Form-Based Regulations Beyond the City

SmartCodes, form-based codes and place-based codes are now common tools to implement mixed-use developments. This session will discuss precedents, trends and innovative regional policy structures that enable these new development regulations to build context-sensitive infill development, new transit villages, and sustainable towns. Howard Blackson, Director of Planning for PlaceMakers, will review recently adopted General Plans, Comprehensive Plans and State legislation from across the nation to discuss opportunities to legally allow for complete, connected and compact places.

Howard Blackson has extensive experience as both a government and a private-sector planner. He’s worked throughout North America, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. In his home state of California, in one of the nation’s most complex planning environments, Howard was instrumental in moving form-based codes forward at the General and Specific Plan levels for the City of San Diego. He has led numerous zoning code initiatives, including Ramona, California; Post Falls, Idaho; National City, California; Bird Rock, San Diego, California; and University Place, California. Howard blogs often on PlaceShakers.