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SmartCode for El Paso Approved
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At the City Council Meeting held recently an Ordinance amending the El Paso City Code by adding Title 21 (SmartCode) was approved. The SmartCode Ordinance was adopted as a parallel code to Title 19 (Subdivisions) and Title 20 (Zoning) of the El Paso Municipal Code.
The purpose of the SmartCode is to provide a form-based, unified land development ordinance that is an optional alternative to conventional zoning and subdivision codes. The SmartCode places an emphasis on scale, form and context rather than land use and is intended to replicate the benefits of early 20th century neighborhoods, promoting more walkable, sustainable development that strives to merge the amenities in the public realm with the activity of the private realm.
Over the last six (6) months and at the direction of the City Council, the City has worked closely with a consultant, PlaceMakers, LLC, to develop a code that highlights site specific use that reflects El Paso’s unique features through a process called “calibration”. As a vital component of the development of the code, a series of public sessions were held throughout the adoption process to elicit comments and participation by various interest groups.
Cities across the country to include Miami, Florida; Leander, Texas and Mobile, Alabama, have adopted the SmartCode to serve as a regulatory mechanism to implement the smart growth general design principles encouraged by a municipality.
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