SmartCode is considered a "form-based code" because it strongly addresses the physical form of building and development. Conventional zoning codes are based primarily on use and density and have caused systemic problems over the past sixty years by separating uses, making mixed-use and walkable neighborhoods essentially illegal.

The SmartCode Workshop of August 2006 was developed to offer information to local leaders, town planners, and planning commission members about this new code in hopes communities could plan for and accept the population increases that are coming.

The morning session was designed to give elected officials and planning staffs a short course in "SmartCode 101." Attendees learned how other communities have begun to implement SmartCode and were able to share their thoughts on the floating overlay district concept.

Nathan Norris, the first presenter, said that the SmartCode is a way to implement the principals of "new Urbanism" which is actually the old way of doing things. Norris explained, "It's a way to plan growth without a town losing it's identity in a sea of subdivisions."

The afternoon session gave planning staffs a chance to ask in-depth questions that will help them develop a staff recommendation on the potential use of SmartCode. Chad Emerson, Law Professor at the Jones School of Law in Montgomery, Alabama facilitated the afternoon session giving the participants more "how to" information and demonstrating the benefits of SmartCode.

There were 30 participants and representatives from all the cities in Baldwin County and the County officials were present. An evaluation was emailed to all the participants to understand how they felt about the information. The responses were positive, especially with regard to using SmartCode as an overlay in certain parts of the cities. Several towns are planning to research the feasibility of using SmartCode to build their town centers.

Spanish Fort is a young city that is experiencing growing pains. It has no defined town center and nowhere for the public to congregate for events and celebrations.

After the SmartCode Workshop in August 2006, the mayor requested a work session with Chad Emerson, law professor at the Jones School of Law in Montgomery, Alabama to find a way to use the SmartCode to create a vibrant town center. Smart Coast coordinated the sessions and facilitated the dialogue with the council members, mayor, and staff of Spanish Fort.

It was recommended that an RFP be put out for the design of the town center. Once the town was designed and adopted by the council then the SmartCode would be drafted to create the town.

Spanish Fort Planning Commission has recommended the Placemakers firm to do the design. Smart Coast will continue to work with the city leaders and the consultant as this new town center is created. It will be the first in the coastal region of Alabama designed as a Smart Urban Center.

To learn more about SmartCode visit the Placemakers Web site.