Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Urban Fabric • Green Infrastructure • Right-of-Way

Form-Based Code

Term from Urban Planning industry explained for recruiters

Form-Based Code is a modern approach to city planning and development rules. Unlike traditional zoning that separates different uses (like keeping homes away from shops), Form-Based Code focuses on how buildings look and relate to the street and each other. It's like a recipe book for creating walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods that blend homes, shops, and offices together naturally. Planners and developers use it to create more people-friendly spaces that feel like traditional town centers rather than spread-out suburban areas. Similar approaches include Smart Code and Traditional Neighborhood Development guidelines.

Examples in Resumes

Developed Form-Based Code guidelines for downtown revitalization project

Led community workshops to implement new Form-Based Code standards

Updated zoning regulations to incorporate Form-Based Code principles

Created design standards using Form-Based Codes for mixed-use development

Typical job title: "Urban Planners"

Also try searching for:

Urban Designer City Planner Town Planner Zoning Administrator Planning Consultant Community Development Director Urban Planning Specialist

Where to Find Urban Planners

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle resistance from developers or community members when implementing Form-Based Code?

Expected Answer: Should discuss experience with stakeholder engagement, ability to explain benefits clearly, show examples of successful implementations, and demonstrate knowledge of addressing common concerns about development flexibility and market demands.

Q: How do you ensure Form-Based Code supports both good design and economic feasibility?

Expected Answer: Should explain how to balance aesthetic requirements with market realities, demonstrate understanding of development economics, and discuss methods for creating flexible standards that achieve design goals while remaining practical.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the key components of a Form-Based Code document?

Expected Answer: Should mention regulating plans, building form standards, street standards, use regulations, and architectural standards, with ability to explain each in simple terms.

Q: How does Form-Based Code differ from traditional zoning?

Expected Answer: Should explain the focus on physical form over land use separation, discuss how it creates predictable building relationships, and describe benefits for creating walkable neighborhoods.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the main purpose of Form-Based Code?

Expected Answer: Should explain that it's a way to shape development to create walkable, mixed-use places by focusing on how buildings look and relate to streets and each other, rather than just separating different uses.

Q: What types of illustrations or graphics are typically included in Form-Based Code?

Expected Answer: Should describe basic elements like street sections, building height diagrams, frontage types, and explain why visual tools are important for communicating standards.