BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS LEON COUNTY, FLORIDA

Multimodal Transportation District
In 2007, the Planning Department began the process of developing the Multimodal Transportation
District (MMTD). The MMTD is an 18-square mile area (Attachment #3) that encompasses the
downtown and surrounding areas of Tallahassee. It is intended to help create a more compact,
pedestrian-oriented mixture of neighborhoods and commercial center, allowing independence to those
who do not drive; an interconnected network of roadways designed to disperse traffic and reduce the
length of automobile trips; and neighborhoods with a range of housing types to accommodate diverse
ages and incomes.
The MMTD, also known as the Mobility District, was adopted in 2009, and its implementing
development code was adopted in 2011. Compatibility is one of the main goals in creating a successful
mix of land uses, and it incorporates many features found in the development standards that are part of
NBO.
As stated in Section 10-266 of the City’s Land Development Code addressing the NBO zoning district,
the development standards for properties located within the MMTD are established within Division 4
(MMTD Development Standards) of this Code. The subject properties are located within the MMTD.
The NBO zoning district intent and permitted uses established under Section 10-266 are not affected by
the MMTD Code. However, there are several differences between development standards under the
former NBO code and those under that part of the MMTD code that now addresses properties zoned
NBO. Commonalities and differences between the two development standards are briefly summarized in
the following points:
1. Building setbacks are mostly similar.
2. Buffers are required in NBO for townhomes (single-family attached) and minor office uses
developed adjacent to existing single-family (detached). An additional, narrower option is
available in the MMTD, but buffers are only required for non-residential uses only.
3. The maximum height under MMTD for principal buildings is three stories, whereas under NBO
it was two stories. However, RP also allow 35 feet high (3-story) structures, which is why the
MMTD code allows 3.
4. The maximum building size for non-residential structures is mostly similar.
5. Building orientation requirements are mostly similar.
6. Lighting standards are similar, but there are additional requirements under MMTD.
7. Street access and interconnections are mostly similar.
8. Fencing and/or screening are mostly similar.
9. Compatibility requirements under NBO were intended to provide a unified sense of place, a
pedestrian scale, and design that reflects the general character and scale of typical residential
structures in adjacent neighborhoods. MMTD compatibility requirements for structures adjacent
to low-density neighborhoods address building height, including requiring setbacks.
10. Signage requirements are mostly similar. However, there are several additional restrictions under
NBO.
11. There are several noise, business hours, and solid waste limitation and other requirements in
NBO that are not present under MMTD.
A comparison of development standards in Section 10-266 and Division 4 is attached to this report.
Page 329 of 622 Posted at 5:00 p.m. on April 1, 2013