Department personnel manage a number of planning programs that improve the quality of life in Erie County. These programs plan for or implement development projects that are consistent with the Framework for Regional Growth, the County’s adopted comprehensive plan.
04/22/2022 - 12:02 pm
In his 2023 State of the County Address, County Executive Mark Poloncarz announced that Erie County would invest $20 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to build quality, affordable housing throughout our community. Erie County’s Affordable Housing Initiative includes the construction of new, single-family homes as well as the development of multi-family housing projects through new builds and adaptive re-use of existing structures.
Department personnel coordinate financial support for and data collection on arts and cultural institutions in the County.
Check out our Presenting page for arts & culture things to do in Erie County!
New Buffalo Bills NFL Stadium - State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR)
The Department plays a lead role in coordination and review of proposed capital projects. Department personnel review capital projects for consistency with the Framework for Regional Growth and manage the environmental review process for all capital projects.
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The Erie County Department of Environment & Planning has announced the 2023 awards for the new $25 million Erie County Cultural Capital Grant Program. This program is intended to aid cultural organizations in tackling capital projects they would not be able to conduct otherwise.
Reviews actions (capital projects, physical construction, plan and policy making, laws, ordinances, executive orders, & regulations) undertaken, funded, or approved by the county, that may affect the environment by changing the use, appearance or condition of any natural resource or structure.
Erie County's Bureau of Forestry was created in 1927. The County has developed several conservation and management plans over the years for its forests. The County currently owns 12 Forest Lots, totaling 2,923 acres. The Lots are located in the Towns of Concord, Holland, and Sardinia.
Erie County has contracted with consultants Foit-Albert Associates and DLR Group to provide a Comprehensive Facility and Operational Needs Assessment for the Erie County Holding Center and Erie County Correctional Facility.
The 2018 Park Master Plan has been a valuable tool for County decision makers since its adoption by the Erie County Legislature in 2018. Previous County Parks Master Plans were completed approximately in 15 year intervals, the last one in 2003. New demands have been placed on the park system not present in 2003 indicating a need for an updated master plan.
Erie & Niagara Counties have partnered to develop the Framework for Regional Growth, which establishes basic policies and principles to guide the future growth and development of the Region. One Region Forward's Plan Library contains many municipal and regional plans for the region.
Erie County has a 12-member Fisheries Advisory Board that advises the Department on matters concerning protection, development, access to fisheries, and related issues.
Check here for information on available paid and for credit only college-level internships in GIS, Planning, and Economic Development.
Read land development and economic development planning studies and reports.
Planning board and zoning board of appeals members are required by state statute to obtain four hours of training a year.
Department personnel provide technical assistance to municipal boards, such as planning and zoning boards, as well as to municipalities updating their master plans or zoning.
The Erie County Department of Environment and Planning is announcing the availability of $350,000 in County funding for municipalities for the purpose of creating and updating community and economic development planning documents and to undertake the necessary steps to plan for economic development. Additionally, a total of $100,000 in County funding for agricultural and rural planning is available to municipalities for updating planning and zoning documents to better protect agricultural land.
