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:
- High-quality urbanism and smart growth
- People-scaled development and a mix of uses
- Better urbanism in a wider array of contexts
Both newly adopted and established codes showing positive built results are welcomed for consideration. We also encourage applications for codes that have been adopted for disinvested neighborhoods or communities of color, or that have been drafted by minority professionals.
Submit a code for consideration
Submissions are due by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, September 2. More details can be found here, including the entry form and instructions, eligibility requirements, and previous winners. For additional information, contact Jamie at [email protected].
What is an exemplary form-based code?
Form-based codes offer a significant advantage over auto-oriented, use-based zoning by focusing on the quality of the space between the buildings; the scale, placement, and facades of the buildings; the public and private open spaces; and the streetscapes. If well written and implemented, form-based codes promote human-scaled places that encourage improved walkability, inclusivity, affordability, and livability for all. In reviewing codes submitted for the award, the jury considers the following criteria:
- Will the code promote good urbanism (has it resulted in high-quality development activity)?
- Will the code deliver a predictable street character (public and private open space)?
- Is the code implementable and relatively easy to use?
- Does the code have relevant and distinguishing features that advance the practice?
If you know of a code that meets these criteria, consider submitting an entry form to nominate your code to be recognized by FBCI as an exemplary form-based code. Learn about the 2021 award winner here.