The Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Zoning Study aims to improve zoning regulations and governmental policies in order to attract more transit-oriented development to key corridors in Cuyahoga County.

The State of TOD

cover image of the interactive overviewThe State of TOD in Cuyahoga County is the first in a series of TOD reports, and it covers current conditions along major transit corridors.

Supplemental documents:

According to the Federal Transit Administration, transit-oriented development, or TOD, includes a mix of commercial, residential, office, and entertainment centered around or located near a transit station. Dense, walkable, mixed-use development near transit attracts people and adds to vibrant, connected communities.

Examples of the benefits of transit-oriented development are shown below.

diagram illustrating the public health, sustainability, and economic development benefits of transit-oriented development

County Planning and GCRTA have partnered on the TOD Zoning Study—in collaboration with the Cities of Cleveland, Shaker Heights, and Fairview Park; as well as other local communities, agencies, and entities—to encourage and support those seeking to build transit-oriented developments along major transit corridors.

The TOD Zoning Study

The TOD Zoning Study is a four-part initiative that aims to understand and offer improvements to local zoning and land use strategies in a way that supports additional transit-oriented development. The four initial phases of the TOD Zoning Study are outlined below.

  1. State of TOD in Cuyahoga County
    Define and describe the importance of TOD; identify and quantify TOD corridors and local TOD examples
  2. Analysis of TOD Zoning
    Analyze whether existing zoning along transit lines allows TOD and identify target areas for future investment
  3. Model TOD Zoning
    Develop model zoning for TOD that can be adopted by individual municipalities
  4. TOD Financing Strategies
    Identify TOD financing mechanisms and incentives used in other communities
As part of the State of TOD analysis, 22 transit lines were selected as they have frequent service and the existing density or transit-dependent population that need frequent service. Additionally, 26 communities are located within the defined TOD walksheds, in grey.

Development Trends on TOD Corridors

The Development Trends on TOD Corridors document details recent TOD projects in Cuyahoga County, the value these projects add to our communities, and the location of TOD investments.

infographic of the key takeaways in the development trends document

TOD Conversations Series

The Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Conversations Series presents local and regional TOD experts discussing TOD, providing lessons learned, and answering questions as part of an ongoing dialogue. Below are brief descriptions of the recorded virtual sessions:

Our Role

Many local organizations and communities have already worked on TOD policy or on attracting transit-oriented development to key sites in Cuyahoga County. This effort builds upon existing knowledge and previous work by entities including GCRTA, NOACA, the City of Cleveland, and other individual communities to expand TOD throughout the County while providing a robust understanding of TOD land use and zoning policies across multiple communities.

Contact Us

Questions or comments about the TOD Zoning Study should be directed to:

Mr. Patrick Hewitt, AICP
Planning Manager, Strategy & Development
phewitt@cuyahogacounty.us