Form-Based Code Coming to Bradenton

There's a new playbook for developers looking for guidance on everything from building heights to which trees to plant in the city of Bradenton.

Form-based code, a new urban planning strategy to replace the city's conventional land-use codes, was adopted by the City Council with a 4-1 vote Wednesday.

The comprehensive plan is meant to ensure that new buildings and remodel work fit in with the surrounding community's "DNA." It provides definitions and photo examples of architectural styles and other guidelines for development.

The code has gone through various drafts following months of discussion and public workshops that sought input from developers, landscapers and the general public.

Still, the latest version of the code had its critics. Adam Buskirk of the city's planning commission said the code's restrictions would prevent a national developer from building in Bradenton.

"There is not room in budgets in the development world for the fluff that this requires," Buskirk said.

Councilman Gene Gallo voted in opposition, noting he had marked at least 16 of his objections in the thick form-based code packet.

"I feel it's way too regulating," Gallo said. "I feel it's invasive. I feel it's intrusive."

Several landscapers and plant specialists have also disagreed over the list of non-native plant species listed in the code and whether they should be considered "prohbited" or "discouraged."

City Planning Director Tim Polk said the latest version of form-based code includes no requirements except for one that calls for public art to be included in projects valued at more than $250,000 and located in designated areas of town.

Mayor Wayne Poston said the new code "provides a sense of place for Bradenton."

View the code online here.