| Traditional Zoning Regulation | Form-Based Codes |
| Based on the segregation of uses | Based on the compatibility of uses |
| Often encourages excessive land consumption and automobile dependency | Encourages a mix of land uses, often reducing the need to travel extensively as part of one’s daily routine |
| Proscriptive regulations: Regulate what is not permitted | Prescriptive regulations: Describe what is required |
| Ends up focusing on what uses are not allowed, rather than encouraging what the community requires | Focuses on what the community requires |
| Preparation process includes minimal public participation | Community input, public participation, interaction an integral part of the process |
| Presented in the form of text, numbers, and tables; lacks ease in comprehensibility. Also making it easier to flout, difficult to monitor and enforce | In addition, also illustrates graphically (maps, sketches, etc.) making it clearer, easier to decipher. Easier to enforce, identify non conformity |
| Different departments for review and sanction of development proposals | Special dedicated body to guide applicants, interpret, review, approve and monitor development proposals |
| Current Zoning/Development Control Regulations | Form-Based Codes |
| Traditional codes focus on land use segregation | A form-based code focuses on how development relates to the context of the surrounding community |