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Celebrating the 90th Anniversary (1936-2026) of the Sacramento County Zoning Code! 🎂

Learn more about amendments in progress, including updates to streamline housing production, by visiting our Major Projects Page.

The 2023 Zoning Code Update, the most extensive update to the Zoning Code since 2015, is effective September 10th. Read our article on this update.

Transit-Oriented Development Guidelines

County of Sacramento General Plan
Transit-Oriented Development Guidelines

Section titled “County of Sacramento General Plan Transit-Oriented Development Guidelines”

Adopted September 1990

Transit-Oriented Developments are mixed-use neighborhoods, between 20 and 160 acres in size, which are developed around a transit stop and core commercial area. The entire TOD site must be within an average one-fourth mile walking distance of a transit stop. Secondary Areas of lower density housing, schools, parks, and commercial and employment uses surround TODs for up to one mile biking distance. TODs must either be located on a segment of the Trunk Line Network (either a light rail or express bus line) or on a segment of the Feeder Bus Line Network within 10 minutes transit travel time from the Trunk Line Network. The design, configuration, and mix of uses in a TOD provides an alternative to traditional suburban development by emphasizing a pedestrian-oriented environment and reinforcing the use of public transportation. TODs mix residential, retail, office, open space, and public uses within comfortable walking distance, providing options for residents and employees to travel by transit, bicycle, or foot, as well as by car. The residential densities and building intensities specified by these guidelines are designed to allow a service-oriented transit system that runs at frequent headways to important destinations in the region.

Download the Transit-Oriented Development Guidelines. This is an archived PDF file.