Part 4: How Form-Based Codes Are Written
In this final part of their series, Mary Madden and Joel Russell discuss the vital relationship between the planning process and the development of a form-based code.
Misc. Planning Tools
A variety of other tools than can help planners & planning commissioners in their work.
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Part 3: Typical Elements of a Form-Based Code
Our 4-part series on form-based codes continues with an overview of the typical elements of a FBC and how they enable it to shape public space and create walkable, pedestrian-friendly places.
Part 2: The Emergence of Form-Based Codes
The concepts of “urban form” and “the public realm,” central to form-based codes, are absent from the conventional zoning vocabulary. A look at key differences between FBCs and traditional zoning.
Part 1: What Is a Form-Based Code?
An introduction to the use of form-based codes — how they work and how they differ from conventional zoning. In Part 1: an overview of the origins of form-based zoning and its primary objectives.
How Cities are Taking on Blight
Blight has reached crisis proportion in many cities across the country. But communities are fighting back, recognizing the severe impacts that blighted and abandoned properties can cause.
Pro-Forma 101: Part 1 – Getting Familiar With a Basic Tool of Real Estate Analysis
To achieve a minimum level of “literacy” about the economics of development requires at least a navigational knowledge of the basic tool of real estate feasibility analysis — the pro-forma.
Citizen Surveys: Part 1 – How Surveys Can Support Local Planning Efforts
A scientifically conducted survey of residents brings in the voice of the public to bear on planning issues like no forum, newspaper straw poll, or focused discussion.
Making Neighborhoods More Walkable – Part 1
A look at how Portland has gone beyond “Walk Score” in using a detailed rating system to evaluate neighborhood “walkability” — and why one older neighborhood fares quite well.
Bringing Commercial Uses Closer to Existing Residential Neighborhoods, Part I
Residents in established neighborhoods will often be very concerned about zoning proposals to allow new commercial uses close to their neighborhood. The question planners and planning commissioners must be able to answer is how the creation of a commercial district near a neighborhood will be a positive change.
How Planners Plan for Historic Preservation
Preservation planner Amy Facca provides an overview of the different kinds of plans used to strengthen local historic preservation efforts.
Putting the LID on Your Community’s Stormwater – Part IV
In the fourth installment of their series on low impact development, the Segedys provide an overview of ways communities can start to implement a LID program.
What’s Your Community’s “John Hancock”?
Community planners and economic development professionals are increasingly identifying communities’ signature elements, including location specific historic and related sites, as well as businesses and institutions that are part of the “creative economy.”
How to Revitalize Blighted Areas Without Increasing Taxes
A brief overview of tax increment financing: how it works, and some of the pros and cons in using it.
