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Transit Oriented Communities Guidelines

Overview

SEPTA’s Transit Oriented Communities Guidelines lay out TOC Program goals and strategies, station and corridor typologies and the program’s implementation framework.

The Guidelines respond to existing interest for SEPTA to participate in TOC planning, policy and zoning work, review proposed developments and consider development of our properties. The Guidelines also reinforce major SEPTA capital investments by encouraging partnerships that further transit-supportive land use and development.

Goals

SEPTA’s TOC Guidelines set out three goals. The goals are supported by strategies that encourage compatible new development, adaptive reuse and capital improvements.

People-first communities are the heart of neighborhoods; places where people gather, visit and celebrate together. Public spaces, seating, wide sidewalks and a variety of destinations create activity. By bringing more people together, communities are strengthened, main streets are reinvigorated and community services are easier to reach.

  • Strategy 1.1 Urban Design
  • Strategy 1.2 Ground Floor Activation
  • Strategy 1.3 Historic Preservation
  • Strategy 1.4 Public Space & Art

People of all ages and abilities feel comfortable walking and rolling with safe and accessible routes to transit. Transit, walking and micromobility trips are increased through street design and reduced parking requirements. Increasing non-motorized trips provides health benefits and increases sustainability.

  • Strategy 2.1 Complete Streets
  • Strategy 2.2 Vehicle Access
  • Strategy 2.3 Parking
  • Strategy 2.4 Station Design

Transit creates value that is tapped by residents, employees, business owners and local governments.  This value derives not only from the added worth transit gives land, but from the highly efficient way transit connects people. Living and working near transit is desirable. While SEPTA leverages its assets, we are also committed to equitable development that reduces household costs.

  • Strategy 3.1 Land Use
  • Strategy 3.2 New Building Scale
  • Strategy 3.3 Development Parking
  • Strategy 3.4 Housing Mix
  • Strategy 3.5 Housing Affordability

Typologies

TOCs are not one size fits all. SEPTA’s Transit Oriented Communities Guidelines include station and corridor typologies that visualize the differences across communities and recognize that new development should be compatible with existing neighborhood fabric. TOC development intensity changes based upon the frequency of transit services, community walkability and quality of micromobility connections.

Transit Oriented Communities Guidelines Urban Center Typology
Transit Oriented Communities Guidelines Urban Neighborhood Typology
Transit Oriented Communities Guidelines Town Center Typology
Transit Oriented Communities Guidelines Town Neighborhood Typology
Transit Oriented Communities Guidelines Suburban Center Typology
Transit Oriented Communities Guidelines Suburban Neighborhood Typology
Transit Oriented Communities Guidelines Frequent Corridor Typology
Transit Oriented Communities Guidelines Frequent Node Typology

Implementation Approach

SEPTA is committed to transparent, equitable and community-driven implementation of its Transit Oriented Communities program. The Guidelines provide an implementation umbrella enables SEPTA to be a strong sponsor, stakeholder and advocate for TOC plans, policies and development in the region.

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Partner & Sponsor

TOC projects on agency-owned land
SEPTA Role: Development Partner; Landowner
Focus Area: SEPTA-Owned Land
SEPTA Actions: Create station area concepts and similar plans for SEPTA properties. Evaluate and award joint development opportunities.

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Coordinate & Facilitate

TOC projects on non-SEPTA owned land
SEPTA Role: Stakeholder
Focus Area: SEPTA TOC Areas – Stations & Corridors
SEPTA Actions: Offer development review services. Monitor development proposals. Coordinate capital improvements.

Plan & Advocate

for TOC at the regional & local levels
SEPTA Role: Advocate
Focus Area: Southeastern PA
SEPTA Actions: Advocate for Federal and State legislation and funding that advance TOC. Participate or lead TOC station area and corridor planning studies. Provide technical assistance.

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