Alexis Crespo, Vice President of Planning in RVi’s Bonita Springs, Florida office, has 20 years of planning experience for both private and public sector projects. She oversees the planning for RVi’s six Florida offices. Her expertise includes planning and zoning actions, expert witness testimony and analysis for litigation matters, and assisting local governments with crafting land development code and comprehensive plans. In this article, Alexis shares the importance of well-written land development codes for enhancing communities, and details how to produce effective codes by understanding the synergy of design, regulation, and stakeholder relationships.
When I first began working with land development codes, the updates were relatively minor. Those early code updates during the “Great Recession” revolved around namely enhancing regulations in response to emerging land uses such as food truck parks and mini-warehouses, or code “fixes” to respond to issues in the resulting built environment.
In the City of Bonita Springs, for instance, RVi supported efforts to elevate the quality of the build environment by updating standards for large-format retail “Big Box” retail design standards, better architectural and urban design standards for key corridors, enhanced landscaping, more attractive (and legal) signage standards, and limitations on visually disruptive uses such as gas stations and car washes.
Building on this work, our planning team has partnered with municipalities across Florida to undertake more comprehensive code updates. For the City of Fort Myers, we led the rewrite of zoning, landscape, and signage codes to support cohesive and sustainable growth. In several communities, including Bonita Springs, LaBelle, and now Deltona and Cocoa, we developed commercial building design standards that promote a consistent architectural identity and a more pedestrian-oriented public realm. We also worked closely with Lee County to revise development standards for its coastal and rural communities—ensuring alignment with legal requirements and protecting the integrity of the community character.
Through all these efforts, RVi has helped communities navigate the complex intersection of landowner needs, municipal goals, community input, and economic realities—developing land development codes that are not only visionary, but also practical and implementable. A balancing act indeed!
What sets a good code apart
A well-written land development code does more than regulate—it anticipates. Many existing codes were written decades ago, often prioritizing vehicular access over walkability. These outdated standards can contribute to disjointed development patterns, lack of multimodal connectivity, limited landscaping, and public spaces that feel disconnected from their surroundings. At worst, they fall short of supporting a community’s unique identity and long-term vision.
In contrast, well-crafted codes begin with a clear intent and purpose, grounded in a deep understanding of how the built environment should function and feel. For example, we’re currently working with the City of Cocoa to create an overlay district at a key gateway arterial node in the community. The intersection is truly a gateway to the City, but was developed with minimal standards for landscaping, architectural design, building placement and pedestrian infrastructure. The uses allowed in the district also encouraged auto-oriented and strip commercial development patterns. We are excited to bring the code forward to hearings in May of this year after a series of workshops to introduce a menu of architectural building styles, maximum setbacks to create a more pedestrian scale along the roadways, and adjusted list of permitted uses to activate the street and encourage multi-modal access.
Some land development codes fail to connect written standards with the realities of design and how the built environment will ultimately look and feel, resulting in developments that may not align with a city’s long-term vision. In contrast, a well-crafted code considers the technical, social, economic, and visual aspects of the intended outcome, beginning with a clear purpose and a shared vision. It’s also important to think through how the code will be applied, ensuring that property owners, developers, and staff clearly understand how to implement it. Ultimately, the code should bridge the gap between policy and execution—making design quality not just aspirational, but achievable and enduring.
Balancing economics, landowner needs, and city priorities
Writing an effective land development code is often a delicate balancing act. A key part of my approach is incorporating stakeholder committees into the process to help with this balance−particularly when drafting code language that may significantly impact property rights, such as cost prohibitive design standards that essentially eliminate certain uses from being developed. These committees bring together a wide range of perspectives, from developers and business owners to planners and engaged residents, and help ensure that all parties are heard. I also recommend proactively engaging with vocal community members—especially those who consistently participate in public meetings—whether through formal committee participation or one-on-one conversations. In many cases, opposition stems from a lack of clarity or information, so taking the time to thoughtfully explain the intent and mechanics of the code can make a significant difference in building support and achieving adoption.
The committee-based approach helps strike a thoughtful balance between a city’s vision for high-quality, attractive development and the economic realities faced by landowners and developers. While municipalities aim to foster livable, economically vibrant communities through well-planned development, it’s equally important that the regulatory framework supports project feasibility. Engaging a diverse group of stakeholders allows for open dialogue and collaborative solutions that align public goals with private sector needs.
Planners must consider the real-world implications of their work. Rising land values, increasing material costs, and shifts in the economic landscape all affect what can be built. Whether through stakeholder engagement or informal check-ins with trusted industry professionals, understanding these economic pressures helps shape practical, forward-looking codes.
Equally important is understanding the perspectives of elected officials. Some may champion enhanced regulations that may slow or halt certain developments, while others are more cautious of regulations that could slow growth or raise costs. A successful code is responsive to both the vision and the political realities of the jurisdiction it serves. It aligns with leadership priorities while maintaining the integrity of good planning practice. Success is not just drafting a good code but having a smooth public hearing process that demonstrates broad consensus and support for the work product.
Planning for the future, grounded in today
At its core, writing a land development code is about shaping the future of a community. The best codes are not one-size-fits-all—they are tailored, adaptable frameworks that evolve with the needs of the people, businesses, and environments they support. When done well, a code inspires as much as it regulates, guiding growth in a way that reflects both current realities and future aspirations.
At RVi, it’s incredibly rewarding to work with communities to shape codes that reflect their unique identities and ambitions. By balancing sound urban design with the practical needs of all stakeholders, we can help shape places that are as enduring as they are inspiring.
