Bob Bengford discusses the feasibility of updating land use/design codes using a form-based approach for planners in the Northwest.
Bengford writes, "While form-based codes have been used successfully in other parts of the Country for three decades, they have only recently been applied in the Northwest. One possible explanation is the perceived difficulty in adapting form-based codes to the unique local contexts (both physical and political). The Northwest's diverse physical terrain, lack of established desirable development patterns, a desire for a broad range of architectural styles, and the fear of giving up permitted use lists are all real and perceived challenges in applying form-based codes. Perhaps another barrier is the lack of first-hand experience in drafting, adopting and implementing form-based codes."
Thanks to Byron Katsuyama
Read the full story: A Hybrid Approach to Form-Based Codes in the Northwest
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
Los Angeles just elected an urban planner as its mayor
Transportation analysts are optimistic that Raman will be more aggressive in addressing transit issues than Bass.
Mamdani’s pied-à-terre tax survives legal challenge
A panel of judges found that the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate injury as a result of New York City's implementation of the tax.
Eastern Nebraska is running out of electricity
Data centers and electrification are straining eastern Nebraska’s grid, throttling economic development.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority