Murray City is working to switch to form-based code instead of traditional land use zoning regulations. 

What is form-based code? 

A form-based code is a way to regulate land development. It’s organized around specific physical forms. Form-based codes are designed to create physical forms that support a neighborhood’s goal to become a thriving and attractive center. 

“The fundamental of a form-based code is it’s a different way to regulate development in a city,” said Mark Morris, founder of VODA Landscape and Planning, whose company is working with Murray City to make the change. “They’re really designed to focus on the physical form of the neighborhood as opposed to
the use.” 

Morris said discussions about use in cities is common: Is it residential? Is it commercial? Is it industrial? 

“Form-based code really takes use and puts that in the back seat,” he said. “The thing that is really driving the discussion is the form of the development.” 

The changes are incremental and will most likely take years to realize are happening and are part of the modern shift in land development patterns. The code does not tell us when those changes will happen, but it will guide future changes so they will collectively contribute to the desired overall form of the neighborhood. 

Murray’s current code, traditional land use zoning regulations, often result in detached and unpredictable development patterns. 

“A use-based approach, it’s a lot more challenging to get outcomes that cities and communities really like,” Morris said. 

A form-based code addresses the specific goals for a neighborhood and coordinates future changes to provide the type of center that benefits local residents, property and business owners, and the city itself. 

How does it benefit current and future property owners? 

Form-based code gives property owners more flexibility by permitting more diverse use and forms. 

Currently, cities have to control use very strictly. Giving more flexibility to property owners while providing more guidance on how development looks is the “core” of form-based code. When switching to a form-based code, many properties may become nonconforming. This means the property was approved when Murray City was using traditional zoning regulations, but would no longer be allowed by form-based code zoning. 

“This would have no impact on them unless they are trying to add on or change what’s going on in their property in a significant way,” Morris said. 

How is form-based code created? 

Form-based code is developed with the city leaders and planning staff, the local development and business community, and planning consultants. City leaders will include the public to voice their opinions and concerns through public hearings, surveys, social media, blogs, interviews and mailers. The code is then based on the goals presented in the City’s
General Plan.

“We’re pulling goals and objectives from existing planning documents, so this is not a visioning process,” Morris said. 

He said the code is based on what’s already in the books for the city and how to
implement them. 

Many cities in Utah already use form-based code, including Salt Lake City, Farmington, South Ogden, South Salt Lake, Midvale and Cottonwood Heights. Within these cities, it’s been proven to provide better and more consistent results for communities. Form-based code has been around for approximately 25 years and more cities within Utah are picking it up. λ