The Center for Zoning Solutions, a new program of Smart Growth America, is thrilled to announce the winner of the 17th annual Form-Based Code Award! This year’s jury, a diverse group that included code writers, administrators, architects, developers, and public sector planners, selected Kingston, New York’s Form-Based Code, for its exemplary use of the form-based code standards of practice. The code serves as a best-in-practice model for other jurisdictions on how to center community needs, advance equity in planning, and prepare for the future (including calibrating development to accommodate increased population growth).
Form-based code standards of practice
Kingston’s code emphasizes a clear vision for the future. It provides transparency through its building form regulations that allow both developers and the public to have a clear sense of what types of development will be built and how new buildings will act with the city’s public spaces, including their sidewalks, squares, and parks.
“We are incredibly proud to be honored by Smart Growth America for our forward-thinking new zoning code. This award recognizes codes that advance equitable development, people-oriented communities, and predictable development results. In Kingston’s case, the community-led initiative that resulted in the new zoning code will change how and where new development is created in Kingston in a way that will produce more equitable and sustainable development. We are already starting to see new projects that create much-needed housing, especially the crucial ‘missing middle’ and affordable development. We believe that the new code will help the City increase the size and quality of our housing stock while maintaining our historic character.” -Steve Noble, Mayor, City of Kingston
Preparing for change
With development pressures increasing due to the region’s proximity to New York City, Kingston is in the midst of an affordable housing crisis. Kingston’s code intends to address these barriers and create housing by streamlining the regulatory process for ADU projects city-wide—and duplexes and fourplexes in the majority of neighborhoods—so that these projects are held to the same standard as single-family home development (i.e., they are permitted by-right). Not only does this save on time and costs, but it will create even more opportunities to build missing middle housing. Additionally, the city requires a percentage of affordable units in new build projects and provides height bonuses to incentivize the development of low-income and workforce housing options.
The code goes beyond increasing housing production to foster the creation of complete communities by encouraging neighborhood retail and corner stores to be developed within a five to ten-minute walking distance for a majority of residents (on 89% of the city’s land parcels).
A winning element: prioritizing community needs
A key priority for the city was to make its regulations accessible to the general public. The code features simple flow diagrams that break down the development review process and uses images to indicate building typologies, street signage, and frontage requirements included in the code. In addition, the city released a pared-down user guide to make the document more accessible to the Kingston community. Kingston’s focus on accessibility can be used as a template for other jurisdictions looking to demystify their development regulations for citizens and advocates.
Throughout its process of developing a form-based code, Kingston took a robust approach to community engagement. The city shared clear infographics that break down their engagement approach with the public, highlighting key dates and milestones. Creative outreach methods such as eye-catching flyers with key information and images of existing streets reimagined with new development projects were utilized to communicate the city’s zoning goals.
Kingston planned community engagement events in partnership with advocates and gave special attention to ensuring that each session was language-accessible by using Spanish interpreters. Community engagement also took innovative forms, including walking tours as well as in-person and virtual meetings. The resulting code demonstrates that the city incorporated community feedback into its local regulations (see graphics below).
Hats off to Kingston
Kingston’s form-based code and accompanying user guide demonstrate how to advance inclusive community engagement processes and create visually compelling, accessible land use regulations. Their efforts should serve as a model for other jurisdictions looking to advance climate resiliency, housing diversity, mixed-use development, and walkability in communities across the country.
Congratulations to the entire team who worked to create Kingston’s form-based code, including Dover, Kohl & Partners, the City of Kingston, Laberge Group, the Land Use Law Center, Hall Planning & Engineering, Inc, and Gridics.