FBCI Courses & Webinars

Introductory Course

FBC 101e: ABC's On-Line
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This 8-hour web-based course replicates FBCI's popular one-day ABCs of Form-Based Codes. It is a comprehensive introduction in which participants learn the principles and components of FBCs, as powerful regulatory tools to shape community form and character. The course gives a complete overview and solid grounding in the practice of creating and implementing form-based codes. The e-learning format allows you to take it conveniently from your home or office, in a single day or during a period of up to six weeks. The course if composed of eight segments arranged in sequential order, with recorded presentations, reading assignments and a virtual field exercise. Each of the eight segments builds upon the preceding one to create a comprehensive body of knowledge.

Note - FBC101e substitues for The ABCs of Form-Based Codes. It fulfills the prerequisite for Advanced Courses. 

The ABC's of Form-Based Codes
Not currently scheduled

During this one-day course, participants go through the motions of creating a form-based code, from initial vision to code writing, implementation and administration. Instructors combine lecture and classroom discussion with direct field observation. They lead a hands-on exercise and help participants to craft a basic regulating plan. The course is held in a distinctive urban area, allowing participants to observe and document the area, then practice the art of crafting new codes from time-tested forms of urbanism. Course participants come away with a comprehensive understanding of form-based codes.    

Advanced Courses

FBC 201: Preparing a Form-Based Code: Design Considerations
May 21-22, 2012, in Austin, Texas

During two days, participants gain an in-depth understanding of urban form for a regulatory framework. Instructors show how to create form-based codes that frame the public space. They show how to conceptualize the urban character of a street by drawing upon an area’s historic form. Instructors present design principles through lecture and case study, combining these with “hands-on” participatory exercises to create the basic elements of a form-based code. Participants learn how to create and use building form and public space standards within a regulating plan. The class explores design possibilities for greenfield sites, redevelopment sites, already built-out communities and regional plans.

FBC 301: Completing, Adopting and Administering the Code
March 29-30, 2012, in Arlington, Texas

In this two-day course, participants learn how to evaluate the effectiveness of a form-based code. They gain an in-depth look at the mechanics, advantages and disadvantages of mandatory, parallel and floating-zone form-based codes. Instructors explain how to structure the coding process, including what must happen before and after the code is drafted, what to keep and what to discard from an existing conventional code, the legal aspects of adopting a FBC (e.g., its consistency with a comprehensive plan), insulating against potential challenges, adoption mechanics and post-adoption implementation. They discuss design review within the application process and lead a case study on administrative provisions used across the country. 

Webinars

Learn How Form-Based Codes Can Transform Cities and Towns: A Recorded Webinar
Available for on-line viewing

This 90-minute session by three experts, including a planner, a city designer and an attorney, is an ideal introduction for planners, commissioners, council members, architects, developers, consultants, interested citizens and all others concerned with community planning and the land development process. 

Integrating More Sustainable Design Into Form-Based Codes: A Recorded Webinar
Available for on-line viewing

This 2-hour webinar covers key elements of sustainable design that may be regulated by form-based codes, including storm water and waste water conservation, renewable energy systems, urban agriculture, green roofs, landscaping, community-based transportation and community participation strategies. Instructors use specific case studies.  

Economic Development Through Form-Based Coding: A Recorded Webinar
Available for on-line viewing

Scott Polikov, President of Gateway Planning Group in Austin, Texas, demonstrates how a form-based approach allows communities to leverage the near term market without sacrificing flexibility and creativity over time. Of interest to developers, architects, community development specialists, elected officials and all others striving to create places of high value. 

Historic Preservation and Form-Based Codes: A Recorded Webinar
Available for on-line viewing

Two experts offer insights into how to treat historic districts within form-based codes, using case studies from small town and large urban areas. Viewers learn more about the relationship of historic preservation to form-based coding, and when they're a good match.

Idealism Meets Pragmatism: Transforming the Suburbs Step by Step
Available for on-line viewing

Geoffrey Ferrell demonstrates how to begin to build a desirable place where the existing urban fabric is less than ideal ("sub-urban"). Case studies taken from a suburban town center and shopping center redevelopment.  

Creating An Effective Hybrid Zoning Code: A Recorded Webinar
Available for on-line viewing 

Daniel Parolek shows how to create a zoning code/form-based code that has form-based and use-based standards side by side, thus creating an effective hybrid code and not a compromised hybrid FBC. He discusses lessons learned from recent citywide and countywide form-based code projects.

Coding Corridors: Opportunities and Challenges: A Recorded Webinar
Available for on-line viewing

Corridors are carriers of life in a region, passageways serving as edges and connectors. Kaizer Rangwala discusses the particular challenges of planning for corridors, man-made and natural. From a theoretical framework, he moves to trends and various contemporary visions for corridors, considering the critical role of form-based codes to engage communities in planning.