| Conventional Zoning Codes | Form-Based Codes |
| Use is primary | Physical form and character are primary |
| Segregated land-use | Mixed use |
| Auto-oriented | Walkable and compact development-oriented |
| Organized around single-zones | Reinforce an urban hierarchy (e.g., rural-to-urban transect) |
| Reactive to individual development | Proactive community visioning |
| Regulates to create buildings | Regulates to create places |
| Proscriptive regulations: Regulate what is not permitted | Prescriptive regulations: Describe what is required |