Online Resources

 Documents & Links

The information in this section can be used by elected officials, members of zoning board of appeals, planning boards, citizen planners, and citizens wishing to learn about local government procedures, planning concepts, and theories. 

The documents below are excerpts from the New York State Department of States Local Government Handbook and The James A. Coon Local Government Technical Series. 

Agricultural Preservation and Related Topics

• Agricultural-Related Web Resources
• Guide to Local Planning for Agriculture in New York
• Local Law and Agricultural Districts: How Do They Relate

Census Data

• FedStats - State, County & Local Area Statistics
• Released Census Data for O.C. by Municipality
• State and County Quick Facts O.C. New York
• US Census Bureau
• US Census Bureau Public Use Training Modules

Citizen Participation

• Civic Action Free University Message Boards
• Energize, INC - For Leaders of Volunteers
• A Forum for Citizen Participation in Civic Action
• Planning & Community Development Online Forum

Code Enforcement

• Municipal Regulations of Mobile Home

Consumer Protection 

• Get Energy Smart NYSERDA

General Resources

• OC Planning Department Library References
• Planning Commissioners Journal Planners Web
• Special Use Permitting: An In-Depth Look
• The Grantsmanship Center - Grant Information

Geographic Information Systems

• National Atlas

Historic Preservation

• Landmark Society of Western NY
• National Trust for Historic Preservation
• National Trust Main Street Center
• Preservation League of New York State

Land Use Planning

• Genesee Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council Land Use Monitoring Report
• Guide to Planning and Zoning Laws in New York State
• Zoning and the Comprehensive Plan

Meetings & Hearings

• Conducting Public Meetings & Public Hearings

Organizational Capacity Building 

• Best Practices Toolkit - Achieve your Organization's Mission
• The Career Network

Planning Board

• Creating the Community You Want: Municipal Options for Land Use Control

• O.C. Municipal Training Modules for Board Members
• Planning Board Basics
• Site Development Plan Review Procedures and Guidelines
• Steps to Success for Planning & Zoning Officials

State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR)

• NYSDEC Intro to SEQR with Links to Law Text
• Steps Toward Following SEQR: Follow the SEQR Path

Zoning Board of Appeals

• Government Immunity from Zoning
• Guidelines for Applicants to the Zoning Board of Appeals
• Record Keeping Tips for Zoning Administration
• Zoning Board of Appeals
• Zoning Enforcement for Towns & Villag