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Mixing business and residential appropriately are key in form-based codes.

Local government groups have been working to create a new design and building code for Port Royal and Shell Point that revolves around creating more liveable communities, and they want their thoughts.

Yes, this is the much-discussed form based code.

Public planning and design workshops scheduled for the coming days that will pair the community with planners and architects.

A public open house sessions is scheduled for Wednesday, October 26, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the former site of the Coffee House, 914 Paris Avenue.

The consultant and the architectural and planning team will be working with design elements at a workshop studio which is also open to the public during the day. The studio is located at 914 Paris Avenue, Port Royal and will be open Wednesday, October 26, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Thursday, October 27, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

A closing presentation is planned Thursday, October 27, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Port Royal Elementary School.

Comments from residents will be welcomed at all four sessions.

Here are more details from a relase:

Tony Criscitiello, Beaufort County Planning Director, said community input is essential for successful results. "Residents of Port Royal have traditionally demonstrated a commitment to their town and we hope they will continue to do so by participating in these informal sessions which will guide the future of their community. We need to know what they want to happen in the coming years."

The County, city of Beaufort and town of Port Royal have been working together to create a multi-jurisdictional form based zoning code. A form-based code is a departure from traditional zoning practices because it promotes more compact forms of development, reduces sprawl, protects rural areas, increases sustainability and promote walkable communities. For more information visit www.bcgov.net and select the "Departments" tab on the home page, then "Public Services" and "Planning."

Children are welcome and refreshments will be served.

Consultant Stefan Pelligrini of Opticos Design, Berkeley, Ca., whose firm authored the book, Form Based Codes: A Guide for Planners, Urban Designers, Municipalities, and Developers, will participate in the sessions.

 For more information, call the County Planning Department at (843) 255-2148.