Problem, research strategy, and findings: Advocates of form-based codes contend that these zoning regulations go beyond conventional zoning regulations in promoting sustainable development. We examine the extent to which form-based codes adopted by California cities differ from conventional zoning regulations in integrating 41 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighborhood Development sustainability criteria (measured by the total number of criteria and the strength of each criterion included in regulations) using a multiple-case study of 26 cities in Southern California. We examine whether and how form-based codes adopted for specific development areas differ from the conventional zoning regulations they replaced and from the current conventional zoning regulations of matched cities. We find considerable variation among cities: Not all form-based codes in our study include more sustainability criteria to a stronger degree than conventional zoning regulations, but a) most form-based codes include more sustainability criteria than the conventional zoning regulations they replaced and those of matched cities, and b) the strongest form-based codes include more sustainability criteria to a stronger degree than the conventional zoning regulations they replaced and those of matched cities. We lack sufficient information to generalize; California, moreover, has many state laws requiring sustainable development. Our findings provide valuable insight for cities considering zoning reform to increase the sustainability of development. Takeaway for practice: Our findings suggest that form-based and conventional zoning regulations can each help cities integrate sustainability criteria into their development regulations. Our research offers positive examples of best practice in zoning reform and highlights missed opportunities for creating more sustainable communities. Cities considering zoning reform can consider these opportunities when reforming their codes to be more supportive of sustainable development.

Problem, research strategy, and findings: Form-based codes (FBCs), by definition, put more emphasis on built-form characteristics than do traditional zoning codes. Several municipalities are adopting FBCs as an alternative to Euclidean (traditional) zoning codes to achieve certain objectives; however, the extent to which these codes differ in integrating important planning and design criteria has not been examined. We use a case-study method and evaluate the extent to which the FBCs adopted by the City of Miami (Miami 21), as compared with the city's previous code (Ordinance 11000), reflects the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) criteria. We evaluate the contents of these codes on a 5-point scale for their concordance with LEED-ND criteria. The results indicate that Miami 21 generally goes beyond Ordinance 11000 in reflecting LEED-ND criteria; however, some of the important criteria, such as mixed-income diverse communities and certified green building, deserve more attention in Miami 21. Takeaway for practice: Planners in municipalities seeking alternatives to their traditional zoning code should not only consider replacing it with an FBC, but also to integrate planning principles that LEED-ND incorporates to strengthen the proposed code. They can benefit from the findings of this study when determining the extent to which certain built-form characteristics and LEED-ND criteria should be emphasized and in choosing an appropriate alternative to traditional zoning codes.

Many municipalities are adopting form-based codes (FBCs) for advancing the sustainability of development and for facilitating sustainable design criteria that are difficult to achieve under conventional zoning codes (CZCs). The City of Denver recently adopted a citywide FBC. A case-study method was used to examine the extent to which Denver’s FBC differs from the CZC in integrating sustainable design criteria included in the LEED-ND rating system. The results indicate that Denver’s FBC addresses most LEED-ND criteria more strongly than does the CZC; however, some criteria deserve more attention. The paper concludes with recommendations for Denver’s FBC and for other municipalities that are considering zoning reform.

Many local governments face the challenge of addressing the shortage of affordable housing. This study examines the effectiveness of incentives and construction alternatives available from Southern California cities and those used by developers to address the need for affordable housing, using a survey research method. The results suggest that while density bonus ranks highest among the incentives available from cities, other incentives—design flexibility, subsidies, and fast-track processing—contribute considerably but were not available from many cities. Because few municipalities can offer subsidies, planners might offer no-cost incentives such as design flexibility and fast-track processing to encourage inclusionary housing.

Several cities have adopted form-based codes (FBCs) for downtown redevelopment. Using a multiple–case study method, this article examines the extent to which FBCs adopted by Southern California cities for downtown redevelopment differ from conventional zoning regulations (CZRs) in integrating LEED-ND criteria, which include sustainable design principles. Results show that FBCs generally integrate LEED-ND criteria to a greater extent than do the CZRs that they replaced; however, there is variation in the extent to which FBCs integrate these criteria. The article points to criteria that deserve more attention in these FBCs and presents recommendations for planners considering FBCs for downtown redevelopment.

Problem: As suburbs have grown, become more racially diverse, and become denser in recent years, the planning and design of suburban development has been fundamentally transformed. Is urban design influencing contemporary suburban form, and does this have implications for public policy? Purpose: This article examines how certain urban design ideas, images, and values, that I call city sense because they previously influenced the planning and design of cities rather than suburbs, are now influencing suburban design. Methods: I surveyed and interviewed senior planners in Southern California suburbs, asking them to compare urban design values and physical design elements in both innovative and typical development and redevelopment projects in their municipalities. Results and conclusions: I find considerable agreement among planners that innovative projects are more likely than typical projects to introduce city sense into suburban design and to have a positive impact on suburban form. The surveyed planners believe that innovative projects contribute most significantly to improving visual quality and sense of place, and least significantly to addressing inequities. Takeaway for practice: Planners' views on innovative projects in Southern California indicate that they use urban design values and physical design elements to address some of the problems of growing metropolitan regions, and these design values and elements have potential to influence suburbs positively. Research support: This research was supported by a grant from the University of California, Irvine, Academic Senate Council on Research, Computing, and Library Resources; a grant from the American Planning Association Urban Design and Preservation Division; and by a faculty fellowship from the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation.