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Problem, research strategy, and fi ndings : Advocates of form-based codes contend that these zoning regulations go beyond conventional zoning regulations in promoting sustainable development. We examine the extent to which form-based codes adopted by California cities differ from conventional zoning regulations in integrating 41 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighborhood Development sustainability criteria (measured by the total number of criteria and the strength of each criterion included in regulations) using a multiple-case study of 26 cities in Southern California. We examine whether and how form-based codes adopted for specifi c development areas differ from the conventional zoning regulations they replaced and from the current conventional zoning regulations of matched cities. We find considerable variation among cities: Not all form-based codes in our study include more sustainability criteria to a stronger degree than conventional zoning regulations, but a) most form-based codes include more sustainability criteria than the conventional zoning regulations they replaced and those of matched cities, and b) the strongest form-based codes include more sustainability criteria to a stronger degree than the conventional zoning regulations they replaced and those of matched cities. We lack sufficient information to generalize; California, moreover, has many state laws requiring sustainable development. Our findings provide valuable insight for cities considering zoning reform to increase the sustainability of development. Takeaway for practice : Our findings suggest that form-based and conventional zoning regulations can each help cities integrate sustainability criteria into their development regulations. Our research offers positive examples of best practice in zoning reform and highlights missed opportunities for creating more sustainable communities. Cities considering zoning reform can consider these opportunities when reforming their codes to be more supportive of sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the diffusion of sustainable planning and design concepts into neighbourhood development projects, based on findings of a survey of planners in all 180 cities of five Southern California counties. Sustainable neighbourhood development has particular significance in Southern California owing to the regions's rapid growth. We compare 'typical' and 'innovative' neighbourhood developments to determine whether sustainable planning and design concepts are being incorporated in these projects. Although planners agree that 'innovative' projects are more likely than 'typical' projects to incorporate sustainable planning and design concepts, sustainability is not a high priority even in innovative neighbourhood projects. Our respondents identified significant barriers to and limited opportunities for encouraging sustainable neighbourhood development. These trends in planning and design appear likely to continue unless strong policy and other mechanisms are adopted to encourage sustainable neighbourhood development. The paper concludes with recommendations to promote more sustainable neighbourhood development. [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]