Back by popular demand, the Form-based Codes Institute, a program of Smart Growth America, is bringing back the virtual edition of FBC 101: The ABCs of Form-Based Codes! Register now to attend the virtual class this fall.
A year ago, the Form-based Code Institute took its most popular class—FBC 101: The ABCs of Form-Based Codes—virtual for the first time. SGA staff worked with seasoned instructors and expert form-based code practitioners to develop a curriculum and activities suited for the new online format, while still bringing you time-tested learnings on form-based codes. Based on positive feedback and additional requests for the virtual sessions, we’re pleased to offer FBC 101 in the virtual format in the spring and fall of each calendar year moving forward—and registration for fall 2022 is now open!
FBC 101 is an opportunity for those interested in form-based codes to learn from experts and collaborate with other practitioners and interested participants from around the country. Classes are held live in four, two-hour sessions, where participants learn how form-based codes are essentially different from conventional land use regulation and how they have evolved to solve many of the problems created by conventional zoning.
The course covers six learning objectives, providing an overview of the process for creating a form-based code—moving from an initial place-based community vision to an adopted code and beyond. Instructors combine lectures with online virtual engagements, breakout sessions, and interactive exercises in observing the built form of a community and the shape of public spaces. Participants also discuss common misconceptions about form-based codes and the legal basis for form-based codes.
Modules will be held on four Thursdays from 12:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time during November and December. Participants who complete the course will receive 8 hours of American Planning Association (APA) continuing education credits.
FBC 101 Virtual Edition: The ABCs of Form-Based Codes Schedule
November 10 | Module 1: Form-based codes – A tool for shaping community form and character.
- Instructor: Arti Harchekar
November 17 | Module 2: Learning what to look for when coding with a form-based code.
- Instructor: Tony Perez
– Break for Thanksgiving Week –
December 1 | Module 3: Getting ready for a form-based code.
- Instructor: Marina Khoury
December 8 | Module 4: Making your form-based code work in your community.
- Instructor: David Otieno
What can I expect from FBC 101 Virtual Edition?
- Engaging with range of participants, including planners, architects, city council members, elected officials, and other decision-makers
- Learning from top form-based code expert instructors from around the country
- Understanding how zoning has an impact in different community contexts
The virtual format enables a wider range of attendees, including participants from all parts of the country and in different local roles, including city council members, to attend and learn about form-based codes. This virtual setting also gives participants access to more instructors with different backgrounds, rather than the one or two who typically lead in-person classes.
Discover how form-based codes can help achieve your vision of livable places, healthy people, and shared prosperity by reserving a seat today!
What have attendees said about FBC 101 Virtual Edition?
“The interactive breakouts were extremely valuable, as learning from other communities on how to implement form-based codes is helpful. We are getting ready to begin our budgeting process and prepare RFPs—the instructors have no idea how much they’ve helped me!”
— Jay Lagree, City Commissioner, Rehoboth Beach, DE
“I am very happy with the information I learned. I was able to bring that knowledge to my job in the City of Charlevoix immediately. In fact, just one week after the class ended, I have applied my learnings to ADU standards that the Planning Commission has been reviewing. Form-based codes seem a perfect fit for our small historic, architecturally significant cities and villages I serve. Before these four modules, I was struggling with form-based concepts. I can’t wait for the second set of classes.”
— Jonathan Scheel, Planner and Zoning Administrator, Networks Northwest, MI, a 10-county public agency providing workforce development, economic development, and regional planning services to communities in Northwest Minnesota.
We look forward to our next FBC 101 Virtual Edition, starting in November, and hope to see you there!