The following tools and resources can assist in planning projects in Niagara County:
Geographic Information Systems
A geographic information system or GIS is a mapping tool that provides access to geospatial data. The online GIS tools below provide access to a wide array of data on the built and natural environments, which can assist in planning projects in Niagara County.
Niagara County Online Mapping System - mapping system containing data on streets and highways, parcels, water features, parks, wetlands, floodplains, soils, school districts, agricultural districts, fire protection, population, etc.
Erie and Niagara County Parcel Analysis System / Tax Access System - database and mapping system containing information on real property including assessment and property tax data.
Erie-Niagara Framework for Regional Growth GIS Application - mapping system containing data on the Policy Areas, Centers & Corridors, Natural Systems, and Heritage Assets planned for in the Framework for Regional Growth.
Buffalo-Niagara Regional Knowledge Network - data, maps, and other resources on topics that include Population & Demographics, Government, Economy, Education & Schools, Environment, Transportation & Land Use, Health & Human Services, Public Safety, and Civic Infrastructure.
New York State Environmental Resources Mapper - mapping system containing data on water bodies, state-regulated freshwater wetlands, rare plants and animals, and other significant natural features.
Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Map Viewer - mapping system containing FEMA Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) data including flood hazard zones and floodways, flood map amendments and revisions, base flood elevations, drainage structures, etc.
Regional Planning Documents
A number of regional planning documents have been prepared to guide growth and development in both Niagara County and the wider Western New York Region. The documents below can be used to help identify existing conditions as well as development priorities and policies in Niagara County.
Niagara Communities Comprehensive Plan - This document was prepared by Niagara County and contains a vast amount of information on Niagara County and its communities. The plan includes profiles of each community as well as detailed information on environmental features, land use characteristics, population and housing, economic conditions, cultural and historic resources, recreation and tourism, transportation, health and safety, and education in Niagara County. The plan also identifies policy recommendations on the topics of Land Use & Environment; Economic Development; County Services, Facilities & Infrastructure; Education; and Public Health & Safety.
Erie-Niagara Framework for Regional Growth - This document was prepared jointly by Erie and Niagara Counties. It establishes a vision for how the two-county Buffalo-Niagara Region will grow and develop, provides direction on growth and development matters, and identifies mechanisms that can be used to ensure that the goals and recommendations of the Framework are implemented in an efficient and accountable manner.
WNY Regional Economic Development Strategic Plan - This document was prepared by stakeholders from across the five-county Western New York Region. The plan outlines strategies for workforce development, smart growth implementation, and entrepreneurship. It also establishes strategies for key Western New York industry sectors including advanced manufacturing, agriculture, bi-national logistics, energy, health and life sciences, higher education, professional services, and tourism.
