Regulations known as "form–based codes" offer an approach that favors walkable neighborhoods, a variety of housing choices, and mixed use developments. Unlike conventional zoning, form–based codes make it easier to find a balance between maintaining a community's local character and, at the same time facilitating high–quality development projects.The codes can be applied to new growth ares, existing neighborhoods, special districts, as well as entire communities.
The regulations focus on the size, form, and placement of buildings and parking locations. With form–based codes, there is flexibility in combining residential commercial uses on property, and less emphasis on specific densities. A land owner or developer will have more options in offering single–family homes, apartments, offices, or retail as long as the building form conforms to the community's vision reflected in the form–based codes. Overall, form–based codes give a community the opportunity to respond to market demands in a manner that follows the principles of smart growth planning.
Key elements in form–based code may include:
- A Regulating Plan which may include a map of the study area that specify where specific building forms apply
- Standards for building forms
- Standards for street and sidewalks
- Design Guidelines which address architecture and landscaping
- Clearly defined processes for application and review
- Definitions of technical terms
In addition, form–based codes are typically written to be user–friendly, and often supplement regulatory text with graphics to help illustrate specific regulations, such as minimum and maximum heights of buildings.
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