Form-based codes

Definition

Form-based codes are land use regulations that focus on the physical form of buildings and the public space they create, rather than solely on the types of uses allowed. These codes aim to shape the built environment by prioritizing the design and layout of buildings to create walkable, vibrant communities. This approach often involves detailed specifications for architecture, massing, and site design, linking directly to land acquisition decisions, zoning practices, and broader urban planning policies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Form-based codes often replace traditional zoning laws that prioritize land use over building form, allowing for more creative and context-sensitive development.
2. These codes typically include clear illustrations and design standards to guide developers in creating buildings that align with community vision.
3. They can help facilitate the creation of more pedestrian-friendly environments by ensuring that buildings are situated close to sidewalks and streets.
4. Form-based codes often involve community input in their development, helping to reflect local character and desires in new construction.
5. By emphasizing building design and public space, form-based codes can lead to enhanced property values and improved quality of life for residents.

Review Questions

• How do form-based codes differ from traditional zoning regulations in terms of their focus and outcomes?
  • Form-based codes differ from traditional zoning regulations by shifting the emphasis from the types of land uses permitted to the physical characteristics of buildings and their arrangement in relation to public spaces. While traditional zoning may separate residential, commercial, and industrial uses, form-based codes encourage mixed-use developments that promote walkability and vibrant neighborhoods. This approach often results in more aesthetically pleasing environments and encourages community engagement in the design process.
• Discuss how form-based codes can influence urban planning decisions at both local and regional levels.
  • Form-based codes can significantly influence urban planning decisions by providing a framework that aligns development with community goals for aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. At the local level, these codes can guide site selection for new projects by emphasizing desirable building forms and public space designs. Regionally, they can help create cohesive transit-oriented developments that link various neighborhoods through well-planned infrastructure and amenities, fostering greater connectivity within urban areas.
• Evaluate the potential long-term impacts of implementing form-based codes on urban development patterns and community resilience.
  • Implementing form-based codes can lead to transformative long-term impacts on urban development patterns by promoting denser, mixed-use areas that support a variety of housing options and businesses. This approach not only enhances community resilience by reducing dependence on automobiles but also encourages social interaction through pedestrian-friendly designs. As neighborhoods evolve with these codes, communities may experience increased economic vitality and improved environmental sustainability as green spaces are prioritized alongside innovative architecture.

Related terms

Zoning: The process of dividing land into zones to regulate the type and intensity of development allowed in each zone.

Mixed-use development: A type of urban development that combines residential, commercial, and sometimes industrial spaces in a single area to promote a diverse community.

Urban design: The art of shaping the physical environment of cities, focusing on the design of buildings, public spaces, transport systems, and amenities.