Concord, New Hampshire to Draft a Form-Based Code

Concord, the capital city of New Hampshire, is updating its zoning code, launching a two-year process to develop a new form-based code to supplement its current zoning ordinances. Caitlin Andrews introduces and explains some of the concepts at work in the proposed form-based code for Concord—trying to explain how the new code will differ from the city's used-based code.

For insight into form-based codes and what it means to the residents and stakeholders in Concord, Andrews provides quotes from Concord City Planner Heather Shank. " Shank said form-based coding can be prescriptive in the sense that it can provide a visual aid for what type of use is allowed in district. It won’t replace the current zoning ordinances, which are very text-heavy; it will be used in conjunction with them, offering pictures and tables as a guide," writes Andrews.

The city of Concord has hired consultant Code Studio to write the new form-based code. A kick-off meeting for the process is scheduled at the beginning of February.

[Disclosure: Urban Insight, Planetizen's parent company, contracts with Code Studio on the re:code LA project in Los Angeles. The article about Concord's form-based code development project is presented for its newsworthy relevance to the Planetizen audience.]