Form-Based Code

East Frederick Form-Based Code draft is available for public review. Please read carefully the "How to Use Guide" before start reading the code.

FBC-EF How to Use Guide

• EF-1 - Introduction; Definitions
• EF-2 - Regulating Plan
• EF-3 - Building Form Standards
• EF-4 - Architectural Standards
• EF-5 - Public Realm
• EF-6 - Parking
• EF-7 - Functions
• EF-8 - Administration
• EF Regulating Plan April

Download the Entire Document

The Division of Planning is holding four (4) public workshop meetings at The City Hall boardroom (101 N Court Street), to present the first draft of the East Street Form-Based Code and to discuss different aspects of the Code, and to get feedback from the community. The dates and subjects being discussed on each workshop are as follows:

June 6th, 2023: Workshop#1 (7:00pm-8:30pm)

Overview: 1. Introduction, 2. Regulating Plan. What Kind of Place will the FBC Foster?
5. Public Realm. The Street-Spaces specified for the East Frederick FBC. 

June 26th, 2023: Workshop#2 (7:00pm-8:30pm)

4. Architectural Standards. Parameters for Architectural Materials & Configurations.

July 11th, 2023: Workshop#3 (7:00pm-8:30pm)

3. Building Form Standards. Rules for Building Form & Function in 3 Dimensions.
7. Functions. Allowed uses and vertical zoning.

July 24th, 2023: Workshop#4 (7:00pm-8:30pm)

6. Parking & Loading. 
8. Administration. the Process.

This is the opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions about the first draft of the Form-Based Code. Once the public comment meetings have finished, this will be taken up by the Planning Commission and the Mayor and Board of Alderman.

Watch Form Based Code for The City of Frederick

Watch recordings of the Work in Progress Meeting and download the East Frederick Vision Plan here.

What is Form-Based Code?

Form-Based Code (FBC) is a zoning regulation that guides how developments and buildings relate to the public realm first, and only secondarily to what uses occur inside them. Its purpose is to design a particular type of place or built environment based on the community’s vision.

FBCs are written to regulate development so that it deliberately generates a specific urban form, including the public realm. The purpose is to integrate subdivision and zoning regulations and right of way standards (roads, sidewalks, landscaping) and rules for parks and other open spaces such as plazas and squares. Intentionally defining the relationship between private development and the streetscape in order to create an inviting and comfortable public space, including streets, sidewalks, plazas, squares, and anywhere else the public gathers outdoors.

• More information on Form-Based Codes
• Form-Based Code FAQs

Objectives

• Promote high-quality structures, streetscape, urban design public realm within an urban context.
• Encourage all development types for a unified and attractive environment. This Code is intended to provide requirements and guidance, mainly in graphic form, in accordance and to implement the vision of the community. 
• Create an identifiable neighborhood/ corridor environment and provide customer experience opportunities for existing and new nonresidential users. 
• Support public infrastructure upgrade, extension, and beautification opportunities. 
• Build upon established anchor uses and areas. 
• Promote differentiated and unique ideas that can provide a sense of place and destination while encouraging new and expanded development in the corridor. 
• Continue to support citizen-based initiatives to improve the east side of Frederick and create opportunities for citizen representation in the area.

Project Approach

Task 1:          Introduction to the Form-Based Code
Task 2:          Initial Review + Analysis
Task 3:          Public Design Process
Task 4:          Drafting the Form-Based Code
Task 5:          Refining the Form-Based Code
Task 6:          Approval Process

Public Participation

All residents are encouraged to participate during the entire process by attending the public meetings, leaving comments on the interactive mapping tool, filling out the surveys, regularly checking out the project webpage, and by contacting the Division of Planning.

In addition to the surveys and maps, City staff will be presenting the efforts to the NACs and stakeholder groups beginning in May 2022. Comments and feedbacks during the Planning Commission and Mayor and Board of Aldermen workshops and public hearings are strongly encouraged.

External FBC Related Articles

Articles about Developments in the FBC District

Meeting Information

To stay involved in this process and join our email list for future updates, email Arash Ghahramani