Planning & Zoning

Planning and Zoning are the means by which communities regulate the use of land and buildings to protect and promote the quality of life within their jurisdictions. Zoning regulations are also an important means of implementing the vision and goals set forth in the Town’s long-range comprehensive plan. 

Under the Town’s Zoning Code, every property is located in a specific zoning district and has an established legal use. The Zoning Code ensures:

• Nearby uses are compatible with each other.
• Structures are appropriately placed on a parcel of land.
• The protection of community character.
• Structures aren’t built too close to one another.
• Protection of critical environmental resources.

Zoning regulations are therefore written to promote the orderly development of neighborhoods, protect sensitive environmental resources, and encourage an attractive environment to live, work and play.

The Planning & Zoning division is responsible for coordinating the development review and approval processes to ensure compliance with Federal, State and local regulations, as well as to ensure consistency with the Town’s standards, specifications and long-range comprehensive plan. This includes coordination of the Town’s internal Project Review Committee (PRC) consisting of staff from various departments who provide reviews and comments on development project plans and proposals.

A copy of the Town’s Official Zoning District map can be accessed here.

A copy of the Town’s Zoning Ordinance can be accessed here.

Development Review & Approval

Planning and Zoning staff assist customers through the land use approval application process, answer residents questions about any active Property Under Review, and provide technical expertise and information to the Town’s advisory and regulatory decision-making boards which often includes:

• Conservation Board
• Planning Board
• Town Board
• Zoning Board of Appeals

Typical projects requiring Planning & Zoning Board approvals include, but are not limited to:

• Additions that do not comply with Town zoning regulations
• Business signage
• New commercial, residential or commercial construction
• Substantial site or building modifications to existing development
• Uses that are specially permitted or do not comply with zoning district regulations

The Planning and Zoning Board Application forms can be accessed by clicking on Application Forms.

If you have any questions about a project, or would like more information on the application process, please contact our office at (585) 872-7028 or Planning-Zoning@websterny.gov.

Long-Range Planning

In early 2025, the Town began the process of developing a new comprehensive plan, as the existing plan was last updated in 2008. The new plan is expected to be completed by mid-2026. For more information on the Comprehensive Plan project, click here. 

Historically, the Town’s comprehensive plan (formerly known as the Town’s Growth Management Plan) was updated and/or revised in 1991, 2000, and most recently, 2008. 

Town Planning staff also assist with development and implementation of small area plans and is actively working on implementation of the recommendations set forth in the West Webster Revitalization Study.