Code Hackathon: What Can Go Wrong With Form-Based Codes?

Top problems with form-based codes, and how to fix them.

1 minute read

May 16, 2019, 9:00 AM PDT

By Hazel Borys


"We often talk about how places can hack their zoning code to enable livability. The Project for Code Reform is taking this idea to the next level, helping cities look for the lowest hanging fruit on the walkability front. However, for places on the cutting edge of land use reform that have already adopted a form-based code, there’s a different sort of code hack."

"As form-based codes celebrate their 40th birthday, there’s been plenty of time for some things to go wrong. A group of internationally experienced coders — Susan Henderson, Marina Khoury, Matt Lambert, Mary Madden, Bill Spikowski, and Hazel Borys — have compiled our top concerns. We intend to work with other coders to address the majority of these points at a Code Hackathon on June 12 at CNU Louisville. If you can’t make it to Louisville in June, follow the Congress at hashtag #CNU27 for hacks to address these persistent problems."

The coding crew goes on to discuss their top 11 pet peeves for how form-based codes can go wrong.

Tuesday, May 14, 2019 in PlaceShakers

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