City-Wide Form-Based Cambridge Development Code RFQ

The City of Cambridge, Maryland is seeking a professional planning firm to draft a new, city‑wide, transect‑oriented, form‑based development code that will replace the existing Unified Development Code. The effort will align with the recently adopted “Inspire Cambridge” Comprehensive Plan and will require extensive stakeholder engagement, GIS mapping, code writing, and coordination with multiple city committees over an approximate twelve‑month period. • Scope: Full creation of a form‑based zoning code (CDC) covering all land‑use districts, transect zones, street, building, storm‑water, parking, and civic‑space standards. • Deliverables: Draft code, public‑workshop/charrette facilitation, GIS background maps, final adopted code package (hard and digital copies). • Timeline: RFQ release 10/28/2026 → Questions due 11/04/2026 → Submissions due 12/01/2026 → Evaluation 12/01‑12/16/2026 → Award announced 12/16/2026 → Contract negotiations Dec 17 2026 → Council approval Jan 4‑Jan 11 2027 → Project start early 2027, duration ~12 months. • Team Requirements: Multidisciplinary team with expertise in form‑based codes, transect methodology, new‑urbanism principles, FEMA flood‑proofing, low‑impact stormwater, and experience drafting similar codes for municipalities of comparable size. • Evaluation Criteria: Experience of project director & team, prior form‑based code work, technical depth (transect, stormwater, parking, etc.), graphic/illustration ability, quality of sample codes. • Budget: City will fund the project; firms must submit detailed cost breakdowns (hourly rates, staff hours, reimbursable expenses). • Mandatory Contacts: All RFQ questions must be directed to Planning & Zoning Director Brian Herrmann.