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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
If you are going to CNU26 in Savannah, GA later this month, you will have several opportunities to hear some of the Form-Based Codes Institute’s top leaders share their knowledge and experiences with form-based codes. Below are brief descriptions of the sessions where you will be able to learn about the state of the art […]
How do you create an attractive, accessible, diverse community—a neighborhood that is recognized and celebrated as a great place to live, work and play? Conventional land-use regulations focus on separation of land uses, which results in isolation, suburban sprawl, income- and ethnicity-based segregation and a dearth of attractive public spaces. Car-oriented planning has robbed many […]
“I have two doctors: my left foot and my right foot.” — G. M. Trevelyan Medical breakthroughs such as new vaccines, therapeutic drugs, surgical procedures and early detection screenings have improved treatment of many illness and injuries. But less attention has been paid to finding ways to prevent the development of avoidable health problems and […]
Winooski, a small city in northwestern Vermont that sits at the mouth of the Winooski River, tends to be overshadowed by its far larger and more populous neighbors, Burlington, South Burlington and Colchester. However, the positive effects of the form-based code (FBC) Winooski began implementing in 2015, is helping it to become one of the […]
At the Congress for the New Urbanism’s (CNU) Charter Awards Ceremony in Seattle on May 5, the Form-Based Codes Institute (FBCI) announced that Palm Desert, Calif., and Nashville, Tenn., had received the 2017 Driehaus Form-Based Codes Award for their implementation of innovative and effective codes. The Driehaus Form-Based Codes Award is sponsored by FBCI with […]
The City of Marquette (City) requests the submission of proposals from land use planning consulting firms to prepare a major update to our land use ordinances (Zoning, Sign, Fence, and Subdivision), with the goal of combining them into one Modern Land Development Code document. Firms replying should have demonstrated ability in land use ordinance revisions […]
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