2617 Museum Way, Fort Worth, TX 76107

High Intensity Mixed-Use District

It is the purpose and intent of the High Intensity Mixed-Use (MU-2) District to provide areas in which a variety of higher density housing types exist among commercial, institutional, and selected light industrial uses. The MU-2 District is designed to accommodate and encourage compact, walkable development forms that are more land-efficient, cost-effective, and revenue positive for the City than low density, single-use developments. In addition to the purpose statements above, the intent of the MU-2 District is to: Promote a pedestrian-oriented urban form. In contrast to conventional zoning standards that place a primary emphasis on the regulation of land uses, mixed-use development standards and guidelines focus on promoting a walkable, urban form of development, consistent with the surrounding areas historic urban development patterns. The focus on form promotes buildings that conform to tested urban design principles; Require excellence in design of the public realm and of buildings that front public spaces. The most successful and memorable urban environments are those in which walking down the street is appealing. Streets, plazas, parks, and other public spaces should be comfortable and inviting, and buildings fronting those spaces should be active and visually interesting at the pedestrian level; Encourage creativity, architectural diversity, and exceptional design. Mixed-use is intended to promote high quality design, and the development review process for mixed-use projects is intended to promote flexibility. Standards, as well as the development review process, are intended to support creativity and exceptional design while discouraging uniformity; Promote sustainable development that minimizes negative impacts on natural resources. Creating walkable, higher density residential districts surrounding mixed-use districts supports sustainable development by providing an alternative to low density development in peripheral areas. In accordance with sustainable development principles, the mixed-use buildings and public spaces should be designed to minimize negative impacts on air and water quality and promote innovation in environmental design; Promote walkability. Walkable communities are desirable places to live, work, and play. Walkable communities give higher priority to pedestrian activity by creating streetscapes that are safe, comfortable, interesting, and that accommodate a wide range of transportation modes and users. To foster walkability, development patterns should promote a mix of land uses and density, have an emphasis on the placement and orientation of buildings, have properly placed parking, place a high value on the design of quality streetscapes, provide access to transit, and provide unimpeded pedestrian connections to multiple destinations and open space; Maximize connectivity and access. In order for people to feel comfortable walking, pedestrian access and connectivity among uses and amenities, including transit facilities, is essential. Connectivity and access can be accomplished by creating smaller blocks or by providing access through blocks via publicly accessible alleys, pathways, paseos, and pedestrian boulevards. Sidewalks should form a continuous network connected by frequent, safe street crossing; Promote affordable housing and mixed income communities. Design a mix of housing based on geographic growth projections and the needs of current and future residents to accommodate families, single occupants, the elderly and those with disabilities. Access to transportation and services should be a key factor in the future distribution and allocation of affordable housing.