A TND has specific characteristics that contribute to a compact, mixed use, pedestrian-oriented development pattern. The following general principles and provisions shall be considered in the design and development of new residential and non-residential developments that follow the traditional neighborhood model.
(A) Neighborhood Size
TND neighborhoods should be limited in size to encourage pedestrian activity. Optimal size is generally measured in terms of the distance from the center to the edge of a neighborhood, which will result in a walk of five (5) to ten (10) minutes to meet most daily needs {an approximate distance between one-quarter (1/4) and one-half (1/2) mile}.
(B) Interconnected Street Pattern
(1) Streets in traditional neighborhood developments should be designed to accommodate the needs of all modes of transportation and to have a strong pedestrian orientation. Traditional neighborhoods usually consist of an interconnected street pattern with short blocks, which provides multiple routes and short walking distances. To contribute to a more dynamic street environment, streets in TNDs should be narrower than those in conventional developments, with sidewalks at the curb, on-street parallel parking, and, where appropriate, rear lanes for access.
(2) The design of thoroughfares and collectors shall be consistent with the Cary Comprehensive Transportation Plan.
(C) Mix of Land Uses and Diversity of Housing Types
TNDs should be structured to provide a balanced mix of uses, including residential, retail, employment, civic, and recreational uses, all within the same development. The integration of uses allows residents to meet more of their daily needs through shorter trips. In addition, provision of a variety of housing types shall be encouraged to allow a greater diversity of residents within the neighborhood.
(D) Mixed Use Center
TNDs are generally organized around a core, where shopping, offices, and public facilities are located.
(E) Civic Buildings and Uses
Public buildings and uses, including government offices, museums, schools, and libraries, serve as focal points and landmarks for the community within TNDs and should be located on prominent sites.
Civic Buildings and Uses
(F) Public Spaces
The design of TNDs should give priority to open space, which should be located throughout the development to compensate for the smaller lot sizes normally associated with traditional neighborhood models. Open space should be designed in a hierarchy of formal and informal spaces and used to enhance community activity, identity, and civic pride. The Village Center should include one (1) or more public spaces (e.g., plazas or village greens) as focal points.
Location of Buildings and Relationship between Buildings
(G) Location of Buildings and Relationship Between Buildings
In TNDs, private buildings should be used to define the street edge and the distinction between the public domain of the street and the private space of individual lots. To this end, buildings should have a fairly consistent, narrow setback alignment along the street frontage, but in all cases, building separation distances shall meet the minimum requirements of the NC State Building Code.
Relationship between Building Types
(H) Relationship Between Building Types
Buildings in TNDs should be built on a human scale and designed with a common, harmonious architectural vocabulary and landscaping to lend an intimate and personal feel to the streetscape. The intent should not be to create a uniform appearance, but rather a distinct sense of place.