The Department of Planning consists of a team of professionals dedicated to promoting orderly development that protects and improves the quality of life and physical environment of Westchester County. The department works with a wide array of citizen boards to carry out its work.

We encourage you to explore our varied projects and resources. The subjects range from protecting water quality, restoring natural habitat and addressing climate change to advancing housing opportunities, promoting smart growth and reviewing development proposals. We also provide extensive census and research data.

What's new at the Department of Planning? A new PowerPoint show titled "Visualizing Westchester - The Next Steps in Westchester 2025: Planning Together" features sample images of how Westchester 2025 offers planning tools and 3-D visualization techniques to our local officials and citizens to help them make better decisions about the future of Westchester. This technology will be a cornerstone of Westchester 2025’s new Web-based 3-D visioning efforts. View a PDF of the show. 

The 1873 Ossining National Bank building has been transformed into 12 fair and affordable condominium units. The one- and two-bedroom units in the newly renovated building at 135-139 Main Street in the Village of Ossining offer homeownership opportunities to households that meet 80% of the County’s Area Median Income qualifications.

In an ongoing effort to create more sports fields in the southern portion of the county, an underutilized area of Edgewood Park in Port Chester has been designated for soccer fields and will be improved. Enhancements will include two new youth fields for children under eight, bleachers, benches, an access path and a retaining wall.

Two rain gardens were recently completed, one at Lenoir Preserve in Yonkers and at second at the Moore Avenue office building in Mount Kisco. The rain gardens demonstrate why and how this important stormwater management tool can be used in residential and commercial settings and illustrate how easy they are to design and install.

Westchester 2025 What should Westchester look like in 2025? As we face issues that are changing and evolving – from flooding to traffic to housing to climate change – we are required to rethink how we make decisions, big and small. Westchester 2025 aims to provide a solid foundation for constructive conversation about maintaining our quality of life and how to work together on shared goals. Learn More

Housing Housing provides funding to assist in the development of new affordable housing as well as the rehabilitation of existing housing stock. We also provide affordable housing and rental assistance to homeowners and tenants who are income eligible. The county, working in concert with each municipality, addresses its local housing needs, as well as its share of regional affordable housing deficits. Learn More

Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center was purchased by Westchester County in 2003 for agricultural preservation, drinking water protection and the promotion of environmental stewardship. The 50-acre demonstration farm is complemented by 130 acres of county parkland offering diverse wildlife habitats, hiking trails and beautiful views. Learn More

Watershed Protection There are six major drainage basins in Westchester - Upper Hudson River, Croton River, Lower Hudson, Upper LI Sound, Bronx River, and Lower LI Sound. Watershed protection is a major concern so the county oversees a variety of programs to protect county water quality. These reservoirs provide drinking water for residents of Westchester, NYC and Connecticut while others rely on wells. Learn More