Covington, Kentucky, located just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, has implemented a fundamental shift in the city's planning philosophy by adopting a new form-based Neighborhood Development Code.
"The Covington city commission last week approved a new Neighborhood Development Code (NDC) to replace the previous zoning ordinance," according to an article published by the River City News.
"The 'outgoing' Zoning Ordinance, adopted in 2006 and changed numerous times, separated Covington into parcels of land based on single, allowed 'uses.' The new 'form-based' or 'character-based' development code focuses on how structures relate to the surrounding public realm like the 'character' of the neighborhood," according to the article.
A press release from the city called the new NDC, "a fundamental change in philosophy and approach whose impact will be felt in every project, ranging from a homeowner adding a porch to a developer building a subdivision to an entrepreneur locating a new business."
The city worked with Kendig Keast Collaborative to complete the multi-year process of overhauling the city's development code. The approved version fo the NDC is available online, and the city is promising to release articles in the coming weeks and months to describe how the new NDC will work for businesses and residents of Covington.
FULL STORY: Covington Approves Neighborhood Development Code, Ditches Old Zoning Ordinance
Form-Based Codes Explained as Covington's Neighborhood Development Code Takes Effect
The new form-based code for the Kentucky city of Covington went into effect on October 15. Officials are promoting the simplicity of the new code to the public.
Form at the Forefront of Zoning Code Rewrite in Covington, Kentucky
The city of Covington is conducting public hearings to gather feedback on at the outset of an 18-month process of rewriting its zoning code.
Opinion: Form-Based Codes Could Harm Seattle’s Housing Affordability
Form-based zoning codes can encourage mixed-use development and walkable neighborhoods, but focusing too much on aesthetic elements can drive up the cost of housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)