A code for what? ...how smart is it?
SmartCode is actually a model form-based unified land development ordinance.
What? I got land development, but what is form-based? ...and what's an ordinance? ...and why is it a model? ...did you say 'unified'?
It is designed to create walkable neighborhoods from the most rural to the most urban. This type of development is economically sustainable and attractive. It puts more of an emphasis on "form" of development and less on "use".
Conventional codes contributed to strip malls, big box stores with enormous parking lots, fast food restaurants and signage/billboards that could be seen a mile away. Downtowns became deserted. Children did not feel safe walking or cycling and the elderly became dependent on others for daily needs. All of these combined created SPRAWL!
Smart Growth is an alternative to urban sprawl. New codes are necessary to allow for land conservation and to return to the more traditional patterns. This is best done by implementing the SmartCode.
Technical Descriptions for SmartCode:
Ordinance - An ordinance is an autoritative rule that allows the city/county to enforce the approved regulation.
Model Code - The model code is freeware and meant to be customized by planners, architects and attorneys.
Form Based - Form Based zoning has been developed to overcome the problems of sprawl created by use based codes. The emphasis will now be on controlling the urban form instead of controlling land uses. It envisions and encourages a particular physical outcome. While the physical appearance may not change, there can be many diverse uses.
Unified Land Development Regulation - SmartCode can include zoning, subdivision regulations, urban design, signage, landscaping, and basic architectural standards.
Walkable Neighborhoods - Towns and cities should be structured as a series of walkable neighborhoods. This requires a mix of land uses including residential, office and retail. Public spaces should reflect "outdoor" rooms. Pedestrian-oriented transportation design should also be addressed.
Rural-Urban Transect - SmartCode zones create habitats from very rural to very urban. The zoning categories offer a full diversity of building types, thoroughfare types, and civic spaces. Each has the applicable characteristics for its location.
Ridgeland in Jasper County was the first in SC and one of the first few cities in the country to adopt SmartCode as their governing code. Their SmartCode zoning ordinance can be viewed at the following website:
www.ridgelandsc.gov/...FinalRidgelandSmartCodeZoningOrdinance.20100318.pdf.
Is downtown Florence a candidate for SmartCode?
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