Form-Based Codes Institute at Smart Growth America

Library of Codes

FBCI gathers the best examples of form-based codes from communities across the United States and abroad. The codes represent a variety of community types and applications of form-based standards. Click on the Show Search Options button to search the library by phrase, location, Driehaus Award recipients, and the categories described below.

  • Physical Context: size or type of government entity
  • Organizing Principle: underlying organization for the code standards
  • Implementation Method: how the code standards operate within the zoning ordinance
  • Development Type: development types impacted by the code standards
  • Special Features: unique code attributes or awards

Search Options

Hold down the CTRL key to select multiple states, regions, countries, or Driehaus Award years. When multiple options are selected an OR operator is used within each category and an AND operator between different categories.

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Beaufort County Community Development Code

**Driehaus Award Recipient**

A regional code covering a range of diverse place types rural-to-urban.

Benicia Downtown Mixed Use Master Plan

Benicia **Driehaus Award Recipient**

Completed as part of the downtown master plan project, the form-based code implements the community’s vision and intent for the area. The regulations detail four zoning districts organized by building form, in addition…more

Birmingham Triangle Overlay District Code

A short and clearly structured mandatory code that intends to respond to the existing character of a 52-acre neighborhood, guide development and compliment the adjacent downtown. The code establishes one attached single family…more

Buffalo Green Code

Buffalo Mixed-Use Edge Place Type **Driehaus Award Recipient**

The city of Buffalo, NY took on a significant challenge—to adopt a high-quality, citywide form-based ordinance. Starting in 2010, the city followed a seven-year process to create the Buffalo Green Code as the…more

Objective Design and Development Standards

FBCI Award_2022_Opticos_Objective Design and Development Standards **Driehaus Award Recipient**

This model code for Marin County, CA exemplifies the differentiating strengths of form-based codes: clear guidance for better design outcomes and predictable, fair, and timely review processes. While conventional codes coupled with onerous…more

The Denver Commons Code

Denver Seal **Driehaus Award Recipient**

The City of Denver’s Riverfront Commons Form-Based Code is a national model for a groundbreaking early form-based code with excellent built results. The visioning and intent statement were so fine they made a…more

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