Request for proposals: Designing brand materials for the Form-Based Codes Institute

Smart Growth America is seeking a qualified artist, illustrator, or designer to produce a logo and collateral materials to launch a new initiative of SGA’s Form-Based Codes Institute program. Proposals should be sent to Toccarra Nicole Thomas, AICP, Director Land Use and Development and Executive Director of the Form-Based Codes Institute by Friday, March 1, … Continued

Form-Based Codes

How form-based codes can help reshape a city

Co-authored by Toccarra Nicole Thomas This spring, SGA partnered with the Urban Land Institute (ULI) on a new report, Reshaping the City, which examines how zoning reform can advance racial equity, support housing attainability, create healthy communities, and decarbonize buildings to mitigate climate change. On March 24th, we cohosted a webinar to dive into the … Continued

Form-Based Codes Zoning

2022 FBCI Award Winner: A regional approach to zoning for a more diverse array of housing production

  The Form-Based Codes Institute (FBCI) at Smart Growth America is thrilled to announce the winner of the 16th annual FBCI Form-Based Code Award. The award jury selected Opticos Design for their Objective Design and Development Standards in Marin County, California for achievement in the writing and implementation of a stellar model form-based zoning code. … Continued

Form-Based Codes

FBC 101 Virtual Edition: Fall 2022 registration now open!

Last fall, the Form-Based Code Institute successfully hosted its most popular class—FBC 101: The ABCs of Form-Based Codes—in a virtual, synchronous setting for the first time. FBCI staff worked for several months with seasoned instructors and other form-based code experts to develop the content and activities. Because of increased interest and use of form-based codes across the country, FBCI is pleased to announce the class will be offered again this spring, launching at the end of March! This is an opportunity for those who are interested in form-based codes to learn from experts and collaborate with other practitioners and interested participants. 

Form-Based Codes Uncategorized

Submit a nomination to this year’s Form-Based Codes Award!

The Form-Based Codes Institute (FBCI)— a program of Smart Growth America—is pleased to announce the 2022 FBCI Form-Based Codes Award, which recognizes exemplary form-based codes that advance the practice of form-based zoning in both composition and implementation. In its 16th year, FBCI’s Form-Based Codes Award seeks to highlight best practices in zoning reform to promote: … Continued

Form-Based Codes

Host a class on form-based codes in your community!

Drum roll please…We are delighted to announce that the Form-Based Codes Institute’s (FBCI) highly popular classes are once again available to be hosted in-person! FBCI, a program of Smart Growth America, invites state and municipal government agencies, regional councils, and other land use and development organizations to host a class this summer or fall. Classes are designed to bring planning professionals and community leaders up to speed on the principles, key elements, adoption, and administration of form-based zoning codes.

Form-Based Codes

FBC 101 (Virtual Edition) is back this spring!

Last fall, the Form-Based Code Institute successfully hosted its most popular class—FBC 101: The ABCs of Form-Based Codes—in a virtual, synchronous setting for the first time. FBCI staff worked for several months with seasoned instructors and other form-based code experts to develop the content and activities. Because of increased interest and use of form-based codes across the country, FBCI is pleased to announce the class will be offered again this spring, launching at the end of March! This is an opportunity for those who are interested in form-based codes to learn from experts and collaborate with other practitioners and interested participants. 

Form-Based Codes

Accessory dwelling units promoted as a strategy to increase affordable housing stock at White House event

The Biden administration hosted a virtual webinar on February 1st highlighting accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as one way to increase affordable housing stock across the country. An esteemed group of fourteen thought leaders, advocates, and government officials from across the country convened to share their expertise and insights, advocate for ADUs, and discuss current barriers in many communities that hinder their development. 

Advocacy Form-Based Codes

Announcing 2021 Driehaus Award Winner: The Evolution of Form-Based Codes

Today, the Form-Based Codes Institute at Smart Growth America is thrilled to announce the winner of the fifteenth annual Richard H. Driehaus Form-Based Code Award for achievement in the writing and implementation of a stellar form-based zoning code—the City of South Bend Zoning Ordinance for the City of South Bend, Indiana.

Form-Based Codes