County Planning Referral (General Municipal Law §239-m)
General Municipal Law §239-m requires certain proposed planning and zoning actions by cities, towns, and villages to be referred to a county planning agency or regional planning council before final action, when the action applies to property within defined proximity to municipal boundaries, parks, highways, and other specified features. The law also establishes that contrary action to a county recommendation of modification or disapproval typically requires an "extraordinary vote" (majority plus one) of the referring body.
- Where it applies
- New York State
- When it comes up
- Entitlement; procedural compliance; hearing prep
- Property types
- Suburban and upstate development; inter-municipal edge conditions
In practice
For operators, §239-m is a hidden schedule gate: referral timing and county response windows can delay local approvals if not built into the entitlement calendar.
Related terms
Public Policy and Land Regulation
- Concession
- Franchise
- Landmark Designation Criteria
- Landmark Designation Process
- Request for Proposals (RFP)
- Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
- Revocable Consent
- Vault
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice.