Buffalo to Implement Citywide Green Code

Mayor Byron Brown announced today his administration is moving forward on implementing a green, form-based code in Buffalo.

Mayor Brown chose Buffalo's emerging Larkin District as the backdrop to announce his Earth Day plans for what he's dubbing the "Buffalo Green Code," a replacement code that will completely scrap Buffalo's existing zoning ordinance, an unwieldy document last updated in 1951.

The announcement sets the stage for Buffalo to join a progressive vanguard of cities - including Denver and Miami - that are replacing conventional, use-based codes with streamlined, form-based regulations built to encourage mixed-use, walkable neighborhoods. Buffalo's new Green Code is also intended to support economic development by simplifying and shortening the development review process.

The zoning rewrite will be guided by a team of planning consultants including Camiros and Goody Clancy.

Thanks to Nate Neuman