The intent of the form-based districts is to implement the urban core, urban center, and urban corridor placetypes of the Comprehensive Plan. The intent of the requirements for the form-based districts are as follows:

1. Regulations on buildings equitably balance the rights of individual property owners and the interests of the community as a whole.
2. Infrastructure, landscape, and buildings shape the public realm, the spatial definition of which can be understood as a continuum from weak to strong.
3. Form-based Districts organize the individual characteristics of infrastructure, landscape, and buildings into distinct physical environments, with the overall character of each differing from one another.
4. Distinct physical environments provide a choice in living arrangement for citizens with differing physical, social, and emotional needs.
5. Mixed-Uses within Form-based Districts and individual buildings provides access to daily needs within close proximity to dwellings so that residents may choose to work, recreate, and shop within walking distance of their home.

This form-based code regulates uses that are carefully chosen to maximize compatibility between uses and the intended physical form of the zone. The organizing principle for the form-based code is based on a hierarchy of places from the most rural to the most urban. The designation of each zone along this hierarchy or “Transect” is determined first by the character and form, intensity of development, and type of place, and secondarily by the mix of uses within the area. Form-based districts are used to reinforce existing or to create new walkable mixed-use urban environments.

The model transect for American towns is divided into six (6) transect zones or form-based zones: Natural (T1), Rural (T2), Sub-Urban (T3), General Urban (T4), Urban Center (T5), and Urban Core (T6). Each T-zone is given a number: higher numbers designate progressively more urban zones, and lower numbers designate more rural zones. Currently, the Starkville Transects include T4-T5 zones.

1. T-4 Form-based District consists of moderately settled lands, is primarily residential in character, but permits an appropriate level of mixed-use. Moderate setbacks and lot coverage by buildings creates an increased sense of spatial definition
2. T-5U- University Form-based District consists of heavily settled lands and is primarily mixed-use in character. Shallow setbacks, moderate to high lot coverage, and multi-level buildings that are proportionally scaled creating strong spatial definition of outdoor spaces.
3. T-5C- Corridor Form-based District consists of heavily settled lands and is primarily commercial or mixed-use in character. Shallow setbacks, moderate to high lot coverage, and multi-level buildings that are proportionally scaled creating strong spatial definition of outdoor spaces.
4. T-5D- Downtown Form-based District consists of heavily settled lands and is primarily commercial or mixed-use in character. Shallow or no front setbacks, high lot coverage, and multi-level buildings that are proportionally scaled creating strong spatial definition of outdoor spaces.

All development projects within the form-based districts will be required to provide for the improvement of their Public Frontage, which is the area between the face of the curb and the back of the sidewalk. Minimum front setback requirements along important urban streets, as shown on the additional setback type map, shall be increased to provide appropriate space to accommodate pedestrian traffic, street furniture, and street trees. The additional setback area shall consist of an unobstructed pedestrian zone and a street furniture and landscape zone as illustrated in Section 5.3.4. This requirement is intended to provide sufficient space for a high-quality public realm by regulating the width between building face and face of curb.

Requirements for the public frontage shall be separated into three (3) categories based on the street or section of the street as illustrated on the additional setback type map (Fig 5.3-1). Regardless of minimum setback requirements for the specific zoning, the additional setback requirements shall take precedent. The public realm shall be paved with the exception of planting space for street trees.

1. Type I
   This category shall be located on primary urban streets that are primarily commercial and mixed-use developments. Type I additional setbacks shall be a minimum of twelve (12) feet from the face of curb. The minimum unobstructed pedestrian zone shall be eight (8) feet.
2. Type II
   This category shall be located on secondary urban streets that consist of commercial, mixed-use, and residential developments. Type II additional setbacks shall be a minimum of ten (10) feet from the face of curb. The minimum unobstructed pedestrian zone shall be six (6) feet.
3. Type III
   This category shall be located on secondary and neighborhood streets that primarily consist of residential developments. Type III additional setbacks shall be eight (8) feet from the face of the curb. The minimum unobstructed pedestrian zone shall be five (5) feet.

The area between the face of the curb and the back of the sidewalk (Fig. 5.3-2 & Fig 5.3.3).

Fig. 5.3-2

Fig. 5.3-3