Regional Knowledge Network
A central resource for information on the binational Buffalo Niagara region
Transportation & Land Use
Planning
Municipalities With a Master Plan, 2007
Description:
The presence or absence of a municipal master plan. A master plan is defined as a written plan that outlines the planning goals and policies of a community, providing legal legitimacy to local zoning and land use decisions.
Source: 2007 Survey of Planning in Western New York Counties conducted by the Regional Institute. This survey updated the 2003 Directory of Basic Land Use Tools that was compiled by the New York State Legislative Commission on Rural Resources.
Municipalities With Zoning, 2007
Description:
The presence or absence of municipal zoning. Zoning is defined as land use regulations that separate incompatible land uses in order to protect public health, safety and property values.
Source: 2007 Survey of Planning in Western New York Counties conducted by the Regional Institute. This survey updated the 2003 Directory of Basic Land Use Tools that was compiled by the New York State Legislative Commission on Rural Resources.
Municipalities With Subdivision Ordinances, 2007
Description:
The presence or absence of municipal subdivision ordinances. Subdivision ordinances regulate the division of raw land into lots for new residential development, ensuring that master plan and zoning provisions are followed.
Source: 2007 Survey of Planning in Western New York Counties conducted by the Regional Institute. This survey updated the 2003 Directory of Basic Land Use Tools that was compiled by the New York State Legislative Commission on Rural Resources.
Municipalities With Site Plan Reviews, 2007
Description:
The presence or absence of municipal site plan reviews. Site plan reviews are a review process commonly applied to large commercial or residential developments to ensure that site plan elements (e.g. parking, signage, landscaping) adhere to local standards.
Source: 2007 Survey of Planning in Western New York Counties conducted by the Regional Institute. This survey updated the 2003 Directory of Basic Land Use Tools that was compiled by the New York State Legislative Commission on Rural Resources.
Municipalities With a Planning Board, 2007
Description:
The presence or absence of a municipal planning board.
Source: 2007 Survey of Planning in Western New York Counties conducted by the Regional Institute. This survey updated the 2003 Directory of Basic Land Use Tools that was compiled by the New York State Legislative Commission on Rural Resources.
% Master Plans, 2007
Description:
The percentage of municipalities in a county that have a master plan. A master plan is defined as a written plan that outlines the planning goals and policies of a community, providing legal legitimacy to local zoning and land use decisions.
Source: 2007 Survey of Planning in Western New York Counties conducted by the Regional Institute. This survey updated the 2003 Directory of Basic Land Use Tools that was compiled by the New York State Legislative Commission on Rural Resources.
% Zoning, 2007
Description:
The percentage of municipalities in a county that have zoning. Zoning is defined as land use regulations that separate incompatible land uses in order to protect public health, safety and property values.
Source: 2007 Survey of Planning in Western New York Counties conducted by the Regional Institute. This survey updated the 2003 Directory of Basic Land Use Tools that was compiled by the New York State Legislative Commission on Rural Resources.
% Subdivision Ordinances, 2007
Description:
The percentage of municipalities in a county that have ordinances regulating subdivisions. Subdivision ordinances regulate the division of raw land into lots for new residential development, ensuring that master plan and zoning provisions are followed.
Source: 2007 Survey of Planning in Western New York Counties conducted by the Regional Institute. This survey updated the 2003 Directory of Basic Land Use Tools that was compiled by the New York State Legislative Commission on Rural Resources.
% Site Plan Reviews, 2007
Description:
The percentage of municipalities in a county that have site plan reviews. Site plan reviews are a review process commonly applied to large commercial or residential developments to ensure that site plan elements (e.g. parking, signage, landscaping) adhere to local standards.
Source: 2007 Survey of Planning in Western New York Counties conducted by the Regional Institute. This survey updated the 2003 Directory of Basic Land Use Tools that was compiled by the New York State Legislative Commission on Rural Resources.
% Planning Boards, 2007
Description:
The percentage of municipalities in a county that have a planning board.
Source: 2007 Survey of Planning in Western New York Counties conducted by the Regional Institute. This survey updated the 2003 Directory of Basic Land Use Tools that was compiled by the New York State Legislative Commission on Rural Resources.
Agricultural Districts, Acreage, 2009
Description:
The calculated area of all lands that are under the protection of New York State Agricultural District Law, in acres. Calculated using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Source: New York State Agricultural Districts Mapping Program
Agricultural Districts, % Land Area, 2009
Description:
The calculated percentage of all lands within a county that are under the protection of New York State Agricultural District Law. Calculated using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Source: New York State Agricultural Districts Mapping Program