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Form-based Zoning: Not your Grandfather’s Approach

How do small towns transform their thinking about zoning and land use controls while influencing other communities to do the same? Engaging the public in the visual aspects of zoning, rather than text, has allowed three Pennsylvania communities to be able to be in the driver’s seat so that they can cooperatively work with the private sector in welcoming desirable economic development and revitalization. From new development in greenfield landscapes to infill, the communities aim to be respectful of existing patterns, scales and community character.

In this discussion, three communities and their experiences will be highlighted as to their different reasons in pursuing a form-based approach. Oakmont Borough (Allegheny County) developed a hybrid of a form-based ordinance to guide areas of targeted redevelopment; Clymer Borough (Indiana County), a small town considering the adoption of its future land development regulation, represents how innovation and flexibility in local codes are paramount; Marietta Borough (Lancaster County), a mid-sized Borough with a rich history as an industrial town, desired to ensure that the character of established neighborhoods remained intact.

Examples of each community’s philosophical approach, specific ordinance structure, advantages of the Ordinance methods and lessons learned will be discussed by the panel.

Approved for  1.25 CM credit

More information contact Peter Wulfhorst, 570-296-3400.