The Green Code is a place-based development strategy that builds on Buffalo’s award-winning comprehensive plan, Queen City in the 21st Century. The Comprehensive Plan set the agenda for the city’s future by outlining four fundamental principles: fix the basics; build on assets; implement smart growth; and embrace sustainability.
The Green Code follows up on this effort by translating the Comprehensive Plan’s principles into a Land Use Plan that will guide the city’s physical development over the next 20 years. The Land Use Plan is further informed by specific plans for the waterfront and brownfield areas. The culmination of the Green Code is an update of the city’s 60-year old zoning code with a new form-based code that will implement these plans. The Green Code also reforms the city’s outdated set of Urban Renewal Plans (URPs) by incorporating their relevant provisions into the new code and creating one citywide URP for the city’s Homestead Program.
The Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning is overseeing development of the Green Code. A Citizen’s Advisory Committee has been appointed by Mayor Brown to assist with public participation, and a Technical Advisory Committee is providing input on technical issues. A consultant team has been assembled to assist with preparing the Green Code.
Camiros, Ltd., Lead Consultant
Goody Clancy, Land Use/Urban Design
Code Studio, Consistency Review
Urban Design Project, Community Engagement