Local Government Services

The Adirondack Park Agency (APA) recognizes and applauds the efforts of the hundreds of local board members, officials and other citizens who have built the strong local planning programs we see in the Adirondacks today. This body of work and experience represents a testimony to the hard work of Adirondack citizens in building local planning programs which reflect long term economic development as well as conservation of the natural character of our communities.

To support these efforts, the Agency provides some of the following services to local governments:

• Local Planning Library

  - We have a resource library of what other communities have done, which may help you start your community's plan. The New York State Department of State also has a search tool for local laws.

• Mapping

  - We have the capacity to provide a base map, APA map and others for your planning program.

• Regional Project History

  - We can provide a review of what development we have reviewed in your community, which may be useful in selection and development of land use planning tools.

• Community Workshops

  - APA staff can conduct workshops on site review, visual assessments, project analysis and other subjects, in conjunction with the Deptartment of State and other partners.

Agency-Approved Local Land Use Programs (ALLUPs)

There are important results and benefits of having an Agency-approved local program, including a shared regulatory scheme in which the community and the agency work from the same set of rules, with one zoning map, the town acts on the Class B regional projects instead of the Agency and typically, with only one permit required. There are eighteen communities with Agency-approved programs and more working on that option. APA staff will review with interested local officials and boards the process involved in establishing a 'two-tiered system' in your community.

Local Government Resources