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Buffalo Adopting SmartCode

Posted by: Tim Halbur
Thanks to: Chris Hawley
26 December 2008 - 7:00am

Commissioner of Economic Development Brian Reilly makes the case to overhaul the city's 1951 zoning ordinance to a form-based SmartCode.

"To leverage the economic, social and aesthetic benefits possible with new development opportunities in Buffalo, we need a clear guide and predictable framework. Buffalo needs unambiguous regulations filled with innovative tools and policies responsive to current development trends matching the level of sophistication and interest among developers and the general public for good urban design. What we have now is an often outdated and frequently conflicting system.

Buffalo’s zoning code was last updated in 1951 and still governs the placement of 'coal pockets, tipples and trestles' as well as abattoirs, but could not envision internet-based home offices or preventing solar panel encroachments. Changes in business types, demographic trends and household compositions since World War II require changes in the amounts of land zoned for residential, office and industrial uses today."

Full Story: Fixed link to full story
Source: Buffalo News, December 20, 2008
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Short of erasing existing political and jurisdictional boundaries, citizens and officials need to develop the capacity to work across boundaries according to the "problem-sheds" of the land and water issues we face in the 21st century.
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