Form-Based Codes Q&A

How will form-based codes affect the development process?

Form-based codes cut the development approval process down significantly and remove roadblocks to development because they remove vagueness, uncertainty and risk. They accomplish this by creating visual, easy-to-use standards that do not require interpretation, based on a vision developed by all stakeholders. It is up to community stakeholders to create standards that will encourage the type of development they want.

Once the standards are developed, developers can be confident that projects that fit within the standards will move forward quickly. Developers also know that their investment will be protected, because form-based codes remove the risk that an "eyesore" will be developed in the neighborhood or business district. The community knows what development will look like, and developers save time because they know what is expected.

Are there variances to form-based codes? 

No. Form-based codes are typically much less rigid than conventional zoning codes. While they set the parameters for new developments, they also allow more flexibility than conventional zoning regulations.  Because they are visual, and are tailored to neighborhoods or places, form-based codes avoid the "one size fits all" result of conventional zoning. If amendments need to be made to accommodate what the community wants, the community changes the entire set of standards, so individual variances are not needed. 

How do form-based codes affect economic development and property values?

Form-based codes are being implemented in cities around the country because they are a powerful tool in spurring development. In Nashville, taxable value in districts where form-based codes were implemented grew 75 percent from 2003-2008, compared to overall growth of 28 percent throughout Davidson County, according to Rick Bernhardt, Nashville Metro Planning Department executive director.  

How soon will form-based codes be implemented in Cincinnati?

The April 2012 citywide charrette will result in  a unique Cincinnati template for neighborhoods to use as a foundation in developing a form-based code for their communities. 

The city administration will present the new form-based code to the City Planning Commission and City Council for approval by the end of 2012. In the meantime, College Hill, Madisonville, Walnut Hills and Westwood are now planning for neighborhood-level charrettes in the fall to adapt the template to develop a form-based code for their neighborhood business districts.