Transit-Oriented Development Policy and Guidelines

DART TOD Policy

Revised March 24, 2020, Original October 24, 1989

DART is the steward of a significant public investment which includes important real property assets. These real property assets can also be used to leverage the viability of the transit system and to add to its value to the community. Continuing expansion and maturation of the transit system along with federal, regional and local initiatives that direct and concentrate transit oriented development and urban infill around transit facilities enhance the value of these assets. DART seeks to work in close partnership with its member cities to identify and implement TOD opportunities. By promoting high quality Transit Oriented Development on and near DART owned properties, the transit system can attract riders and generate new opportunities to create revenue for DART, and environmentally sustainable livable communities that are focused on transit accessibility.

View the DART TOD Policy (92KB PDF file)

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DART TOD Guidelines

Through its years of creating and managing successful light rail systems in its 13 member cities, DART has learned valuable lessons about what is needed for successful transit-oriented development. This document, the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Guidelines, is the culmination of those lessons learned over the years. The Guidelines were designed as an informational handbook to assist the general public and the development community in understanding DART's approach to TOD and transit facility design. It is intended to help developers succeed in their TOD projects, so please take advantage of the information included here.

View a printer-friendly PDF of this map

DART aims to help create communities where residents can live, work, and play without relying on an automobile. As part of that goal, DART encourages the creation of transit facilities that are accessible to transit customers and provide community development potential to the area.

Opened in 1996, the DART light rail system now encompasses 45 miles of transit and 35 light rail transit (LRT) stations. Several TOD projects have been constructed locally and continue to increase in property value over time. Local TODs are successful in achieving the following:

• Embodying the principles of good transit-oriented design
• Complementing the station area and the surrounding neighborhood
• Enriching the transit experience for DART riders and the pedestrian experience of those who visit or live in the area
• Adding to the municipal tax base

As development interest in TOD increases over time, existing rail corridors and future rail expansion offer exciting new opportunities for a variety of TOD projects.

This handbook is a general guide to help the public envision the development opportunities within DART station areas. Those interested in developing on or adjacent to DART-owned properties are encouraged to speak with DART and the planning departments of service area cities in more detail about the opportunities, processes, and procedures specific to their project. General development information is available via DART Economic Development and Planning at www.dart.org/economicdevelopment or by calling 214-749-2881.

View the DART TOD Guidelines Handbook (3.0MB PDF file)