If you're a first-time visitor here, your initial question may be as simple as, "The SmartCode - what is it?" As a means of introduction, let's start with this: The SmartCode is a blueprint for places where true community, in all its complexity, can prosper.
A product of Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company (DPZ), the SmartCode delivers what every municipality, planner and developer is searching for - the means to maximize choice, quality-of-life, economic opportunity, environmental stewardship and adaptability over time.
Undoing the negative byproducts of single-use zoning, the SmartCode emphasizes form and scale rather than use, promoting the satisfying, fluid mixture of activities often associated with the traditional neighborhoods of the early 20th century. Within its clear and intuitive regulating framework, compatible uses - varied housing types, neighborhood retail, community churches, civic spaces, schools, libraries, and various types of employment - intermingle, creating vital, walkable places.
Of course, there's a lot more to it than this. If you're looking to educate yourself, start by downloading version 8.0 of the SmartCode. Then explore the diverse collection of resources in our Information Clearinghouse.
Should you be looking for the SmartCode & Manual in hardcopy form, it can be purchased for $99 from New Urban News, (607) 275-3087, mail@newurbannews.com.
The SmartCode & Manual is available for download here. It is a collaborative effort by people who have worked directly on or with the SmartCode, including planners, land-use attorneys, designers, editors, and code writers. Contributors include Andrés Duany, William Wright, Sandy Sorlien, Gustavo Sanchez, Laura Hall, Dan Slone, Ann Daigle, Diane Dorney, Mike Watkins, Steve Mouzon, and Nathan Norris.
The purpose of this Manual is to provide clear, step-by-step instructions for customizing and adopting the SmartCode. It begins with some introductory essays and illustrations, followed by a series of sections keyed to the SmartCode itself, with comprehensive SmartCode text on one side of each spread and related commentary directly opposite.
The last part of the Manual is comprised of appendices to be used as necessary. While only the Code itself becomes municipal law, the Manual comments and illustrations are meant to be explanatory and advisory for all users of the SmartCode.