Adopted Form Base Code

An Alternative to Shaping Development
Sarasota County created a new path for development regulation at its urban crossroads called a form based code. Citizens will have direct input to the design of projects using this code, and that agreed upon design will be incorporated into a plan specific to that site.

The code is uniquely designed for Sarasota County and addresses the connection of:

• buildings and pedestrians to the public realm,
• the form and mass of buildings in relation to one another,
• the scale and network of streets and blocks.

Past Workshops and Public Hearings on Form-Based Codes
Public Hearing: Aug. 28
Video of April 23 Workshop  
Planning Commission, May 10
Workshop, May 25

	Sept. 15, 2006 Form-based code overview video
	Adopted Form Base Code
	August 28  Public Hearing Draft
	July 10  Public Hearing Draft
	April 5  Draft of Form-based Code
	Frequently Asked Questions

Developments Eligible for Rezoning
Proposals for mixed-use development in unincorporated Sarasota County could be eligible for rezoning to planned mixed-use infill if they incorporate the principles of traditional neighborhood design, including:

1. A densely interconnected street network, dispersing traffic and providing convenient routes for pedestrians and bicyclists.
2. High-quality public spaces, with all building facades having windows and doors facing tree-lined streets, plazas, squares, and neighborhood parks.
3. Compact development, creating a walkable urban environment and conserving land and energy through reduced automobile usage and advanced techniques such as stormwater infiltration.
4. Diversity not homogeneity, with a variety of building types, street types, open spaces, and land uses providing for people of all ages and every form of mobility.
5. Resilient and sustainable neighborhoods, adaptable over time to improved public transit and to changing economic conditions.

Process for Requesting Rezoning
The new district provides form-based regulations that could be used to seek approval of a development concept plan formulated during a charette-based planning process conducted by Sarasota County or its designee. This planning process is a prerequisite for petitioning for this district.

Applicability
Applicants could request that this district be applied to sites that meet the following criteria:

• Mixed-Use Centers: On land designated on the Future Land Use Map as Neighborhood Center, Village I Center, Village II Center, Community Center, or Regional Center. Land designated as Major Employment Center also qualifies provided the Major Employment Center fronts on an arterial street.
• Redevelopment Corridors: On existing non-residential parcels fronting U.S. Highway 41 from the southern edge of the city of Sarasota to Jacaranda Boulevard; Bee Ridge Road from U.S. Highway 41 to Interstate 75; or Stickney Point Road from U.S. Highway 41 to Swift Road and Clark Road from Swift Road to Interstate 75.