SmartCode

Zoning reform is essential to allow the walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods that residents desire and to create the economically sustainable development cities require. Zoning reform is essential to offer an alternative to sprawl, preserve open lands, and reduce energy use and carbon emissions.

The SmartCode is a unified development ordinance that incorporates the proven Transect-based planning principles of New Urbanism and Smart Growth. As a model ordinance, the SmartCode is written in a concise, flexible template to be calibrated for local conditions and used in towns, cities, regions, and private developments.

The nonprofit Center for Applied Transect Studies provides the SmartCode for free use to encourage zoning reform. It has been implemented in hundreds of cities around the world. Modules on 28 subjects have been created to supplement the base SmartCode. The modules can be found at transect.org.