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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Humans are social, yet this primary fact of life is oddly absent as a core consideration in modern urban development regulations. To ignore the social needs of our species is to lose sight of one of the most positive drivers for shaping sustainable urban form. Providing for the satisfactions of community counters sprawl. Yet conventional […]
This article is intended to provoke a discussion about placemaking and community planning.
In the words of Socrates, “By far the greatest and most admirable form of wisdom is that needed to plan and beautify cities and human communities.” For those of us devoted to the arduous and complex task of building better places, an intriguing question was succinctly asked of the FBCI recently and it sparked a […]
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