FAQs

Form-based codes (FBCs) are development regulations used by local governments to emphasize the physical character of development and de-emphasize the regulation of land use. They provide greater predictability about the look and feel of development and offer developers a clearer understanding of what the community seeks. In return, FBCs can make it easier for citizens to help create the physical development they want, which will more likely lead to their acceptance of development and street designs in their community. FBCs are primarily used to implement development that is compact, supports walkability and a mix of uses. 

Impact on properties and businesses: The FBC will not impact properties or businesses until such time as a property owner or developer decides to make physical changes to their building, use, or site. The extent to which changes to use, building or site will trigger the requirements of the FBC will be developed as part of this process and care will be taken to ensure that the standards in the new code will mainly apply to major changes to properties and sites and most businesses will not see anything change. 

Form-based regulations will provide property owners more flexibility in terms of future uses but provide predictability for residents on the possible redevelopment outcomes within a range of options. It also provides developers more predictability in terms of possible development opportunities since projects that meet the FBC will be approved administratively by staff. 

At its core, FBC provide “Adjacency Predictability” which is a consistent development environment that establishes predictable outcomes of the built environment over time and over multiple property owners which in turn helps sustain property values over time.