BFJ prepares municipal comprehensive plans, strategic plans, and plans of conservation and development for communities ranging from major cities to small hamlets. BFJ’s guidelines help policymakers and community members make the best decisions to ensure the optimal use of land, affordable housing, efficient transportation, public services, and high environmental standards.
BFJ has developed a national reputation for waterfront planning. The firm has completed more than 20 major waterfront plans including projects in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Wisconsin, Mississippi, Minnesota, as well as China. BFJ has also completed numerous Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRPs) plans in conformance with the requirements of the New York State Department of State.
Zoning is one of the principal means of implementing a community’s comprehensive plan. BFJ has extensive experience preparing and updating zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, historic preservation ordinances, and other land use regulations. The firm also designs land use policies that complement an area’s physical and historic features while ensuring its economic viability.
In addition to traditional zoning ordinances, BFJ also prepares ordinances that utilize such innovative mechanisms as the transfer of development rights, neighborhood preservation zones, land conservation ordinances, special districts, incentive zoning, and performance zoning. The firm reviews proposed zoning amendments and assesses the implications of zoning changes.
BFJ provides ongoing planning assistance and advisory services to the planning staff of many communities. Such services include updating and revising master plans, reviewing site and subdivision plans and environmental assessments, and advising communities on the implementation of planning recommendations.