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New Urbanist Codes <br />address uses. <br />Prescription. New urbanist codes are intended to be prescriptive. <br />However, prescription can be a double-edged sword. Too much <br />prescription may lead to an infringement an property rights. Too little <br />prescription creates the "vagueness trap," according to Sitko~vski. The <br />vagueness trap occurs when regulations are not specific enough and <br />lead to arbitrary decision making. <br />Delegation. How is the form-based code going to be implemented <br />accurately and fairly? In order to avoid the vagueness trap, Sitkowski <br />suggests hiring a town architect. The town architect is an urban <br />designer familiar with new urbanism and is responsible for ensuring <br />the correct implementation of the form-based code. <br />Page 2 of 2 <br />Final speaker Christopher Duerksan compared the farm-based code to traditional <br />Euclidean zoning and the re-emerging unified development code. Traditional <br />Euclidean zoning is proscriptive in that it regulates what you cannot do in a certain <br />area. Uses are separated, rigid dimensional standards are in place and there are <br />limited development standards. Traditional zoning, although not always user- <br />friendiy, is easy to understand because the regulations are predictable. <br />The form-based code, including the Duany-developed Smart Cade model, is <br />prescriptive. These codes feature reduced dimensional standards, use the transect <br />instead of zoning districts, and rely heavily on tables and illustrations. Duerksan <br />feels this type of code is not comprehensive, too staff intensive, not user-friendly <br />and has a weak process. <br />The modern unified development code, on the other hand, consolidates procedures, <br />is based on the comprehensive plan, simplifies zoning districts and is well illustrated. <br />This type of code is time-consuming to develop and is considered by some to be <br />reactive in nature. However, the modern UDC is user firiendly and offers <br />predictability with some flexibility. The bottom-line for Duerkson is to be wary of <br />model codes such as the Smart Code. Instead, focus on creating a hybrid of the <br />form-based code and the unified development code. <br />Due to the large session attendance and limited timeframe, the speakers were able <br />to entertain only a few questions from the audience. Audience members were asked <br />to submit questions to the moderator, who will compile answers and post the <br />responses an the APA ~a~ebsite soon. <br />C~Copyright 2004 APA All Rights Reserved <br />2/3/2005 <br />