Syracuse Zoning, Planning, and Sustainability Join City Government

Published on June 30, 2023

Syracuse Zoning, Planning and Sustainability Become Part of City Government Monday, July 3

Syracuse, N.Y. – Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced the offices of Zoning Administration and Planning and Sustainability become a part of city government on Monday. The functions move from the joint Syracuse-Onondaga County Planning Agency (SOCPA) to the City’s Department of Neighborhood and Business Development (NBD). 

All zoning matters, including requests for information and transmission of zoning, preservation, and planning documents, should be directed to the Central Permit Office on the first floor at City Hall Commons, 201. E. Washington Street, Syracuse. Phone and email contact information remain the same: zoning@syr.gov and (315) 448-8640. 

The change is part of a planned transition between the City and the County to improve constituent and customer service and better manage growth in city and county neighborhoods. Zoning and preservation administration, including the Planning Commission, the Board of Zoning Appeals and Syracuse Landmark Preservation Board, will now be managed in the same department as permitting, licensing, and code enforcement. It will be overseen by Deputy Commissioner Jake Dishaw. 

The newly-formed Planning and Sustainability division will focus on creating plans and other tools related to land use, environment, urban design and other initiatives to improve the quality of life in the city. It will be led by Deputy Commissioner Owen Kerney.