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 What we have now is an often outdated and frequently conflicting system.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."
Thanks to Chris Hawley
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Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
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