Form-based codes

Definition

Form-based codes are zoning regulations that prioritize the physical form of buildings and public spaces over their specific use. These codes aim to create a predictable urban environment by regulating the design and layout of development, fostering walkability, and encouraging a mixed-use setting. They serve as a tool for implementing planning visions and enhancing community character, often aligning with principles of urbanism and sustainable design.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Form-based codes focus on the appearance and design of buildings rather than solely on their functions, which helps promote aesthetic coherence in communities.
2. These codes can lead to increased property values and improved quality of life by creating vibrant, pedestrian-friendly environments.
3. Form-based codes often include regulations on building height, setbacks, massing, and materials, ensuring that new developments fit harmoniously within the existing context.
4. They are commonly used in New Urbanism initiatives to foster walkable neighborhoods with diverse uses that encourage social interaction.
5. Adopting form-based codes can help communities mitigate the negative effects of sprawl by promoting compact development patterns.

Review Questions

• How do form-based codes differ from traditional zoning regulations in terms of their approach to urban design?
  • Form-based codes differ from traditional zoning regulations by emphasizing the physical characteristics and design elements of buildings rather than their specific functions or uses. While traditional zoning often segregates land uses, form-based codes encourage a mix of uses within the same area, fostering vibrant and walkable neighborhoods. This approach not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also supports community interactions and livability.
• Discuss the role of form-based codes in promoting sustainable architecture and urban development.
  • Form-based codes play a crucial role in promoting sustainable architecture and urban development by creating guidelines that prioritize walkability, mixed-use environments, and human-scale design. These codes help reduce reliance on automobiles by encouraging residents to live close to workplaces, shops, and recreational spaces. Additionally, they support environmental goals by enhancing green spaces and creating more resilient urban landscapes.
• Evaluate the impact of form-based codes on suburban sprawl and how they contribute to reshaping communities.
  • Form-based codes significantly impact suburban sprawl by guiding development towards more compact and integrated forms. By regulating building design and layout, these codes discourage low-density, auto-dependent patterns typical of sprawl. Instead, they promote mixed-use areas where residents can access amenities within walking distance. This shift helps reshape communities into more sustainable environments that prioritize connectivity, community engagement, and reduced environmental footprints.

Related terms

Zoning: A legal framework that designates specific areas for different types of land use, controlling how properties can be developed and utilized.

Mixed-use development: A type of urban development that combines residential, commercial, and recreational spaces within a single area, promoting accessibility and reducing reliance on cars.

Smart Growth: An urban planning concept that encourages sustainable development patterns through efficient land use, transportation options, and community engagement.