City of Yonkers Launches Digital Platform for Land-Use Review
New York’s third-largest city embraces digital transformation for Planning Board operations
The City of Yonkers has officially launched MuniCollab’s digital platform for its Planning Board, marking a significant milestone in the city’s ongoing efforts to modernize municipal operations. The implementation brings comprehensive digital workflows to New York’s third-largest city, streamlining complex development review processes.
“Yonkers is a city that’s growing and evolving,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “By implementing this online platform, we’re making it easier for residents and developers to navigate our review process while ensuring our staff has the tools they need to manage our city’s complex development activity efficiently and securely.”
Digital Transformation at Scale
Beginning in 2026, the Yonkers Planning Board will begin accepting applications through the MuniCollab portal, with the Zoning Board of Appeals and Landmarks Preservation Board to follow. The new system digitizes the entire land-use review lifecycle—from initial application submission through final decision-making—while ensuring complete transparency and record-keeping throughout the process.
Some of the benefits that the system brings to residents, developers and staff include:
Digital Submissions: Guided application forms ensure all required information is provided upfront, reducing back-and-forth delays. When documents are uploaded, the system assists staff by identifying document types, extracting key information, and suggesting appropriate filing locations—allowing planners to focus on substantive review rather than administrative tasks.
Centralized Document Management: All project documents are accessible to staff, board members, consultants, and relevant city departments through one unified system.
Greater Public Transparency: Easy public access to project information and application status keeps the community informed about development in their neighborhoods.
Supporting Efficient Municipal Operations
The platform has been specifically configured to integrate with Yonkers’ existing workflows, including connections to the city’s GIS system for automated property data population. This integration ensures that when applicants enter a project location, the system automatically generates accurate zoning information, eliminating a common source of errors and delays.
AI-Powered Workflow Support
The platform includes AI-driven document analysis designed specifically for municipal land-use review. The system assesses document types, extracts key information like dates, provides concise summaries, and recommends appropriate filing locations. It can quickly identify zoning determination memos, Environmental Assessment Forms, and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans, routing each to the correct review queue.
The AI can also surface relevant sections of Yonkers’ municipal code, identify potential issues requiring further analysis, and flag topics needing additional expertise. Instead of spending 30 minutes searching through code for setback requirements or parking standards, planners get this information in seconds. Critically, all AI suggestions are designed to be verified by staff with the ultimate responsibility for review remaining with Yonkers’ planning professionals.
A Model for Urban Planning Technology
The adoption of MuniCollab’s software supports the city’s ongoing efforts to modernize municipal operations and enhance service delivery to Yonkers’ diverse and growing community. As a major city with significant development activity, Yonkers’ implementation demonstrates how purpose-built technology can handle the complexity of urban planning while maintaining the thoroughness and transparency that communities expect.
The Yonkers Planning Board portal is now live at yonkers.municollab.com/planning-board/projects.
Ready to see how digital transformation can support your municipality’s planning and zoning operations? Contact us to schedule a demo.
