About Zone Ithaca
About Zone Ithaca
The City has contracted with consultants from Colliers Engineering and Design to assist with a comprehensive update to the City’s Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 325 of the City of Ithaca Code). The purpose of the Zoning Code update is to codify land use policies and recommendations from Plan Ithaca and the City’s adopted neighborhood plans, and to allow for the incorporation of development best practices through smart growth. The revised land use regulations will ensure that new development and redevelopment opportunities occur in a sustainable manner that supports both the environmental and economic well-being of the City.
The updated Zoning Code will reflect the vision, goals, and values of the community, incorporate smart growth land use practices, and align with the City’s comprehensive plan, Plan Ithaca, and its guiding goals, including:
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Housing for All: Encouraging “missing middle” and diverse housing types, supporting homeownership options, and facilitating dense, affordable development throughout the City.
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Neighborhood Character: Preserving the distinct character of Ithaca’s neighborhoods while allowing for compatible growth and redevelopment.
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Economic Development: Supporting infill, brownfield redevelopment, and business creation to strengthen Ithaca’s local economy.
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Sustainability & Climate: Implementing climate-friendly strategies, protecting natural resources, gorges, and green space, and advancing the City’s sustainability goals.
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Mobility & Access: Creating regulations that prioritize pedestrians, bicyclists, and alternative transportation modes.
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Smart Growth: Incorporating compact, mixed-use development that makes the most of existing infrastructure and reduces sprawl.
This project is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2027.
Why Update the Zoning Code?
There are many reasons to update our zoning regulations, but primary considerations include:
What is Smart Growth?
Generally, “smart growth” is considered a sound approach to land use planning and development that incorporates best practices for community sustainability and stability. Further described by the NYS Smart Growth Program, smart growth supports and integrates four key themes: Equity, Economy, Environment and Energy/Climate.
To achieve long-term development success, several key principles will be considered as part of this Zoning Code update. It is important to note that the application of these principles will be considered in the context of what is appropriate for the City of Ithaca, as there is no “one size fits all” for land use regulation. These Smart Growth principles include, but are not limited to:
Promote a mix of land uses in development focus areas.
Enable a diverse mix of housing types, providing opportunity and choice for all.
Prioritize infill and redevelopment of existing buildings to revitalize neighborhoods and downtowns, including areas around public transit.
Provide well-planned, equitable, and accessible public spaces.
Encourage compact neighborhood design and concentrated development around existing infrastructure.
Preserve open space, agricultural resources, and natural resources.
Prioritize transportation options such as walking, cycling, and public transportation.
Promote climate resiliency and adaptation, preferably through nature-based solutions, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Build on unique traits to create an attractive and welcoming community with a strong sense of place.
Engage in an inclusive, collaborative public planning process that considers the needs and character of the community.