Objective: To create and implement a Trail-Oriented Development (TrOD) ordinance in Houston, promoting sustainable and active urban living by designating specific corridors along popular trails for higher-density, mixed-use developments with reduced or eliminated parking requirements.

Rationale: Houston’s existing Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) ordinances successfully encourage urban growth around transit corridors by reducing parking requirements and promoting mixed-use developments. Extending similar principles to trail corridors can leverage the city’s extensive and growing network of trails, fostering communities that prioritize walkability, bikeability, and sustainable living. This initiative aligns with Houston’s broader goals of enhancing urban mobility, reducing carbon footprints, and creating vibrant, accessible neighborhoods.

Growth along Harrisburg (green line)

Key Features of the TrOD Ordinance:

1. Designation of Trail-Oriented Corridors: Identify and designate specific trails, such as the Heights Hike and Bike Trail and the Columbia Tap, as TrOD zones.
2. Development Incentives: Offer incentives for higher-density, mixed-use developments along these corridors, similar to those provided in TOD zones.
3. Reduced Parking Requirements: Implement reduced or eliminated parking requirements to encourage the use of active transportation modes.
4. Enhanced Walkability and Bikeability: Require developments to include amenities that support pedestrian and bicycle traffic, such as bike racks, wider sidewalks, and pedestrian-friendly streetscapes.
5. Mixed-Use Zoning: Promote a mix of residential, commercial, and retail spaces to create vibrant, self-sufficient communities along the trails.
6. Safety and Infrastructure Improvements: Allocate funds from the City of Houston’s general fund to improve intersection safety along designated trail corridors, including creating underpasses, overpasses, four-way stops, raised crosswalks, and speed bumps at intersecting areas.
7. Trail Management Entity: Establish a dedicated management entity within the city to oversee the installation and maintenance of pedestrian amenities along hike and bike trails, such as lighting, wayfinding, splash pads, and other enhancements.

Proposed Additions to Houston’s Code of Ordinances:

1. Chapter 42 – Subdivisions, Developments, and Platting:
   • Section 42-3: Add definitions for “Trail-Oriented Development (TrOD)” and “Trail-Oriented Corridor.”
   • Section 42-56: Amend to include provisions for TrOD, specifying the criteria for designating trail-oriented corridors and the types of developments permitted.
2. Chapter 26 – Parking:
   • Section 26-472: Include reduced parking requirements for developments within designated trail-oriented corridors, similar to those in TOD zones.
   • Section 26-498: Introduce requirements for bicycle parking and pedestrian amenities in TrOD zones.
3. Chapter 33 – Planning and Development:
   • Section 33-203: Expand to incorporate guidelines for TrOD, focusing on urban design standards that enhance walkability and bikeability along designated trails.
4. Chapter 21 – General Fund Allocations:
   • Section 21-110: Allocate funds from the City of Houston’s general fund for intersection safety improvements along designated trail corridors. This includes the creation of underpasses, overpasses, four-way stops, raised crosswalks, and speed bumps.

Implementation Strategy:

1. Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with community members, developers, and urban planners to gather input and build support for the TrOD initiative.
2. Pilot Projects: Identify potential pilot sites along key trails to demonstrate the benefits of TrOD and refine the ordinance based on real-world outcomes.
3. Incentive Programs: Develop and promote incentive programs for developers, such as tax abatements or density bonuses, to encourage TrOD projects.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish metrics to assess the impact of TrOD on urban mobility, environmental sustainability, and community vibrancy, and adjust policies as needed.

By implementing the TrOD ordinance, Houston can create vibrant, sustainable communities that capitalize on the city’s extensive trail network, fostering healthier and more active lifestyles for residents while reducing reliance on cars.