Transit Oriented Development

The City of North Richland Hills has worked with Gateway Planning Group to develop a Transit Oriented Mixed Use Development Code to govern future development around the future Iron Horse and Smithfield rail station sites. Key aspects of code will include defining unique character districts, establishing building and streetscape guidelines, civic and open spaces and parking. Property owners in both the Iron Horse and Smithfield development areas were invited to participate in the creation of the Transit Oriented Mixed Use Development Code. The North Richland Hills Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council were also involved in this process.

All property owners identified in the core development areas within 1/2 mile of future stations were sent notices to seek stakeholder input at meetings on September 29, 2008 and September 30, 2008. Design workshops were also held on October 14, 2008 and October 15, 2008 to seek further input and direction from residents, businesses and property owners. Approximately 239 notices were mailed out for the Iron Horse stakeholder meetings and 36 individuals participated in one or both of the workshops. 212 notices were mailed to property owners in the Smithfield area and 65 individuals were present at workshop meetings.

The Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council held joint workshops on November 20, 2008, February 5, 2009 and April 2, 2009 regarding the Transit Oriented Mixed Use Development Code for the Iron Horse and Smithfield areas.

Public hearings were conducted and the May 21, 2009 Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting and the June 8, 2009 City Council Meeting. The North Richland Hills City Council adopted the new Transit Oriented Development Code for Iron Horse and Smithfield at the June 8, 2009 meeting. By adopting this code, the City may be eligible for regional funding for public improvements to spur development in these areas.

Following an open house and public hearings on August 6, 2009 and August 24, 2009 the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council approved the rezoning of properties in the Smithfield District.  The City is still working with landowners in the Iron Horse area and plans to conduct public hearings on the rezoning of that district in the coming months.



Documents
Transit Oriented Development Code
Iron Horse Regulating Plan Map
Iron Horse Concept Plan
Smithfield Regulating Plan Map
Smithfield Concept Plan


Character Zones
Arterial Mixed Use
High Intensity Mixed Use
Historic Core
Iron Horse General Mixed Use
Smithfield General Mixed Use
TOD Core
TOD Residential

Questions about the Transit Oriented Mixed Use Development Code may be directed to the North Richland Hills Planning and Development Department at 817-427-6300.