Nationwide, freight shipments are projected to grow significantly in both volume and diversity of goods transported. Meanwhile, cities and towns grow and development near railways is anticipated to intensify. These trends have increased awareness of the risk of accidents and train derailments. Neither ignoring those risks nor prohibiting development serves public interests. Most land use policies and regulations fail to adequately address development next to freight-rail corridors.
This presentation:
Reviews existing U.S and Canadian guidance, land use policies, and zoning for rail-adjacent development;
Introduces innovative, risk-based planning that addresses safety and noise impacts while prioritizing the protection of occupants and buildings in planning decisions;
Showcases the City of Calgary, Alberta's, pioneering, context-specific rail policy - including comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance amendments - as a model for other jurisdictions;
Highlights how a consistent, citywide approach can streamline the approval process , remove duplication of efforts, and increase transparency and predictability for future development;
Touches on related considerations such as vibration, chemical hazards, and emergency-response planning; and
Offers practical recommendations for other jurisdictions.
Implement context-sensitive land use policies and regulations to reduce safety risks and noise impacts from freight rail operations on buildings near rail corridors.
Apply evidence-based planning strategies to balance safety, quality of life, and development that support growth objectives.
Develop a citywide, consistent approach to streamline the development approval process and increase certainty for local officials, the development industry, landowners, and other stakeholders.
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