Buffalo recently released the draft of its new Green Code, which includes a Land Use Plan, Unified Development Ordinance, Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, Brownfield Opportunity Areas, and Urban Renewal Plans. Mark Sommer reports.
Buffalo residents may not need a lawyer or architect any longer to understand the code's requirements about putting an addition or putting a sign up on a building.
The days of grappling with the city’s frustrating and hard to understand building rules and regulations could soon be coming to an end.
After nearly four years in the works, the proposed Green Code – released today in draft form for public review – comes with plainer language and user-friendly illustrations and graphics meant to reduce uncertainty. It can be found at www.buffalogreencode.com.
Want to know what changes can be made to a carriage house, for instance, or the size permitted for a commercial sign on the side of a building? The Green Code cross-references, with charts, by item and by geographic district to locate the information, often with visual aids.
FULL STORY: New Green Code aims to ease permit process
Buffalo Rebooting its Code
Buffalo is nearing the finish line in an efforts to draft a new form-based code.
Maryland City Reveals Draft Form-Based Code
With the new zoning code, Frederick aims to shift away from use-based zoning regulations.
Zoning Code Update Makes the Nightly News in Cleveland
The potential of form-based codes to re-legalize the historic fabric of Cleveland is explained for the nightly news audience.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service