According to a Brookings Institute study released last month, many municipal building and zoning codes not only work against smart, walkable urban centers: in some cases they outlaw them.
The study used the example of Santa Fe’s 400-year old plaza, and points out: if it “burned to the ground, legally it would only be possible to rebuild strip commercial buildings, likely anchored by Wal-Mart Super Centers, Home Depots and the other usual suspects.” Some of the requirements that hinder smart urban design are excessive parking, setbacks and floor-area ratio rules. The report says it is often better to scrap the entire code, instead of trying to amend existing laws.
And rather than traditional zoning, “form-based” code does not mandate strict parking ratios; it encourages streets fronted with buildings (not parking lots); it promotes creating buildings that are adaptable, as opposed to design rigorously customized for a signature client, a la McDonald’s. Also, the concept of ground-floor retail topped by residential space is encouraged.
To see the entire 24-page report, go to: http://www.brookings.edu/dybdocroot/metro/pubs/20050307_12steps.pdf
