State TOD Designation Program

Maryland’s TOD Designation Program provides state recognition of intentional efforts by a local jurisdiction to advance Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) at eligible sites. TOD Designation unlocks opportunities for State support, including MDOT’s TOD Capital Grant and Revolving Loan Fund.

TOD Definition

Transit-oriented development is defined in the Maryland Transportation Article as a mix of private or public parking facilities, commercial and residential structures, and uses, improvements, and facilities customarily appurtenant to such facilities and uses, that:

Is part of a deliberate development plan or strategy involving:

Property that is adjacent to the passenger boarding and alighting location of a planned or existing transit station;
Property, any part of which is located within one–half mile of the passenger boarding and alighting location of a planned or existing transit station; or
Property that is adjacent to a planned or existing transit corridor;

Is planned to maximize the use of transit, walking, and bicycling by residents and employees; and
Is designated as a transit–oriented development by:

The Smart Growth Subcabinet established under § 9–1406 of the State Government Article; and
The local government or multicounty agency with land use and planning responsibility for the relevant area applying for designation

The Process of Designation

As of July 31, 2023, State TOD Designations are awarded by the Smart Growth Subcabinet. As shown in the process chart below, applicants begin the application process with MDOT, who ultimately presents a recommendation to the Smart Growth Subcabinet for their consideration. Applicants will be asked to demonstrate that they have a deliberate plan for the TOD, addressing eight categories (pictured below).

Local jurisdictions seeking State TOD Designation for a site can apply via the TOD Designation Application Form. If your jurisdiction has questions or seeks assistance with any part of this process, please contact TOD Coordinator Alex Walinskas at awalinskas@mdot.maryland.gov or 410.865.1304.

Local Jurisdiction

Develops a deliberate Plan or Strategies

Local legislative body adopts a resolution

Submits Application to MDOT

MDOT

Circulates plan to modes

Circulates plan to SGSC Members

Coordinates any issues with local jurisdiction

Develops recommendation to SGSC (approval, approval w/ conditions)

SGSC

Deliberates on proposed plan or strategies

Considers MDOT recommendation

Issues a resolution approving/denying Designation. Can include suggested courses of action

TOD Designation Plan

Land Use

Land use plan for mix of uses targeting meaningful densities

Bike, Pedestrian, Complete Streets

Pedestrian, bicycle and personal mobility connectivity strategies for a 1/2 mile around the station

Housing

Goals for housing production, density and affordability

Action Plan

Action plan providing timeline, community engagement strategy, enabling projects, zoning, potential funding sources and commitments

Parking

Rationalized parking strategy for the intended development

Transportation Network

Strategy for connectivity to transit

Cohesion

Consistency with local and regional land use and comprehensive plans

Green Infrastructure

Strategies for incorporating green infrastructure and other environmental strategies

Economic Development

Planning and development to spur economic investment and opportunity

Benefits of Designation

State TOD Designation comes with several benefits, including:

Eligibility to apply for MDOT's TOD Capital Grant and Revolving Loan Fund.
Projects located in State TODs receive additional points in competitive application rounds for the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's (DHCD) Low Income Housing Tax Credit program.
DGS and MDOT give additional points to sites located within State-designated TODs when evaluating requests for proposals to lease or purchase office or laboratory space.
Priority advocacy with MDOT and associate modes in supporting development.

Application Resources

TOD Planning and Application Resources

There are a number of State agency resources to support successful TOD planning:

The Maryland Transit Station Area Profile Toolis an interactive map that compiles key socio-economic, demographic, land-use and transit-access information for all of Maryland’s current and planned fixed rail stations.
The Maryland TOD Models and Guidelines Resources.(Both developed and supported by MDP).
MDOT Office of Active Transportation and Micromobility (OATM) can help apply the Complete Streets policy and review bicycle and pedestrian plans for your TOD strategy. Applicants are encouraged to explore existing plans and programs. and email completestreets@mdot.maryland.gov with specific questions about multimodal connectivity.
MDOT’s Bicycle Accessibility Mapping Application illustrates how readily available community amenities are located to a census block by way of the low-stress bicycle network.
MDOT MTA’s Designing for Transit: TOD Design Guidelines provides design Guidelines to illustrate transit access considerations for diverse station types.
MDOT State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA), has a Context Driven Access and Mobility for All Users Guide to provide guidance on roadway enhancements appropriate to station areas.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) provides planning and design studies for many Metro Station areas.
Maryland EV has information on incentives for communities and local governments looking to install EV charging iMaryland EV nfrastructure.
Infrastructure Financing Options for Transit-Oriented Development offers guidance and case studies on tools to fund TOD infrastructure.