Last week, we hosted “Tools and techniques for virtual community engagement,” the second of three webinars hosted by the Form-Based Codes Institute and the National Charrette Institute. Speakers explained how to develop a framework for thinking about how people engage online and shared specific approaches to virtual community engagement in Kalamazoo, MI and Cambridge, MA. […]
Last week, we hosted “Charrettes go virtual: Missoula, Montana hosts an online charrette to advance a community vision,” a joint webinar between the Form-Based Codes Institute and the National Charrette Institute. Speakers discussed a first-of-a-kind fully virtual community engagement process conducted for the Mullan Area Master Plan. A recording is now available. Local planners and […]
“Parking reform for 21st century communities: getting more out of public space,” was a joint webinar between the Form-Based Codes Institute and the State Smart Transportation Initiative. Speakers discussed the steps taken to rethink parking policies and prioritize people in public spaces in Hartford, CT and Atlanta, GA. A recording of the webinar is now available. […]
This November, we hosted “From vision to implementation: Using an NCI charrette to create a vision for a form-based code,” a joint webinar between the Form-Based Codes Institute and the National Charrette Institute. Speakers shared their experiences using NCI charrette workshops to develop form-based codes in Norman, OK and Arlington County, VA. Click HERE to […]
Rendering of New Rochelle’s Division Street under the downtown’s form-based code. (Image: Ideally New Rochelle, used with permission) New Rochelle, New York struggled for years to stimulate catalytic development in it’s downtown. Now, this New York City suburb is emerging as a walkable, transit-oriented hub for residents to live, work, and play. A form-based code […]
There’s a secret weapon available to communities that want to modernize their zoning codes and help make smarter growth the norm. FBCI’s Codes for Communities is a wide-ranging technical assistance program at Smart Growth America that covers all kinds of zoning reform and guidance on form-based codes. In just two years, the program has had tremendous […]
Sundance Square in downtown Fort Worth, TX, which was developed under form-based standards. Image: Randy Hutcheson. Conventional land use regulations have contributed to a great divide in our country, producing sprawling places that are marked by a stark separation of both uses and people. But form-based zoning is emerging as a creative tool for cities to […]
After two years of robust education and community engagement, the City of Las Vegas is ready to implement their downtown master plan, using a new a form-based zoning code. The city credits our Form-Based Codes Institute’s comprehensive three-course curriculum for helping to achieve this first-of-a-kind achievement in Nevada, which city officials believe will lead to […]
Smart Growth America (SGA) continually pursues new angles to broaden its ability to create strong communities. By adding the Form-Based Codes Institute (FBCI) to its growing arsenal of programs, SGA is now bringing more comprehensive assistance to communities by addressing the regulatory framework that often limits smart growth—the zoning code. Whether your community is attempting […]
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