As mentioned below, I'm in Austin for the SmartCode Workshop. One of the Code's primary authors is here to present parts of it: Andrés Duany of DPZ, Miami. I've mentioned Andrés before.

More important than my being here, Garland's Senior Managing Director Neil Montgomery, Senior Comprehensive Planner Daniel Krzyzanowski, and Development Planner Chasidy Allen are here. I'm very proud that our staff is keeping abreast other Texas communities that are looking for ways to improve how we plan.

There are over 150 people here (it's sold out)—89 are from Texas. Others are from all corners of the country and at least one person from Canada.

Leander, Texas, is a sponsor and has the most people here. Leander was the first Texas city to adopt the SmartCode in September, 2005. They feel their efforts will generate almost $1 billion extra for their tax base.

One of the most interesting aspects has been the suggestion that cities adapt the SmartCode but also leave their current conventional zoning in place, allowing applicants to choose which route they wish to use. I haven't figured out how to do that in many situations but that's why I'm here. I also need to understand how the Code can be applied to existing development. We've been assured it can be done so I look forward to tomorrow's session. Saturday will focus on two different paths. One will be how to calibrate the Code to a specific community.

I'm sure it must sound as boring as watching grass grow but the promise of healthier neighborhoods and cities does get my attention.

Consider Paris, because that's the example Andrés started with. In 1850 it was a scattered collection of villages that had horrible water, so bad they drank wine instead. (Seriously.) Napolean directed that a plan be devised to create a city that would compete with the finest in Europe. A code was written that was equivalent to our zoning code. It specified that buildings be extended to the front property line and that they be constructed of stone quarried from the site. The immediate effect was better fire protection and basements. Buildings had to be 1.5 times higher than the street width and they had to have balconies at a specific height. If you've been to Paris (which I haven't), you should recognize these standards. Overall, it seems that Paris turned out okay.

I don't imagine we'll get Paris by adopting the SmartCode but it does give us a tremdous opportunity to develop a unique city that is more urban and more true to how we are. It would allow us to offer a wider variety of living environments for our citizens.