A form-based code (FBC) is a way to regulate land development. It replaces traditional land use zoning regulations with a code that is organized around specific physical forms. Defining the characteristics of the form for public spaces, buildings, and landscaping provides predictable development results. 

 FBCs are designed to create physical forms that support a neighborhood's goal to become a thriving and attractive center. This requires physical forms that increase walkability and connectivity, bring more customers to local businesses, attract more businesses, increase housing options, and create useful public spaces. This means that may of the current physical forms will change over time. 

These incremental changes will take years to realize and are part of the modern shift in land development patterns. The FBC does not prescribe when these changes will occur, rather it guides future changes so they will collectively contribute to the desired overall form of the neighborhood, over time. 

Form-based codes originated out of Florida in the 1990s, with the advent of Seaside, Florida. Since then, they've been used in hundreds of places across the country, including these Utah communities:

• Bountiful City (Since 2016) 
• Clearfield City (Since 2018)
• Farmington City (Since 2008)
• Midvale City (Since 2019)
• Millcreek City (Since 2019)
• North Ogden City (Since 2018) 
• Salt Lake City (Since 2006)
• South Ogden City (Since 2016)
• South Salt Lake City (Since 2016)

The form-based code is not proposed city-wide. It applies to properties along the Fort Union Boulevard corridor, focusing on the Union Park area, Highland Drive area, and 2300 East area. 

The form-based code doesn't regulate single-family residential neighborhoods in Cottonwood Heights. 

This image shows the form-based code boundary, with the three focus areas of Union Park, Highland Drive, and 2300 East. 

• Allows for a variety of uses, providing more flexibility for property owners, while resulting in development patterns that are more in line with the city's goals
• Leaves existing uses and buildings unchanged-- only applies with redevelopment
• Focuses development in a way that supports local business, public space, and community identity