Westchester County Department of Planning

The Planning Department conducts a comprehensive work program and shapes and influences growth and development in Westchester County in order to improve quality of life and protect the environment, resulting in more livable and sustainable communities.

Three of the five specialized sections of the department – Land Use and Development, Housing and Environmental Planning – focus on the initiatives that carry out this mission. They utilize the technical expertise of the department’s two other sections – Design and Administration – to produce quality products and plans in the most cost-effective manner for county residents.

Activities within each section focus on the pattern of development, the natural environment and ways in which buildings, transportation and open space can be shaped or utilized to achieve a physical environment that fosters smart growth for Westchester County. The department staff works closely with other county departments, elected and appointed officials and staff of the 45 municipalities and private and non-profit businesses and organizations.

The work program includes activities that are mandated by the county charter, New York State and the federal governments. These include the review of certain proposed land use and zoning actions by municipalities, review of county capital projects and the environmental review (SEQR or NEPA) of all county projects and legislative actions.