FBC 101: The ABCs of Form-Based Codes – Anderson, IN October 28

FBC 101: The ABCs of Form-Based Codes

Monday, October 28

Anderson Museum of Fine Art
32 West 10th Street
Anderson, IN 46016

Click HERE for a list of lodging, dining, and parking recommendations.

Eligible for 8 AICP CM

FBC101 is an intensive one-day class, in which participants learn how form-based codes are essentially different from conventional land use regulation and how they have evolved to solve many of the problems created by conventional zoning. The course provides an overview of the process of creating a form-based code, moving from an initial place-based community vision to an adopted code and beyond. Instructors combine lecture and classroom discussion with a hands-on exercise in observing community built form and shaping public space. Participants also learn about common misconceptions about form-based codes and the legal basis for form-based codes. This class is prerequisite for FBC 201 (urban design) and FBC 301 (code implementation). Participants who attend all three courses receive a certificate of completion from FBCI.

Click the tabs above to see agenda and instructors.

Click HERE for a full list of lodging and dining recommendations.

Fairfield Inn & Suites

2400 E 64th Street

Anderson, IN 46013

Hampton Inn

2312 Hampton Drive

Anderson, IN 46013

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

6720 S Scatterfield Road

Anderson, IN 46013

The following is a final agenda.

8:30 – 9:00 AM Registration and Light Breakfast

9:00 – 9:15 AM Welcome and Introductions — All Instructors

Instructors will introduce themselves and the Form-Based Codes Institute and provide background on why communities may decide to use form-based codes.  Participants will introduce themselves comment on why they are attending the class and what they hope to learn.

9:15 – 10:15 AM Form-Based Code Principles and Components: A Tool for Shaping Community Form and Character and Smarter Growth — Leslie Oberholtzer

The session will provide an overview of the differences between form-based codes and conventional zoning; the most common applications for form-based codes; common barriers to traditional urbanism; and basic  principles of urban form. The session will highlight the need for zoning reform and how form-based codes have become the paradigm for putting form first and relegating use to secondary status.

10:15 – 11:00 AM Legal Aspects of Form-Based Codes — Susan Henderson

A broad understanding of applicable law is essential when adopting a form-based code. This session will provide an overview of some of the general principles for regulatory amendments; review some important considerations for the process of adopting a code; and present ideas for how to minimize the potential for legal challenges.

11:00 – 11:15 AM Break

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM Local Examples of Form-Based Codes — Leslie Oberholtzer

12:00 – 12:45 PM Lunch Provided by MCCOG

12:45 – 1:30 PM Common Misunderstanding about Form-Based Codes — Susan Henderson

In this session, the instructors will address common misunderstandings about form-based coding and how to address them. Topics will include: complexity and flexibility in form-based codes, the role of consultants in drafting a code, regulation of uses in an FBC, guidelines versus regulations, the potential for displacement, and the degree to which architecture and design can be regulated under an FBC.

1:30 – 3:15 PM Documentation Exercise: Learning How to Look — All Instructors

3:15 – 3:30 PM Break

3:30 – 4:15 PM Getting Ready for a Form-Based Code — Susan Henderson

Form-based codes are a new concept for many communities and local planners often need to build understanding and support before drafting and adopting a new code. Using case studies from their own experience, the instructors will speak about specific steps local planners have taken to prepare citizens, political leaders and their own staff for the transition to an FBC. This session will conclude with a summary of technical resources that are available to communities wishing to embark on a form-based code.

4:15 – 4:45 PM Lessons Learned and Q&A — All Instructors

4:45 PM Adjourn

FBCI draws upon national experts, including urban designers and planners with broad experience in all aspects of form-based coding.

Leslie Oberholtzer is a principal and Director of Planning at CodaMetrics, a boutique planning lab in Chicago, Illinois.  With over 25 years experience in urban design and smart growth planning, she works to promote sustainable development through the availability of alternative transportation and housing choices, the development of valuable places, and the preservation of community traditions.  In addition to being a registered landscape architect and a certified planner, she is National Charrette Institute (NCI) certified and a LEED Associated Professional.  Over the past 12 years, Leslie has developed over twenty-five neighborhood and full city codes for communities across the country. Recently, her work has focused on the research and development of form-based codes for Transit Oriented Development (TOD) nodes, corridors, and neighborhoods. Sustainability is at the core of the work Leslie produces not only through a focus on walkable and transit-served places, but also through the development of alternative energy, conservation area, and tree preservation ordinances. She also currently serves on the Location and Planning Technical Advisory Group for the US Green Building Council and the Star Community Index Technical Advisory Group, both cutting edge tools for sustainability at all scales of community.