From the start, we knew one of the biggest hurdles for UrbanForm would be building trust. How could software make the process of acquiring zoning information faster and better than before?
Previously, getting complete, accurate, and verifiable zoning information was a process that took days to weeks, even for experienced professionals.
Could it really be done better with software?
Could experienced professionals really accelerate their business with our technology?
So one of our goals for this New Year has been to document the knowledge and processes that UrbanForm has developed in more detail.
It's longer content, more in-depth, with more detail.
First, we've created a Brief Introduction to Zoning, a primer for those interested in the historical origins of zoning, its evolution, and the consequences of zoning as it pertains to today. That article is here: A Brief Intro to Zoning | UrbanForm
Second, we've created Guides to Zoning, so that anyone interested in acquiring zoning information, without consulting professionals or UrbanForm, can do it themselves. We'll be doing one for each of the cities where we operate. See those here: How do I find my zoning? | UrbanForm
Third, we've also showcased Featured Customers of UrbanForm, interviewing them to understand how they use UrbanForm to further their business and service their clients, and we'll continue those in the New Year. Our most popular of those over the last year was this feature on Abe Design Group's founder Hiroki Abe: Featured customer: Abe Design Group (urbanform.us)
Fourth, we've developed a Lunch & Learn that we've now honed over several presentations, and will look to do more of, with interested professional architecture, design-build, contractor, and developer firms. You can learn more about this Lunch & Learn and inquire about scheduling one here: Lunch-and-Learn | UrbanForm
Fifth, we'll also dive into certain Particulars of the Zoning Code in certain cities, documenting how we solve the complexity of a particular aspect of the zoning code, and making parts of our technological process transparent.
The latest in that last category, where we talk about the process required to properly ascertain the applicability of one specific setback provision in Portland's zoning code, was posted a few days ago and can be found here: Determining Scenic Resource Setbacks in Portland (urbanform.us)
As you'll see, it's a long, complicated, time-consuming, and error-prone process.
It's also one that no customer of UrbanForm will ever have to worry about missing or doing on their own ever again ;)