Randall Arendt looks at how communities can achieve results similar to Form-Based Codes through a simpler set of form-based design standards (FBDS).
Communities with limited resources may find it difficult to create Form-Based Codes (FBC). In updating his book, Rural by Design, Randall Arendt looked at alternatives to FBC that are working for small cities and towns across the country. Randall found that small communities like Freeport, Maine and Davidson, North Carolina have been able to achieve similar results with Form-Based Design Standards (FBDS). These design standards provide general guidance on design elements like setbacks, building height, and parking requirements. These standards reduce the complexity and cost of implementing form based zoning.
FULL STORY: Form-Based Design Standards for Smaller Communities

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan
The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.

E-Scooter Parking: A Guide
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‘It’s Been 50 years’: Public Transit Law Passes in Montana
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Top 10 Tech-Ready Cities
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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.
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