| Element | Description |
| Regulating Plan | A plan or map of the regulated area designating the locations where different building form standards apply, based on clear community intentions regarding the physical characteristics of the area being coded. |
| Building Form Standards | Regulations controlling the configuration, features, and functions of buildings that define and shape the public realm. |
| Public Space/Street Standards | Specifications for the elements within the public realm (e.g., sidewalks, travel lanes, street trees, street furniture, etc.). |
| Administration | A clearly defined application and project review process. |
| Definitions | A glossary to ensure the precise use of technical terms. |
| Other Optional Elements | |
| Architectural Standards | Regulations controlling external architectural materials and quality. |
| Landscaping Standards | Regulations controlling landscape design and plant materials on private property as they impact public spaces (e.g. regulations about parking lot screening and shading, maintaining sightlines, ensuring unobstructed pedestrian movements, etc.). |
| Signage Standards | Regulations controlling allowable signage sizes, materials, illumination, and placement. |
| Environmental Resource Standards | Regulations controlling issues such as stormwater drainage and infiltration, development on slopes, tree protection, solar access, etc. |
| Annotation | Text and illustrations explaining the intentions of specific code provisions. |