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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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem: The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) rating system is gaining popularity and may become ingrained in municipal regulations as an approach to promote sustainability. What are the strengths and the limitations of the rating system? How might the planning and design of LEED-ND projects contribute to sustainable development and what are the implications for public policy? Purpose: This article examines the extent to which certain planning and design criteria are incorporated in LEED-ND pilot projects. Are there common trends in the planning and design of these projects? What are the policy implications for encouraging sustainable neighborhoods? The article also evaluates the effectiveness with which the rating system contributes to the sustainability of neighborhood-scale projects. Methods: I surveyed LEED-ND registered pilot projects in the United States to examine the extent to which the projects satisfy rating system criteria and used the results of the survey to evaluate the rating system. I also asked developers, designers, and LEED consultants to provide their insights, based on their experience with the certification process of pilot projects. Additionally, I compared projects that expect to achieve LEED-ND gold or higher certification with those that expect to achieve less than LEED-ND gold certification to determine their differences. Results and conclusions: The article shows how the rating system works and reveals which criteria are used most and least in pilot projects. The results also show that projects aiming to achieve LEED-ND gold or platinum certification are more likely to incorporate green construction and technology criteria that improve the efficiency of their use of energy and water, as compared to projects that are trying to be LEED-ND or LEED-ND silver certified. The article concludes with a discussion of the rating system's strengths and limitations and the policy implications of using it. Takeaway for practice: Planners should develop appropriate local approaches for encouraging and promoting sustainable neighborhood development projects, and should consider local conditions as well as the strengths and the limitations of the LEED-ND rating system before making LEED-ND certification required for neighborhood-scale developments in their jurisdictions. LEED-ND certification alone cannot guarantee sustainable neighborhood development. Research support: This research was supported by a research and travel grant from the University of California, Irvine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]