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This course covers a checklist for evaluating the effectiveness of a Form-Based Code, an in-depth look at the advantages, disadvantages, and mechanics of mandatory, parallel and floating-zone forms of FBCs; how to structure the coding process, including what must happen before and after the code is drafted; what to keep and what to discard from an existing conventional code; the legal aspects of adopting a FBC i.e. its consistency with the comprehensive plan, adoption mechanics and insulating against potential challenges; and post-adoption implementation. For more information and registration, please check this link: Form Based-Code Institute

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The Congress this year once again had a series of sessions on form-based codes. I was pleased to have our Blue Springs Downtown Development Code (http://www.bluespringsgov.com/index.aspx?nid=211) featured in the session discussing the Driehaus Form-Based Codes awards. We had an interesting exchange on the merit of using Building Types in our codes, with a variety of practitioners chiming in with their experiences. While nothing was settled, I personally enjoy this type of discussion of best practices, and look forward to the critique of various methods.

Following that session, Scott Polikov of Gateway Planning Group & myself led a very interactive session called ‘Form-based coding for results: what’s working, what’s not.’ It was a lively session, not just for the topic but also because we changed up the format, presenting our pieces in the newly-popular pecha kucha format (http://www.pecha-kucha.org/), and then having extensive time for Q&A. One colleague who I respect a great deal told me it was one of the best sessions of the Congress, as much as anything b/c we had so much time for direct discussion w/ the audience. Always good to hear.

On Friday night, our XNU group held a reception and discussion at LoDo’s Bar & Grill with Brent Toderian, the Planning Director of Vancouver, BC. Brent is a fairly young guy for his position, but very bright and an engaging speaker. He challenged us on a number of levels, both professionally and within the CNU itself to not make excuses. He shared many elements of the Vancouver experience, and what he thinks the relevance is of it to American cities. If you ever have a chance to see Brent speak, I highly recommend it. I especially enjoyed his attitude of ‘we don’t lie in fear of the attorneys telling us what not to do – we do it, and let it sort itself out later.’ It’s rare to hear a Planning Director, even in Canada, have such bravado.”

-Kevin Klinkenberg

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The City of Panama Beach, Florida has retained a team lead by Planning Works, LLC and assisted by 180° Design Studio and White & Smith, LLC to prepare an initial assessment of form-based codes for the City. A form-based code is a land development regulation that is based principally on design, rather use, impact, or other aspects of land development.

Panama City Beach is a diverse community, with development patterns including low density residential neighborhoods, low rise apartments, high rise condominiums, automobile-oriented commercial strips, a pedestrian oriented commercial center, mixed use developments, business parks, tourist entertainment parks and heavy commercial areas. Each of these areas has a unique combination of uses and design characteristics that merit different approaches to the use of form-based design.

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