Today, the Form-Based Codes Institute at Smart Growth America honors three communities for stepping up to placemaking with the adoption of some of the most exemplary form-based codes in the country. The Driehaus Form-Based Codes Award is awarded by FBCI with the generous support of the Richard H. Driehaus Charitable Lead Trust. Now accepting nominations […]
The Columbia Pike form-based code is helping Arlington County, VA preserve or replace an estimated 1,300 affordable housing units that were built with public funds. Centro is a new mixed-use development that will add more housing and include a much needed major grocery store for the corridor. (Image: Credit Arlington County Government) A century of traditional […]
Trinity Boulevard in East Fort Worth is currently a highway but will serve as a town center. Rendering courtesy Gateway Planning. The Driehaus Form-Based Codes Award has recognized exemplary form-based codes since 2008. Looking back at all the submissions over the years—more than 100—reveals how the practice of form-based coding has matured and evolved. Driehaus […]
The Town of Leesburg is issuing this Request for Information to gather information and industry feedback from potential, qualified vendors of professional consultant services in regards to a re-write of the Town’s Crescent Design District zoning provisions. The Town of Leesburg is located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is 12.5 square miles with a […]
In September 2018, the Congress for New Urbanism published “The Users Guide to Code Reform” – the product of a two-year effort working with Michigan communities to develop tools that municipalities can use to reform their zoning codes to enable better quality develop. Susan Henderson and Matt Lambert – two of the coding and design […]
Rendering of development under the University Neighborhood Specific Plan in Palm Desert, CA, winner of the 2017 Driehaus Award. (Image: Sargent Town Planning) It’s time to pick the nation’s top form-based code. While this type of zoning is catching on, some form-based codes can miss the mark if they deviate from best practices. That’s where […]
The Town of Clarksville’s Redevelopment Department is hereby accepting proposals from qualified professionals to create a Master Plan focusing on the redevelopment and infill development of a 600-acre study area. The study area has served as a retail and restaurant hub for Southern Indiana and Louisville for decades. Interested firms and consultants should have significant […]
Zoning codes are the unseen, yet decisive guiding force that can either help or hinder the creation of great, walkable, people-scaled places. This primer gives you the basics on form-based codes: what they are, where they work, and how they can help create and sustain great places. Take a look at just about any city […]
The City of Cedar Falls (pop. 40,000) is located along the Cedar River in northeast Iowa. It is home to the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), one of Iowa’s three publicuniversities. Historic Downtown Cedar Falls has a thriving Main Street with over 30 unique shops and boutiques, numerous restaurants and bars, hotels, offices, an active co- […]
Honoring achievement in the writing and implementation of form-based codes The Form-Based Codes Institute (FBCI) at Smart Growth America is pleased to announce the winners of the tenth annual award for achievement in the writing and implementation of form-based zoning codes: the Akanda SmartCode for the Akanda Commune in Gabon, Africa and the Beaufort Code, for the City […]
FBC 101 (Virtual Edition) is back this spring!
Last fall, the Form-Based Codes Institute successfully hosted its most popular class–FBC 101: The ABCs of Form-Based Codes–in a virtual, synchronous setting for the first time. FBCI staff worked for several months with seasoned instructors and other form-based code experts to develop the content and activities. Because of increased interest and use of form-based codes […]
Accessory dwelling units promoted as a strategy to increase affordable housing stock at White House event
The Biden administration hosted a virtual webinar on February 1st highlighting accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as one way to increase affordable housing stock across the country. An esteemed group of fourteen thought leaders, advocates, and government officials from across the country convened to share their expertise and insights, advocate for ADUs, and discuss current barriers […]
The City of Farmers Branch, Texas seeks consultants to prepare a city-wide comprehensive plan & station area form based code
Two Proposals Requested The city of Farmers Branch, Texas is seeking proposals from qualified consultants for professional services to prepare a city-wide Comprehensive Plan and expansion of the Station Area Form Based Code (PD-86). The Farmers Branch Department of Planning & Zoning invites you to submit your proposal to either or both of these RFPs. […]
Announcing 2021 Driehaus Award Winner: The Evolution of Form-Based Codes
Today, the Form-Based Codes Institute at Smart Growth America is thrilled to announce the winner of the fifteenth annual Richard H. Driehaus Form-Based Code Award for achievement in the writing and implementation of a stellar form-based zoning code–the City of South Bend Zoning Ordinance for the City of South Bend, Indiana. City of South Bend […]
The Village of Shorewood, Wisconsin seeks consultant for its Commercial & Mixed-Use Districts (Hybrid Form-Based Code Zoning)
Proposal Requested The Village of Shorewood is seeking a consultant to update the Commercial and Mixed-Use Districts within its Zoning Code to include form-based elements alongside updated use classifications (hybrid). The Village’s Central District Master Plan Design Guidelines shall serve as a starting point, but incorporation of additional “best practice” form-based elements are expected. This […]
This model code for Marin County, CA exemplifies the differentiating strengths of form-based codes: clear guidance for better design…more
This citywide code is an excellent model for any city—particularly legacy cities—seeking to use code reform to promote fiscally…more
This code strikes the perfect balance between walkable urbanism and conservation of natural areas. It is well-organized, easy to…more
This code was adopted in 2018 for a suburban corridor linking established historic village centers in western Connecticut. Prior commercial…more
The Downtown Code for Lafayette, LA was adopted within one year of the city’s Downtown Action Plan to stimulate development…more
FBC 101 (Virtual Edition) is back this spring!
Last fall, the Form-Based Codes Institute successfully hosted its most popular class–FBC 101: The ABCs …
The Biden administration hosted a virtual webinar on February 1st highlighting accessory dwelling units (ADUs) …
Two Proposals Requested The city of Farmers Branch, Texas is seeking proposals from qualified consultants …
Smart Growth America’s new Center for Zoning Solutions (CZS) builds on FBCI’s legacy, empowering communities to create livable places, promote health, and achieve shared prosperity through innovative zoning solutions, including form-based codes.
CZS continues FBCI’s mission by developing standards, writing and reviewing codes, and educating communities through celebrated FBC courses and the Form-Based Code Award.
Learn more at https://smartgrowthamerica.org/zoning/
Fatima Ali-Salaam
Patricia Wallace
EUNICE MARQUEZ
Carlos Gaivoto