Form-based code adopted by Kingston, New York
In August 2023, the city of Kingston fully repealed their zoning-based planning scheme and replaced it with a full form-based code instead.
The wonder of form-based code systems is that they focus on the facades of buildings and the relationship of a building to public space, rather than the type of land use going on behind.
Also part of the comprehensive update to the Kingston planning scheme was also:
ending minimum parking requirements
making dual occupancies permitted city-wide
making 'missing middle' housing permitted city-wide
making many types of mixed-use development permitted, including corner stores and neighbourhood businesses.
streamlining development approvals through a new minor site plan review process
Kingston proves local government can seek to be a model for comprehensive change and progress. Particularly, as many of the reforms achieved in Kingston are now on the reform agenda here in Australia.
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