Two-minute impact
The ordinance also adopted a series of amendments to Chapter 35 of the Unified Development Code, or UDC, and Chapter 28 of the City Code. These include creating three categories of TOD zoning districts that create levels of density; updated standards that protect residential neighborhoods from incompatible development, such as height restrictions abutting single-family homes and setbacks near single-family homes; outdoor pedestrian space requirements; and a 50% reduction of minimum parking requirements.
Types of TOD zoning districts:
- A mixed-use district with a mix of residential and nonresidential spaces
- A hybrid-industrial district that will serve as a transitioning area between mixed-use districts
- A residential only district
Process for eligibility:
- VIA board designates corridors as an ART corridor through board action
- A stakeholder participation process is required to develop a map that sets the boundaries for TOD zoning applications
- The UDC is updated to reflect the new corridor and the maps are adopted by ordinance
The motion for stricter parking requirements failed in a 3-7 vote, with District 9 council member John Courage in absentia. The motion to allow alcohol sales by right for restaurants and bars within the mixed-use district passed 8-2, with Mayor Ron Nirenberg and District 8 council member Manny Pelaez voting against it.
The main motion to amend the UDC codes for the transit-oriented development policy passed unanimously with Courage in absentia.
Quotes of note
“Our residents’ day-to-day lives must always be taken into account first,” said Marc Whyte, District 10 council member. “If done correctly, TOD plans can create vibrant, mixed-use communities. They promote live, work, and play environments, and the opportunity for economic growth is substantial when done properly. But no matter what—our residents’ quality of life must not be compromised.”
“The vision for TOD, which we passed today, was to create opportunities for the teacher, who is a single parent, to have access to reliable transportation for their family to get to work, school, the grocery store, the movie theater, all within the area they live,” said Sukh Kaur, District 1 council member. “As a council, we approved the framework of a future where having the convenience and amenities of The Pearl doesn’t have to come at the cost of being able to afford The Pearl.”
The background
According to city documents, the ART system is centered around two main transit corridors—the Rapid Green Line and the Rapid Silver Line—and will be designed to provide fast, efficient transportation across longer distances in San Antonio.
ART corridors:
- Rapid Green Line: The north-south corridor will link the San Antonio International Airport to the Brooks Area and downtown San Antonio along San Pedro Avenue
- Rapid Silver Line: The east-west corridor will link the West Side near Our Lady of the Lake University to the Frost Bank Center on the east side of the city
The ART System is designed to:
- Operate primarily in dedicated lanes
- Utilize bus-priority signals
- Provide reliable service every 10-15 minutes
- Real-time updates
- Expanded access to key destinations
