As our Community Planning Committee reviewed recent land use laws adopted by the Oregon Legislature, we often heard the phrase, “Oregon is moving toward form-based coding.” But what does that really mean?
Since the 1970s, cities and counties have traditionally used designated zones to segregate uses, such as single-family, multi-family, commercial, and industrial. This segregated development has helped create auto-dependent communities that are homogeneous according to use type.
Form-based coding uses six transect zones from the most urban to the most rural and focuses on the physical form, mass and scale of the built environment. The results are mixed use, predictable, walkable, affordable, inclusive, and livable developed areas with a variety of human scale building types and uses.
Code to accomplish this may include:
- A plan or map that designates where different building form standards apply
- Standards for public areas that control features, configurations, and functions of buildings, streets, and blocks
- A defined and streamlined application and review process
- Objective and measurable building, architectural, landscaping, signage, and environmental (storm water, slopes, tree protections, solar access, etc.) standards, which allow more rapid movement from planning to construction.
According to Daniel Herriges of Strong Towns, cities might want to consider Form-based coding for the following reasons:
- Encourages revitalization
- Promotes affordable housing closer to desired services
- Helps small businesses
- Promotes walkability and public transit while reducing car dependence
- Preserves or recaptures a sense of place
For more information:
- Form-Based Codes Defined – Smart Growth America
- What is Form Based Code?: Placemaking with a New Approach to Zoning – Opticos Design, Inc.
- Videos: What is a Form-Based Code and How Does it Work? – City of Santa Rosa, CA
- Form-Based Code Best Practices Report – City of Cincinnati, OH
- Six Reasons Your City Needs a Form Based Code – Strong Towns