Form-Based Codes Implementation Strategies

While there are hundreds of form-based codes that pass the test to achieve FBCI criteria, implementation is a unique process that must be tailored to each community. The strategy and timing are slightly different for every place, depending on many factors, including the goals of the code, political climate, economic conditions, and local culture. Many places choose an incremental strategy, moving through phases as people gain confidence in the outcome.

In this webinar, we assess methods — mandatory replacement code or opt-in structures like parallel or floating zone — for implementing  form-based codes as a way to reverse sprawl’s negative consequences. We also discuss different approaches to working at different scales — region, county, city, corridor, or neighborhood. (For now, we’ll leave out the states and countries who are considering FBCs.) Then we analyze the experience with various implementation techniques in key cities, towns and counties who have adopted form-based codes.

Jennifer Hurley, President of Hurley~Franks & Associates, holds a Master of Regional Planning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Bryn Mawr College. Drawing on her background in conflict resolution, Jennifer has over fifteen years of professional experience facilitating public involvement in planning and development issues. She has been active in the new urban movement for ten years, working on numerous charrettes for regional planning, downtown revitalization, traditional neighborhood development, and form-based zoning. She is a regular speaker with the SmartCode Workshop, and has taught in the Bryn Mawr College Growth and Structure of Cities. She is a past fellow of the Knight Program in Community Building at the University of Miami School of Architecture, and is a National Charrette Institute Certified Charrette Planner.™ She currently serves on the boards of the Congress for the New Urbanism and the Transect Codes Council.