Coding AuthentiCity

This thesis analyzes the impact of form-based codes, focusing on two research questions: (1) What is the underlying motivation for adopting a form-based code? (2) What motivations have the most significant impact on development outcomes? This thesis answers these two questions through an evaluation of form-based code literature and an analysis of three recent form-based codes case studies: SmartCode for Taos, New Mexico, Downtown Specific Plan for Ventura, and SmartCode for Leander, Texas. For each case study, this thesis reviews the historical context of each community, the political process that brought about the form-based code, and the components of the coding document. After considering all three case studies, this thesis formulates conclusions about a range of motivations underlying the use of form-based codes as well as which motivations will have the most significant impact on how form-based codes will shape the built environment. Form-based coding is a relatively new regulatory tool, and has recently been standardized through the creation of the Form-Based Codes Institute (FBCI) in 2005. Using the FBCI's criteria for a form-based code, this thesis evaluates the components of each case study's coding document. Insight into each coding document is supplemented by personal interviews, site visits and background materials that paint a holistic picture of what each community is striving to achieve through a form-based code. The range of motivations for a form-based reached within the conclusion of this thesis include: 1. Preservation of Community Character 2. Creation of Community Character 3. Economic Development 4. Affordable Housing 5. Control of Sprawl.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Urban Studies and Planning.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2008

Author dc:creator

• Mercier, Rachel Havens

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Terry Szold.

• Urban Studies and Planning.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/44334

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/44334