{"id":12194,"date":"2017-09-14T12:50:00","date_gmt":"2017-09-14T12:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dmampo.org\/?page_id=12194"},"modified":"2023-05-18T18:48:25","modified_gmt":"2023-05-18T18:48:25","slug":"speaker-brandon-palanker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dmampo.org\/speaker-brandon-palanker\/","title":{"rendered":"Speaker Brandon Palanker"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Speaker: Form-based zoning is quicker for developers, better for communities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Developing properties is quicker, more predictable, and often more profitable for developers in cities with form-based zoning codes \u2013 which the City of Des Moines is looking to adopt by year\u2019s end. Not to mention, form-based zoning results in projects with better economics and social outcomes, ensuring support from local residents, businesses, and public officials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So said Brandon Palanker, a master developer of walkable urban and suburban downtowns, during his talk September 27 as part of The Tomorrow Plan Speaker Series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cForm-based codes are the best mechanism to align market forces with the wants and needs of the community,\u201d Palanker says. \u201cThey provide a transparent and replicable process that simplifies development \u2013 and they create vibrant, walkable neighborhoods that people love.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Presentation<\/h4>\n\n\n

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The two largest cities in Iowa \u2013 Des Moines and Cedar Rapids \u2013 are both in the process of adopting form-based codes, replacing decades-old, use-based codes. What\u2019s the difference? According to the Form-Based Codes Institute:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cConventional zoning, or Euclidian zoning, seeks to separate uses in structures; for example keeping factories away from residences. Little attention is paid to the public realm \u2013 streets, sidewalks, open spaces \u2013 or to the form of the buildings and blocks. This approach often leads sprawl, loss of identity, reduced walkability and segregation of different populations. Planners and community decision makers in search of ways to improve walkability, retain community character and preserve important open spaces turned to form-based codes as a way to reform their zoning. \u2026 Form-based codes have grown in recognition as a way to create a regulatory framework for communities that that are walkable, unifying, and vibrant.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Palanker will be joined on stage by planner Leslie Oberholtzer and architect and planner Geoffrey Ferrell.  Oberholtzer is a principal and Director of Planning at Chicago-based CodaMetrics, the firm hired to rewrite Des Moines\u2019 zoning code. Ferrell is a principal at Washington D.C.-based Ferrell Madden, the firm hired to rewrite Cedar Rapids\u2019 zoning code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Tomorrow Plan Speaker Series is an implementation Strategy of The Tomorrow Plan, a forward-thinking plan for the sustainable development of Greater Des Moines. The form-based codes drafted for Des Moines would support the goals and strategies of The Tomorrow Plan, notably the \u201cNodes and Corridors Initiative,\u201d which recommends higher concentrations of development on key transportation corridors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Short Take (3:20 minutes)<\/h5>\n\n\n