Form Based Code Related to Station Avenue
Form-based codes address the relationship between building facades
and the public realm, (e.g. sidewalks, streets and plazas), the form and
mass of buildings in relation to one another, and the scale and types
of streets and blocks. Rohnert Park has established the Form Based Code
for Station Avenue and the greater downtown area. Reasons why the City
is pursuing a form-based code for downtown include:

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A form-based code is the best vehicle for securing
consensus on the “look” of the future downtown area and ensuring that
developers have clear guidance for implementing the City’s vision
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Developing the form-based code independent of a specific
development project is the ideal way to ensure that the City’s vision is
the primary driver for the code.
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Developing the form-based code provides an engaging,
high-profile introduction to community vision setting and planning,
which will help kick-start the update of the City’s General Plan.
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Implementing a form-based code is the City’s best tool to
ensure it can control development within the downtown in a manner that
is consistent with its vision.
The Rohnert Park City Council approved a contract with Opticos
Design, Inc. in August 2017 to help develop a Form-Based Code for
Rohnert Park’s emerging downtown. The process was centered on an
intensive design charrette that took place over the course of a week in
Rohnert Park and was open to the public. The charrette utilized maps,
visualizations, and a physical model of the downtown area to solicit
input, refine proposals, and present final recommendations. The open and
public nature of the charrette allowed for input by the community,
property owners, council members, planning commissioners and staff. Upon
completion of the charrette, the team distilled the results into code
language, including appropriate visual guides, suitable for adoption
into the Municipal Code.
Downtown Design Charrette Results

Over four days in Fall
2017, stakeholders, property owners, the community, and officials came
together to refine the PDA's version for downtown Rohnert Park and lay
the groundwork for the Form-Based Code. The centerpiece of the charrette
was a large 3-D printed model which allowed the consultants and the
community to try out new ideas for the configuration of the downtown
area.
