151 modern approach that runs counter to traditional urban and regional planning orthodoxy. “Planners have usually divided land into usage categories—like, this area is for industrial purposes; that one is for single-family homes,” Clinton said. “But over the years, focusing on use hasn’t always supported the historic areas people love and enjoy.” The alternative approach—form-based zoning codes—retains usage categories while adding humanist considerations. Function, to varying degrees, follows form. Form-based codes highlight form and character over use. We create a whole new zoning code that focuses on building types, how structures interact with the street, and how the form and character of buildings fit an area. — Alan Clinton, an administrative planner with the County of Kauai The philosophy is similar to that of the geodesign movement, which advocates close analysis—often using large amounts of data. The goal is to understand and predict how people will experience a built environment and to minimize human impact on the natural world. Not coincidentally, both approaches adopt GIS as a way to gather and process information. Form-based codes can seem baffling to developers accustomed to thinking solely in terms of usage categories. Now, anyone building land—or making changes to an existing structure—covered by the West Kauai Form-Based Code can click on parts of the map to understand which aspects of the document relate to a particular structure or area. Clinton said that his department has been approached by groups interested in form-based codes as a means of restoring and preserving other Kauai towns and settlements. Since many of the original structures are gone, historic photos will form the foundation of the new codes. The planners also intend to make GIS maps a bigger part of the community outreach process. They want to use maps to help locals articulate what they consider essential form and character. “If we were to just dictate usage, it wouldn’t create the kind of developments that communities want,” Clinton said. “Form-based codes take more work on our part, but we’re OK with that.” Smart Planning The West Kauai Community Plan conveys the vision of how local people would like the area to evolve and manage change in the coming years. For the evolution of Kaumakani Village, civic and commercial spaces have been designated by planners, and work has been done to capture the character of the place.
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