The intent of this handbook is to provide local officials with information regarding fair housing and zoning and other land use controls available to further fair housing. As our region experiences demographic change, promoting fair and affordable housing within our local municipalities will become increasingly important in order to maintain a diverse housing stock that meets the needs of local residents and fosters stronger communities. Erie County Department of Environment and Planning is responsible for administering Community Development Block Grant and HOME funds through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). As part of this responsibility, the County is required to prepare a report on Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice in Erie County, NY (AI). The most current AI report was prepared by the Center for Urban Studies at the State University of New York at Buffalo, and accepted by the County in November 2008. An important finding of the AI report pertained to barriers presented by local zoning regulations in Erie County. Zoning can serve as a significant impediment to fair housing choice for many area residents. This handbook is the result of a planning effort designed to address this issue. It includes information on how zoning presents impediments and presents alternative zoning options to promote fair housing choice. This planning effort also entailed a comprehensive training program for local officials concerning best practices in zoning tools. A series of 10 presentations were provided across the Erie County municipalities that are members of the Erie County Consortium. Section 3 of this handbook includes a printout of the powerpoint presentation used for these training sessions.