Managing Development Along Freight Rail Corridors
Zoning Practice — January 2025
By Abdul Jaffari, AICP
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Railways have played an instrumental role in the development pattern and expansion of communities throughout North America. With increasing volumes and types of goods being transported via freight railways, the continent has increased awareness of the potential risk of accidents and the physical impacts of train derailments. Despite this, current land use planning and zoning regulations often fail to consistently address development near freight rail corridors or adequately consider the needs of freight transport.
Local governments are primarily responsible for land use planning and must understand the context and risk of developing near freight rail corridors when planning. Land use planners, elected officials, developers, landowners, and the public must also recognize the importance of freight in the local, regional, national, and global economy to ensure safe development near rail lines. A risk-based land use planning approach allows freight rail corridors and development to coexist safely and effectively, enabling local governments to balance safety, quality of life, and growth while meeting development goals.
This issue of Zoning Practice examines the key principles of a risk-based approach to managing development on lands adjacent to freight rail corridors. It begins with brief descriptions of existing guidance and policy approaches for land use planning around railway corridors before focusing on Calgary, Alberta's risk-based approach. The issue concludes with practical guidance for jurisdictions considering a similar effort.
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About the Author
Abdul Jaffari, AICP
Abdul Jaffari, AICP, MCIP, MBA, is a seasoned planning leader leader with nearly two decades of experience deliverying innovative land-use policy and major city-building initiatives across North America. Currently a Senior Planner for Loudoun County, Virgnia, a global hub for ditigal infrastructure, he leads complex policy and regulatory work at the intersection of land use, critical infrastructure, and economic development, addressing data centers, energy networks, and other emerging challenges.
With a unique cross-border perspective from leadership roles in Calgary and Edmonton and now navigating Northern Virgnia's evolving landscape, Abdul brings a dirverse toolkit to modern planning challenges. His practice spans the full spectrum of municipal planning, including strategic plans, zoning modernization, local area planning, growth management, TOD, and development review. He applies a risk-based approach to complex contexts, like freight rail corridors, supporting evidence-based poicies while maintaining a broader planning lens.
A planning degree, an MBA in Global Leadership, and credentials in Real Estate Economics (LSE) and International Development (U of Cambridge), Abdul pairs technical expertise with strategic vision. Dual-certified through AICP and the Canadian Institute of Planners, he is committed to leadership/ mentorship and volunteers his time advising international goverments through the AKDN on planning and smart city development.