses include:
- Heavy Industrial: General and light industrial uses, warehouses, truck terminals, and waste management facilities [Table 15-1].
- Auto-Oriented Commercial: Car washes, vehicle fueling stations, outdoor vehicle dealerships, and major vehicle repair facilities [Table 15-1].
- Low-Density Agriculture: Boarding stables, campgrounds, and commercial greenhouses [Table 15-1].
- Outdoor Entertainment: Raceway/dragstrips, outdoor amusement facilities, and drive-in establishments [Table 15-1].
- Large Scale Storage: Outdoor storage yards and both indoor and outdoor self-storage facilities [Table 15-1].
Technical Development Standards
Development in the City of Charlotte TOD-TR district must adhere to specific siting and height requirements.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Building Height | 50 feet |
| Maximum Height with Bonus | 75 feet |
| Frontage Setback (Main Street) | 24 feet from future back of curb |
| Frontage Setback (Secondary Street) | 16 feet from future back of curb |
| Minimum Side/Rear Setback | 0 feet (unless abutting N1 Place Type) |
| Minimum Build-To Percentage (Main Street) | 80% |
[Table 13-1, Table 13-2]
Sections Cited
- Article 13: Transit Oriented Development Zoning Districts
- Section 13.1: Purpose and Applicability
- Section 13.3: Dimensional and Design Standards
- Article 15: Use Regulations
- Section 15.2: Global Use Matrix
- Section 15.4: Principal Uses: Prescribed Conditions