Creating Urban Form: Conventional and Form-Based Codes

Held on November 6, 2007

GET ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS

Cities all over the world are striving to create more accessible and walkable urban environments. Development patterns are the result of zoning regulations. Conventional codes are based on specific land uses. Form-based codes are based on design, and less on use.

What are form-based codes, anyway?
What are the pros and cons of conventional codes?
What are the pros and cons of form-based codes?
Why does zoning sometimes forbid exactly what our plans call for?
Great cities of the world were created without zoning; why do we need rules at all?

OUR PRESENTER

Bill Spikowski is a veteran advisor to local governments. He is a frequent lecturer on innovative planning and coding techniques. His Florida consulting firm, Spikowski Planning Associates, prepares community plans, redevelopment plans, and zoning codes for cities and counties. Mr. Spikowski has many years�?? experience in drafting and implementing conventional zoning codes. He also is a pioneer in using form-based coding techniques to translate bold visions for the future into an integral part of local regulations. He is an officer and board member of the Form-Based Codes Institute and teaches about form-based codes in conjunction with Virginia Tech, Rutgers, and Arizona State. Prior to 1992 Mr. Spikowski was Growth Management Director for Lee County, FL. In additional to his consulting work, he is chairman of the Fort Myers, FL, Planning Board and co-founder and officer of the Calusa Land Trust & Nature Preserve.