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
Buffalo Green Code
The city of Buffalo, NY took on a significant challenge—to adopt a high-quality, citywide form-based ordinance. Starting in 2010, the city followed a seven-year process to create the Buffalo Green Code as the…more
Canton Village Districts Code
This code was adopted in 2018 for a suburban corridor linking established historic village centers in western Connecticut. Prior commercial strip zoning on State Route 44 is now pre-approved for higher density, mixed-use development…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
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
Akanda SmartCode
This code offers an exceptional example of a simplified SmartCode for a master planned community, particularly in developing countries. It is visually appealing, accessible and user-friendly, with clear and concise options for each…more
New Rochelle Downtown Overlay Zone
The City of New Rochelle has two identities. One as a low-density, commuter suburb, and another as a small city, both in the metropolitan New York region. As with most urban areas in…more