Town Departments banner graphic


Planning Department /  Department Overview

The Planning Department is located on the lower floor of Town Hall at 5583 Main Street in the Village of Williamsville. Office hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday and the office can be reached at (716) 631-7051. Community Development can be reached at (716) 631-7082) or by fax at (716) 631-7153.

The Amherst Planning Department has four primary responsibilities:

  • development plan review;
  • long-range planning;
  • community development and housing program administration; and
  • program implementation.

Current Planning

The Department organizes and undertakes technical reviews of Subdivisions, Site Plans, Rezoning requests and other approvals and provides recommendations for Planning Board action including draft action resolutions. The Department has review and approval authority for Minor Site Plans, Minor Site Plan Adjustments, Sidewalk Waivers and Coordinated Sign Plans. Additionally, it ensures Town compliance with the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) for approval actions by the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Town Board and related Town Agencies and Departments. The Department also provides technical support for the Preservation Commission, Nature View Park Advisory Committee, Town wide Drainage Committee, Conservation Advisory Council and Traffic-Safety Board.


Long-Range Planning

The Town Board adopted the Amherst Bicentennial Comprehensive Plan in January of 2007. The Planning Department was responsible for drafting that plan and is responsible for the Annual and 5-year Reviews it requires. In addition, the Department assists the Town Board in undertaking Opportunity Reviews; those plan amendments that are required to implement unique projects that are consistent with the plan’s Vision Statement. In addition to these comprehensive plan responsibilities, the Department is responsible for developing the Town’s Capital Improvements Program, the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Open Space Acquisition and Management Plan and Open Space Index; the latter two in conjunction with the Amherst Conservation Advisory Commission.


Community Development

Amherst receives federal Community Development Block Grant and HOME funds each year. Under these programs, the Town replaces aging sewers, water lines, sidewalks and parks in qualifying neighborhoods. In addition, income-eligible residents receive interest-free deferred loans for housing rehabilitation and closing cost assistance. The program also supports public services such as housing and family counseling, youth programming, community policing and senior transportation.


Regional Planning

One Region Forward is a broad-based, collaborative effort to promote more sustainable forms of development in Erie and Niagara counties – the Buffalo Niagara Region – in land use, transportation, housing, energy and climate, access to food, and more. It will combine research and public engagement with planning and action to help us meet the combined economic, environmental, and social challenges of the 21st century.


Program Implementation / Special Projects

The Planning Department administers or assists in administering several programs that implement the Town’s land use and environmental policies. These include:

  • Farmland Protection
  • Deer Vehicle Accident Management
  • Telecommunications Regulations
  • Tree removal permit review
  • Landscape plan compliance
  • Storm water pollution prevention
  • Park and recreation site development

About Amherst

The Town of Amherst was established in 1818 and celebrated its 200th Anniversary in 2018. The town has a geographical area of 53.6 square miles and a population of greater than 122,000.

Disclaimer, Copyright and Maintenance
How to use our site

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Town of Amherst ADA Coordinators are Robert McCarthy (Director of Human Resources) and Mark Berke (Commissioner of Buildings).

Click for more information about ADA.

Website Contact

The Town of Amherst takes great pride in providing useful, timely and accurate information through its official website. We encourage public participation in our website and ask that you provide your feedback to help us make our site even better. Contact the website administrator at toawebsite@amherst.ny.us.

Get in Touch

  • General Information:
    (716) 631-7000
  • Email:
    toainfo@amherst.ny.us
  • Address:
    Municipal Building (Town Hall)
  • 5583 Main Street
  • Williamsville, NY 14221