Technical Assistance
Grant Resources
Training
Publications
Mapping
STC Vertical Logo

“Serving Chemung, Schuyler and Steuben Counties”

Publications
STC Vertical Logo

“Serving Chemung, Schuyler and Steuben Counties”

A goal without a plan is just a wish" - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Land Use Planning & Regulations

Land Use Planning & Regulations

Planning Assistance

STC staff provides planning assistance by contract to many of the municipalities in Southeast Steuben County. Assistance includes:

  • Evaluating and updating community plans, inspection services, zoning and subdivision documents;
  • Coordinating activities necessary to the planning and implementation of development projects in their respective communities;
  • Reviewing programs/projects in an effort to identify applicable laws, regulations, and requirements;
  • Identifying potential project funding sources and preparing funding applications and/or amendments;
  • Evaluating and selecting developers, contractors, architects, and engineers relative to specific projects;
  • Monitoring of programs/projects, including identification and mediation of problems;
  • Attending meetings of the general public, municipal board meetings, and other departments or agencies as required in connection with this agreement;    
  • Providing training sessions for the municipal board, Planning Board, Building Inspectors and the Zoning Board of Appeals as required by these municipalities;
  • Providing assistance with downtown revitalization and main street projects including project feasibility analysis and help locating funding sources;
  • Providing assistance with local government efficiency including reorganization, shared services, and trainings.

STC will contract with communities to accomplish these and/or other planning tasks. Please contact STC, at (607) 962-5092 to set up an appointment to discuss the scope of work and the potential cost to your community.

Comprehensive Planning & Zoning

Comprehensive planning is an important step for all local governments. It is the responsibility of the local government to maintain an accurate and up-to-date expression of the community’s long-term goals. A Comprehensive Plan can be used to guide capital improvement budgets (road costs, etc.), set up community-wide incentive programs (junk clean up, open space preservation, etc.), prepare for Marcellus gas drilling as well as to ensure that zoning and other land use tools remain up to-date and reflect the needs and desires of residents. 

stc comprehensive plan process
Click to enlarge image

STC will contract with communities to accomplish the comprehensive planning process.

The comprehensive planning process has many steps and ridged requirements set by New York State Department of State. A comprehensive plan process will include:

  • A formally appointed committee of representatives from town government, employees and residents.
  • Usually around a two-year process of regular committee meetings.
  • Information gathering (such as survey’s and focus groups.
  • Mapping (of infrastructure, floodplains, mining operations, road networks, areas for preservation, etc.)
  • Narrative outlining the community’s preferences for growth and stability in the future.
  • Public hearings and comment period on draft comprehensive plan.
  • Adoption by the local government.

State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA)

As part of the planning process, communities must complete requirements set forth by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) through the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). Requirements must be completed for comprehensive planning, zoning, and many other planning and development applications.

STC assists communities in completing SEQRA requirements when reviewing applications and through comprehensive planning and zoning.

For more information, visit the DEC website:

Visit Website

Model Laws and Regulations

STC has worked with communities to develop the most effective laws and regulations that protect overall community goals as well as their residents’ quality of life. In doing so, our organization has maintained an archive of best practices and model laws both from our work as well as the work done by our communities. By clicking individual topics listed below, you will be directed to that topic’s specific location within our document library. We recommend the model laws and regulations are utilized as examples when generating, updating, and adopting such documents in your community.

Comprehensive Plans
Zoning Laws
Timber Harvesting
Junk Car
Telecommunications
Solar & wind
Floodplain Development
Erosion, Sediment Control
Economic Development
Agricultural Lands
Open Space Conservation
Viewshed Planning
Green Infrastructure
Steep Slopes
Stream Setbacks

© Southern Tier Central Regional Planning & Development Board2024All Rights Reserved

Website by Marc Rubin Associates & Scope Design