Downtown Form-Based Code Advances to City Council

Published September 02, 2026

The Downtown Form-Based Code has reached another important milestone in the City of Waco’s efforts to guide thoughtful growth and investment in downtown.

On August 25, the Waco Plan Commission unanimously recommended approval of the proposed Downtown Form-Based Code. In addition, as part of the September 1^st City Council meeting, an overview of the Form-Based Code draft was presented. Advancing it to the Waco City Council for consideration later this month.

The proposed code translates the vision of the Downtown Strategic Roadmap into clear, place-based standards for how new development contributes to downtown’s buildings, streets and public spaces. It is designed to support a walkable, connected and vibrant downtown while respecting the character that makes Waco unique.

What’s Next?

With the Plan Commission’s unanimous recommendation complete, two major steps remain in the anticipated adoption process:

• September 15 – City Council Public Hearing & First Reading: City Council will conduct a public hearing and consider the proposed Downtown Form-Based Code on first reading.
• October 6 – City Council Second Reading & Final Adoption: City Council is anticipated to consider final adoption of the code.

Adoption would not result in immediate physical changes downtown. Instead, the Form-Based Code would establish a long-term framework to help ensure that future development and redevelopment contribute to the community’s vision for downtown Waco.

This milestone marks another step forward in turning the Downtown Strategic Roadmap from a community vision into a framework for future investment.

Review the Draft Form-Based Code