T District Implementation Study

Background  

Traditional Neighborhood (T) Districts are widely used throughout Saint Paul, especially along transit corridors and at major intersections. T Districts:  

• Encourage compact, mixed-use development  
• Improve walkability at nodes and along corridors  
• Permit dense development to support ridership  
• Allow for more flexible uses for existing buildings  

T Districts were first adopted in 2004 to create more opportunities for the kind of mixed-use that was common as the city originally developed, which is the reason for the name “Traditional.” They has since become a popular choice for rezonings due to its flexibility and pedestrian-focused design standards. They were amended in 2011, and further amended in 2025 to provide additional incentives for affordable housing, improve design, and bring greater predictability to the development process. Upon adopting those amendments, the City Council initiated the T District Implementation Study to evaluate expanded use of T Districts along transit corridors within the city.  

Overview of Zoning Study  

The T District Implementation Study will provide analysis and consider zoning amendments that address the need for comprehensive, consistent economic and land use flexibility on properties located along some of Saint Paul’s primary commercial and mixed-use transit corridors. Easing and diversifying the development of new housing, creation of new businesses, and adaptive reuse opportunities along transit corridors will contribute to the City’s goals for vibrant, walkable neighborhoods and increased access to rapid transit.  

Study Area  

The Study is reviewing corridors in Saint Paul that have recently received or will soon receive BRT. Active BRT routes in Saint Paul today include the A Line, B Line, and Gold Line, which have (with the exception of Selby Avenue) already completed zoning studies. BRT routes benefit from higher-quality, more frequent transit service and infrastructure upgrades. Adding more T District zoning along these corridors links improved transit, economic development, and new housing, which contributes to additional vitality, walkability, and opportunity. These are key goals in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

The future transit lines encompassed by these corridors include the H Line (Maryland Ave and White Bear Ave), G Line (Rice St and Robert St), Bronze Line (White Bear Ave), and future transit improvements the proposed J Line (on West 7th.). The Selby Ave portion of the B Line is also included in this study despite the B Line having recently entered service. Timing for the Selby Ave corridor was coordinated to allow for the Rondo Small Area Plan to be completed.

Community Engagement  

As of January 2026, community engagement plans are being developed and will be coordinated with affected district councils, and other organizations, as appropriate. An updated strategy will be posted on this page.   

Timeline  

The table below shows a general timeline and links to relevant information. Specific dates will be added as they are confirmed and are subject to change.