ELAR Process
The Environmental Local Approvals Resource (ELAR) Process website has been designed as a resource for identifying and explaining local and environmental permits and approvals required for PDC projects.
Common Issues and Considerations
The following are some of the issues and considerations that are commonly encountered during local approvals efforts at Cornell:
- Municipal Jurisdictions over Approvals
- Environmental Regulated Areas
- Historical Preservation Issues
- Land Ownership, Property Lines, and Zoning
Municipal Jurisdictions over Approvals
Since environmental and local approvals are often handled at the municipal level, it is first important to determine which municipality has jurisdiction over the approvals process. For example, the main (Ithaca) campus includes property in the City of Ithaca, Town of Ithaca, Village of Lansing, Village of Cayuga Heights, Town of Lansing, and Town of Dryden. The Campus Planning Office or Environmental Compliance and Sustainability (ECOS) Services Team can help identify the appropriate jurisdiction.
Environmentally Regulated Areas
Understanding the important environmental features of a site can help determine what limitations there may be on development in those areas. The Environmental Compliance Office and the Campus Planning Office created an Environmentally Regulated Areas (ERA) map which provides some guidance to major areas on the Ithaca campus. The Environmental Compliance Office Services Team can provide additional information on where such areas exist, and the rules for development that may apply in each area.
Historical Preservation
Buildings, site areas, or whole neighborhoods may be designated as historical structures, neighborhoods, or landmarks at the local, State, or Federal levels. The Ithaca campus includes buildings, sites, and neighborhoods within all of these designations. The Campus Planning Office or the Environmental Compliance Office Services Team can help identify any potential environmental impacts associated with your project. Other information on these topics may be found at the following links:
- NYS Parks, Recreation, and Historical Preservation
- Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation (OPRHP)
- Landmark Preservation Commission
- City of Ithaca Historical Preservation
Land Ownership, Property Lines, and Zoning
Land ownership can be a complex issue on any of Cornell’s campuses, including the Ithaca campus. Prior to starting the approval process, the Project Manager should work with Real Estate and Legal Counsel to establish the property lines, land ownership, and any easements, right-of-ways, or legal agreements that may impact the development. Similarly, it is important for the project team to research zoning or building restrictions which may apply to the property at the municipal level. For example, there may be limitations to building heights, proximity to Unique Natural Areas, special development rules, parking requirements, setbacks, or similar regulations. The Campus Planning Office and Environmental Compliance Office Services Team can help you connect with the information you need to start the process.