Strategy for Neighborhood with Vacant Properties in Revision of Zoning Code of Post-industrial Cities in the U.S.

Case study of the Buffalo Green Code of the City of Buffalo, NY

Abstract

This paper focuses on the handling of depopulating neighborhoods in the revision of zoning code in industrial cities located in Rust Belt. As a case study, we examined the revision of the zoning code and the development of the Unified Development Ordinance in Buffalo, NY. City of Buffalo intended to set Urban Interim Use for neighborhoods with a large percentage of vacant properties. It was intended to limit new (permanent) development to some extent while recommending tentative land use. In the final plan, Urban Interim Use was withdrawn due to the strong opposition of the residents. However, in some areas, zoning was changed from General Residential to Single-Family Residential instead. This limits the direction of future development while utilizing the existing zoning code type, and the city government's initial aim was partly realized.