As an older urban neighborhood, Seminole Heights residents and business have struggled to acheive redevelopment of our commercial corridors. Neighbors turn out at city hall for any development that moves the area in the direction that so many want to see happen. That quest to reshape zoning codes to fit our urban reality might within reach as the city of Tampa tests out a new type of zoning model. Labelled, it is form-based code, that relies on neighborhood input for decision making. Starting in 2008, the city of Tampa will hold a series of meetings in Seminole Heights, asking, "What do you want your community to look like," according to Cynthia Miller, director of growth management and development services.
Zoning and codes are the most boring of topics but trying to co-exist with an outdated zoing format can be really discouraging if not down right depressing. Here in Seminole heights we love our neighborhood but you won't find too many who love the commerial environment...even among the business owners who live here.
This new approach could lead to the transformation, if it leads city officials and city council members to see the potential that we know is here. What constitutes "form based zoning" is not easy to grasp so I have included a link for any would be policy wonks wandering my blog. (I should mention this does really bore me but then again one of my graduate degrees is in Public Administration with a concentration policy and planning).
According to the Form Based Codes Institute:
"Form-based codes commonly include the following elements:
Regulating Plan. A plan or map of the regulated area designating the locations where different building form standards apply, based on clear community intentions regarding the physical character of the area being coded.
Building Form Standards. Regulations controlling the configuration, features, and functions of buildings that define and shape the public realm.
Public Space/Street Standards. Specifications for the elements within the public realm (e.g., sidewalks, travel lanes, street trees, street furniture, etc.).
Administration. A clearly defined application and project review process.
Form-based codes also sometimes include:
Architectural Standards. Regulations controlling external architectural materials and quality.
Annotation. Text and illustrations explaining the intentions of specific code provisions."
Other links:
Sacramento Chapter of the American Planning Association article
For more information about historic Seminole Heights area homes, please visit www.atHomeintheHeights.com From your Seminole Heights Neighborhood Specialist
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