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
The Beaufort Code
This code provides a high-quality model for a small, historic, design-driven city. It demonstrates an exemplary bifurcation between form-based districts and conventional zones and is well organized and user friendly. City staff took…more
Objective Design and Development Standards

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
Code Documents
The Denver Commons Code

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
Code Documents
Hartford Zoning Code

This code serves as a comprehensive and concise model for citywide form-based standards. The approach to building types creates a rich variety of urbanism and appropriately addresses both the private and public realm.…more
Central Hercules Regulating Code

Located on San Pablo Bay 16 miles east of San Francisco, Hercules began as a company town for the Hercules Powder Company. Once a thriving industrial town, Hercules had begun to struggle with…more
Code Documents
Downtown Code for Nashville, Tennessee

This Code offers an exceptional model for downtowns. The jury was impressed with the immersive characterization of each downtown neighborhood, with detailed attention to the features that create these distinct places. The overall…more