The form-based code | Towards an evolution of urban planning bylaws in Quebec

The Form-Based Code (FBC) is an innovative regulatory technique that is bringing a breath of fresh air to urban planning regulations in Quebec. This code or bylaw is similar to Quebec’s zoning bylaw, but focuses on urban form, architecture and public spaces rather than uses. This approach was developed in the United States by the urban planning and architecture firm DPZ. The innovation lies in the ability to effectively frame the development of cities in such a way as to generate living environments that are diversified, mixed, convivial, human-scale and pleasant. FBC is therefore an interesting response to the challenges of traditional Quebec zoning.

Zoning by use, as we know it, has changed very little over the last 30 years. Zoning by affinity of function, with associated standards, has endured with each successive reorganization. Yet the discipline of urban planning is far from stagnant. In fact, there has been an in-depth transformation of paradigms that has yet to be fully reflected in regulatory tools.

While the segregation of functions and the creation of monofunctional sectors were desirable in the post-war years, today, in the face of new approaches to sustainable development, we recognize the perverse effect of a separation of compatible, even complementary uses, and the importance of the development of public space, notably through the principles of the Charter for The New Urbanism (Charter for The New Urbanism, Congress for The New Urbanism, 1999).

In addition, traditional regulations have certain limitations and face a number of criticisms. Having often been put in place within a rigid framework with no overall planning vision, it provides very little framework for mixed use, diversity, the development of public spaces or even urban form. Stemming from the New Urbanism current, the Form-Based Code today appears to be a regulatory method that is more sensitive and adapted to contemporary practices. It is therefore an interesting avenue for reducing the gap between current urban planning notions and the state of regulation in Quebec.

Distinction from traditional zoning

FBC differs considerably from conventional zoning. Rather than dividing the territory into zones according to prescribed uses, FBC divides it up according to the concept of transects or development entities. The former is characterized by notions of integration into distinct urban landscapes, while the latter is defined by the distinct character and ambience of an existing area. Whichever method is chosen, the important thing is that the system is based on the specific features of the area and the desired results, not on a separation of uses.

FBC is also a more comprehensive and integrated urban planning tool than simple zoning, as it legislates the design of the public realm, such as the configuration of streets, sidewalks and other public squares.

Application of an FBC

In the United States, many cities have already adopted FBCs as urban planning regulations. Quebec has recently followed suit, with initiatives in Bromont, Lac-Supérieur, Candiac and Hampstead. CBFs can therefore be applied to a wide variety of sectors and contexts, including :

• the whole municipality in the form of an urban planning by-law;
• targeted intervention sectors through a master development plan combined with a PIIA, PAE, PPCMOI or UC;
• a new district in the form of planning and architectural guidelines;
• public space planning, such as an urban design guide;
• an MRC within the schéma d’aménagement;
• or an amalgam of these applications.

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Image: DPZ, 2021