Identifying the Constraints of Traditional Zoning Regulation: Form-Based Codes as Alternatives to Urban Communities

Abstract

Form-based codes ({FBCs}) have recently been introduced as a viable alternative to the traditional zoning regulations. They are land regulations where building form rather than solely land use is the guiding principle of the code. This is in contrast to the traditional (conventional) zoning regulation which separates land by uses for the purpose of maintaining an orderly separation of incompatible uses. This study is set to undertake a critical comparative review of form-based code against the traditional zoning codes. The comparative review seeks to carefully review the constraints of the traditional building regulations with the aim of identifying the prospects of form-based code implementation in urban communities. Secondary data will be the main source of data for this study, and it will be gotten from existing literature as contained in published and unpublished materials. The outcome of the study is expected to champion the implementation of code and new urbanism that will utilize the advantages of both the form-based codes and the conventional building codes towards a sustainable living and working environment.