Roger E. Eastman recounts the process and product of a recent effort by Flagstaff, Arizona to replace an outdated zoning code with an innovative hybrid of form-based and Euclidean elements.
Along with co-authors Daniel Parolek and Lisa Wise, Eastman provides a detailed case study of the process by which the code was assembled and the community was engaged. The result of the process was a unique hybrid code that, "will be repaid in a more efficient, more equitable, and easier-to-use zoning system," and also, "changed the generally negative perception of city planners."
According to the authors, the crucial first step in assembling the hybrid code was to distinguish "walkable urban" from "drivable suburban" areas, upon which the form-based and conventional portions of the code would be respectively applied.
One innovative aspect of the new Flagstaff code is that, "Unlike other hybrid approaches in which the FBC [form based code] is an exception within an otherwise conventional zoning code framework, the Flagstaff code defaults to walkable urbanism and makes drivable suburban development the exception."
The article goes on to detail specific innovative policies, lessons learned, and the successful public engagement strategy .
FULL STORY: Going Hybrid
Cleveland Planning Commission Approves New Form-Based Code
If passed by the city council, the new form-based code will be piloted in four neighborhoods.
Majority of Americans Prefer Larger Homes and Longer Trips, Survey Says
The percentages have fluctuated on either side of the pandemic, but most Americans prefer to live in communities with larger houses, located farther away from schools, stores, and restaurants, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey.
Flagstaff Housing Needs Outstrip Supply
Data from Flagstaff shows a growing need for affordable rental housing and homeownership options, which the city’s ten-year housing plan is working to address.
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.
Can We Please Give Communities the Design They Deserve?
Often an afterthought, graphic design impacts everything from how we navigate a city to how we feel about it. One designer argues: the people deserve better.
The EV “Charging Divide” Plaguing Rural America
With “the deck stacked” against rural areas, will the great electric American road trip ever be a reality?
Judge Halts Brooklyn Bike Lane Removal
Lawyers must prove the city was not acting “arbitrarily, capriciously, and illegally” in ordering the hasty removal.
Engineers Gave America's Roads an Almost Failing Grade — Why Aren't We Fixing Them?
With over a trillion dollars spent on roads that are still falling apart, advocates propose a new “fix it first” framework.
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.
Borough of Carlisle
Smith Gee Studio
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)