Trails, Parks and Open Space
Trail-oriented development
Introduction
The Trail-Oriented Development place type builds on the growing network of trails and pathways throughout San Antonio and the region. Key features include well-connected, multi-use pathways and trails (often along drainage ways or other water features); multiple trail crossings that include both dedicated pedestrian and bike bridges, as well as vehicular bridges with sidewalks; and strong pedestrian and bicycle connectivity with surrounding neighborhoods. The predominant land uses can vary significantly, ranging from single-family residential to medium scaled mixed-use development. Higher-intensity development should be limited to select nodes along the trail and development should generally provide a substantial buffer between structures and the trail. Existing and potential locations for the trail-oriented place type include the Riverwalk, San Antonio Greenway Trails, Alazán and Apache Creeks, the Mission Reach and Leon Creek.
Major Determinant
Multi-use pathway or trail corridor.
Relation to VIA Supportive Development Typologies
One of three typologies corresponding to VIA’s Urban Center typology.
Predominant Land Uses
Varied, but may include some combination of attached and detached single-family residential, small-scale commercial, low to medium-intensity multifamily and mixed-use development.
Performance Standards
Height: 1 to 4-story development or 20 to 70 feet
Massing and Density: 5 to 20 housing units per acre and 0.25:1 to 2:1 Floor Area Ratio (FAR)
Street Level Activation: Transparency along primary street of 50%; transparency along side street of 20%
Connectivity: Maximum block perimeter of 1,200 feet; minimum 90 intersections per square mile
Public Space: Plazas and park spaces totaling 20 acres per 1,000 residents
Parking: On-street and off-street parking
Potential Locations
The Trail-Oriented Development place type is appropriate along existing or future trails, greenways, streams and other flowlines. The map above illustrates priority locations and all areas within ¼-mile of existing and planned trails, greenways, streams and flowlines.