Zoning Text Amendment
ADU zoning text amendment
City of Elmira
Doing business in the City of Elmira
Downtown businesses can also ask Elmira Downtown Development about its façade (up to $2,000) and sign (up to $500) matching grants.
Permits and zoning
Code Enforcement, 101 W 2nd St
(607) 737-5654
Permits are issued 8–10 am and 3–3:35 pm, Mon–Fri
- Code enforcement and building permits ↗
- Permit forms ↗
- The City’s zoning ordinance isn’t posted online; call Code Enforcement. Downtown uses a form-based code (2019). ↗
- Thrive Elmira, the new comprehensive plan and zoning update (in progress; online survey open until Nov 30, 2026) ↗
- Board agendas and minutes ↗
- Official website ↗
Contact details checked in October 2026. Call ahead: hours and staff change.
By the numbers
- People
- 26,257
- Median age
- 37 years
- Median household income
- $43,120
- Below the poverty line
- 30%
- Adults 25+ with a bachelor’s degree or more
- 18%
- Unemployment
- 10%
- Median home value
- $93,000
- Median rent
- $909 a month
- Homes and apartments
- 12,676 (17% vacant)
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates.
- Commercial properties
- 909
- Industrial properties
- 40
- Vacant land parcels
- 957
- All parcels
- 9,555
NYS assessment rolls, 2025.
Browse 1,275 business properties in the City of Elmira
Development watch
Upcoming meetings
- Historic Preservation Commission: agenda (PDF)
IDA tax-break projects
- Clemens Center Landlord, 207 Clemens Center Parkway: $419,820 in net tax breaks (2024)
- Riedman Properties Elmira, 667 College Ave.: $329,789 in net tax breaks (2024)
- Hathorn Redevelopment, 346 Woodlawn Ave.: $259,092 in net tax breaks (2024)
- PG West Water Street, 100 West Water Street: $234,019 in net tax breaks (2024)
- Mark Twain Building, 154-184 N. Main St.: $134,548 in net tax breaks (2024)
Things to do nearby
- Through Oct 19 · Chemung County Farm Bureau to host annual dinner
- Through Oct 18 · Elmira Holiday Parade Costume Fittings
- Through Oct 11 · Billy Martin's Circus Extreme 250
- Through Mar 12 · Next Stop Comedy at 360Aurora! - Elmira Heights, NY
- Sat, Oct 10 · Gender Affirming Closet For Coming Out Day
- Sat, Oct 10 · Elmira College Women's Volleyball vs SUNY Geneseo
This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.