Form-Based Codes Institute at Smart Growth America

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

Search Options

Hold down the CTRL key to select multiple states, regions, countries, or Driehaus Award years. When multiple options are selected an OR operator is used within each category and an AND operator between different categories.

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Azusa Development Code

The code is mandatory and separates the City into 17 planning areas of distinct character. Within planning areas, there are three types of regulatory areas, Neighborhoods, Districts and Corridors that correspond to distinctive…more

Code Documents

Clark County, Highway 99 Subarea Plan

Hwy 99 Subarea Plan in Clark County, WA is a form-based code for the historic Hazel Dell unincorporated area. The Subarea Plan is subdivided into 4 types of Planning Areas of varying urban intensity that include neighborhood centers…more

Objective Design and Development Standards

FBCI Award_2022_Opticos_Objective Design and Development Standards **Driehaus Award Recipient**

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

Downtown Las Vegas Form-Based Code

The City of Las Vegas is applying a form-based code to implement its master plan vision of becoming a lively mixed-use urban environment centered around transit hubs and activity nodes. The code applies…more

Tehachapi General Plan

The Tehachapi General Plan is the community vision of how Tehachapi could grow and maintain the local high quality of life and unique character as a small mountain town. It is a form-based…more

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