Avoiding Common Form-Based Code Mistakes, Part 1
Zoning Practice — May 2013
By Daniel Parolek
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Most cities have a broken zoning system that is not delivering the type of development they want or need to be able to respond to shifting market demands for walkable urban places or other trends that will enable them to compete as 21st century cities or regions.
There are two fundamental problems with Euclidean zoning: (1) separating uses and limiting density has led to excessive land consumption; and (2) proscriptive development standards have proven ineffective in protecting traditional urban neighborhoods from incompatible development. Consequently, it's no surprise that a growing number of communities have expressed interest in the formbased code (FBC) as a potential solution to the problems posed by conventional, Euclidean, zoning.
This issue of Zoning Practice tackles some common misconceptions about form-based coding and highlights some common mistakes communities have made when trying to harmonize form-based coding concepts with existing regulations.
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About the Author
Daniel Parolek
Dan is an urban designer who was voted one of Planetizen’s 100 Most Influential Urbanists. He founded Opticos Design, which has grown into a nationally sought-after company of thought leaders. He coined the term Missing Middle Housing and wrote the book "Missing Middle Housing: Thinking Big and Building Small to Respond to the Housing Crisis." He is also a nationally-recognized leader in zoning reform having authored “Form Based Codes." His innovative work is diverse across public and private sector clients and has won several National APA Awards.
Daniel has a Masters Degree in Urban Design from UC Berkeley.