Zoning File 19-25 Collins/Arapaho Form Based Code Zoning Approved on December 9, 2019 The Collins/Arapaho TOD & Innovation District Form Based Code was approved by the City Council on December 9, 2019, following public hearings by the City Plan Commission and City Council: City Plan Commission – Recommended approval on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Zoning Notice (PDF) Agenda Packet (PDF) Business Meeting Video City Council – Approved on Monday, December 9, 2019 Agenda Packet, including current draft code (PDF) Work Session Video Business Meeting Video Adopted Ordinance and Form Based Code

 

The Collins/Arapaho Transit-Oriented Development and Innovation District Study is a City-initiated visioning effort for an approximate 1,200-acre area, generally bounded by Central Expressway (US 75), Campbell Road, Plano Road, and Apollo Road.

 
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This area is the heart of the Telecom Corridor® and has been a job center and hub of technology and innovation in the region, and continues to be home to both local and international businesses. The Arapaho Center DART Station is located within this District and serves as a major opportunity site for new transit-oriented development. 

Zoning Entitlements

Building on the Vision Study accepted by City Council in December 2018 (Phase 1) and the Richardson 2009 Comprehensive Plan recommendations, the second phase of the Collins/Arapaho Transit-Oriented Development and Innovation District will include amending zoning entitlements for properties within the 1,200-acre area. By enabling more flexibility for industrial properties to be reused, the City can help property owners maximize the development potential and building footprint of each site while encouraging new uses and amenities.

The zoning entitlement process will also include the creation of new comprehensive development regulations of key opportunity sites identified in the Vision Study, such as the Arapaho Center DART Station, to anchor the District and bring new diverse activities. This process will take approximately 12 months to complete, beginning in January 2019, and will include opportunities for community input.

Staff is also developing a work plan for implementing the remaining goals and strategies consistent with the Vision Study and will continue working with the City’s institutional partners to advance the District’s vision.

Placemaking Activities and Demonstrations

A key strategy of the Vision Study was to encourage vibrancy through placemaking activities in the District. Vitality and sense of place are key selling points of innovation districts, and the City of Richardson has taken the lead to test placemaking and site activation activities. These flexible and short-term projects advance the District’s long-term goals related to street safety, mobility, public space, and underutilized parking lots. The projects are also intended to encourage private property owners to implement temporary or permanent programming like food trucks and pop-up parks.