Form-Based Codes Explained as Covington's Neighborhood Development Code Takes Effect

Monique John provides a bit of explanation about the city of Covington's new form-based code, as the city's new code took effect late last week. First, a little background on why Covington officials felt like the time was right for this major change in the approach to development regulations:

Officials felt creating this new code was necessary, saying past zoning regulations made development projects expensive and time consuming. Despite what kind of building or additions locals were looking to develop, they had to get approval from two separate boards, which could be very difficult. Plus, officials felt the zoning regulations were outdated.

Covington officials are also promising that the code will be much easier to use, cutting down significantly on the number of pages devoted to zoning in the city's development code.

In addition to helping streamline the development approvals process, city officials also chose a form-based code to "focus less on how buildings will be used and more on the design of a property and how it fits in the neighborhood." The hope is that the form-based approach will help "preserve the history and character of the Covington community" and "create a more walkable, mixed-use environment," according to John.

Planetizen picked up news of the city's Neighborhood Development Code at the time of adoption in September.