6320 Willard Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76119

Urban Residential District

It is the purpose of the Urban Residential (UR) District to provide a residential density transition zone between low density single-family neighborhoods and higher density commercial areas. An additional purpose of the UR Districts is to encourage a range of housing choices within walking distance of rail transit stations and mixed-use urban villages. The goal is to ensure compatibility between one-and-two family districts and more intense mixed-use districts and related uses. UR neighborhoods are characterized by higher density residential structures in a highly walkable urban environment. A mixture of housing types is present to provide architectural diversity, while shallow setbacks frame the pedestrian environment with engaging building facades, improve visibility and safety of building entrances, and increase neighborhood vitality. In addition to the purpose statements above, the intent of the UR 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, urban residential 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. Urban residential 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 urban residential districts supports sustainable development by providing an alternative to low density development in peripheral areas. In accordance with sustainable development principles, the urban residential 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, while demonstrably improving health outcomes. 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.