Staff report
Published Sept. 22, 2009

The Charleston Trident Association of Realtors will offer workshops to explore the use of form-based codes, a land development strategy that centers on form rather than use.

Placemakers, a national planning firm that specializes in form-based codes, is coming to Charleston for three days of education and exploration of whether the strategy of form-based codes will help build better communities.

At each free information seminar, Placemakers will explain what form-based codes are, and where they fit in to overall economic development and placemaking efforts.  They will also specifically address how form-based codes relate to issues pertaining to growth management, density, private property rights and preservation of the natural beauty of a region.

“This is an opportunity for stakeholders, community leaders and the public to learn more about form-based codes,” said Ryan Castle, CTAR’s Government Affairs Director.

Three public workshops will be held next week throughout the region:

· 6 p.m. today at Mount Pleasant Town Council Chambers, 100 Ann Edwards Lane.

· 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Charleston County Library, 68 Calhoun Street.

· 6 p.m. on Thursday at Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce, 402 N. Main St., Summerville.