Arlington residents and stakeholders have an upcoming opportunity to leave their imprint on the cityscape. As the City gears up to redefine its zoning code, it's inviting community members to participate in a hands-on, three-day Form-Based Code (FBC) Charrette at the Downtown Arlington Library from March 6 through March 8.
The charrette is an integral part of the development of the new FBC, which will steer the physical transformation of downtown areas. The collaborative workshop is designed to bring together various stakeholders, from planners and architects to regular citizens, offering them a platform to influence the future layout of their city directly. The new Form-Based Code will focus on buildings' physical structure and relationship with public spaces and streets—a departure from traditional zoning primarily concerning land use regulation. According to the City of Arlington press release, the goal is to facilitate pedestrian-friendly environments, superior urban design, and versatile land use.
This type of code has already been adopted with positive outcomes in various cities, leading to sustained economic growth, more integrated streetscapes, and a bolstered sense of community. The City of Arlington echoes this proactive approach, inviting engagement and input from all interested parties.
