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Incremental Code Reform: Enabling Better Places

The Congress for the New Urbanism’s Project for Code Reform streamlines the zoning code reform process by providing local governments with place-specific incremental zoning code changes that address the most problematic barriers first, build political will, and ultimately create more walkable, prosperous, and equitable places.

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Course Info

  • Duration 11 video lessons (59 Mins)
  • Published Published
    2020
  • Trending Trending
  • 4.47
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Browse Course Chapters

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    1.
    Introduction
    Chapter Duration 2 mins
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    2.
    What is Walkable Urbanism?
    Chapter Duration 1 min
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    3.
    Why Aren’t We Getting More Walkable Urbanism?
    Chapter Duration 5 mins
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    4.
    Project for Code Reform
    Chapter Duration 5 mins
  • Chapter Locked
    5.
    The Incremental Code Reform Methodology
    Chapter Duration 3 mins
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    6.
    Introduction to Place
    Chapter Duration 3 mins
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    7.
    Specific Places
    Chapter Duration 9 mins
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    8.
    Introduction to Areas of Reform
    Chapter Duration 3 mins
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    9.
    Form, Frontage, Streetscape, Use
    Chapter Duration 14 mins
  • Chapter Locked
    10.
    Impact of Incremental Code Reform
    Chapter Duration 3 mins
  • Chapter Locked
    11.
    Frequently Asked Questions
    Chapter Duration 7 mins

Course Description

Zoning and codes represent the very DNA of communities. They dictate how tall buildings can be, where parking goes, and how much landscaping is required. But many zoning codes in the United States are outdated and don't reflect current conditions, and the process of updating zoning codes can be a complicated, expensive, and time consuming process. 

The Congress for the New Urbanism’s Project for Code Reform streamlines the zoning code reform process by providing local governments with place-specific incremental zoning code changes that address the most problematic barriers to reform first, build political will, and ultimately create more walkable, prosperous, and equitable places. The Project for Code Reform accomplishes these goals while addressing the political, financial, and administrative realities of planners, elected officials, and planning commissioners. An incremental approach allows jurisdictions to set their own pace for zoning code changes, prioritize coding efforts, respond to the community’s vision and needs, and create opportunities for greater community learning and understanding.

In "Incremental Code Reform: Enabling Better Places," Congress for the New Urbanism President and CEO Lynn Richards and Placemakers LLC Principal Susan Henderson discuss walkable urbanism as well as incremental code reform methodologies that ensure context sensitive solutions. The course presents a series of solutions for rural, urban, and suburban contexts to allow planners to implement incremental improvements in their own localities. 

The course concludes with answers to a series of frequently asked questions:

  • Should all buildings be required to have mixed uses?
  • How rigorous should we be as we write codes for accessory dwelling units?
  • What is the impact of zoning code reform on displacement and gentrification?

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to assess the benefits and potential impacts of incremental code reform, and will be able to start the process of reforming outdated local codes and ordinances. 
 

Learn these skills

  • Land Use
  • Pedestrian Planning
  • Regulations
  • Urban Design
  • Walkability
  • Zoning Codes

AICP CM

This course is available for 1 AICP CM credit.

AIA CES

This is 1 LU.

CNU-A

This course is available for 1 CNU-A credit.

SACPLAN CPD

This course is approved for 1 SACPLAN CPD point.

Meet Your Instructor

Lynn Richards

Lynn Richards

Lynn is President of the Congress for the New Urbanism and an internationally recognized speaker on New Urbanism.

Meet Instructor
Susan Henderson

Susan Henderson

Susan is a Principal with Placemakers LLC and has led numerous code reform projects across North America, Eastern Europe and Asia.

Meet Instructor

Join thousands of urban planners on Planetizen Courses

This course really challenged my thoughts about comprehensive zoning updates. There was so much to consider that I watched the course twice so I could absorb it all again. I anticipate that I will approach zoning issues differently after participating in this course.
- Jane W.
5 Star Review 5 Star Review 5 Star Review 5 Star Review 5 Star Review
This was excellent. I thought both instructors articulated the information very clearly, and with passion. I would watch more from these two, absolutely.
- David R.
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Both are very informed and passionate about their topics, what's not to like?
- Scott W.
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An effective way to communicate the principles of new urbanism.
- Daniel P.
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How inspiring and educational. I often become dissatisfied with an all-or-nothing approach and this incremental approach is such a refreshing way to do what needs to be done.
- Juliellen S.
5 Star Review 5 Star Review 5 Star Review 5 Star Review 5 Star Review

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