FAQs • Buffalo, NY • CivicEngage

Can I remove asbestos from my own single family home?: Only if it is a 1-family owner-occupied home, an owner can remove asbestos from their own home. If it is a 2-family dwelling or more, or a commercial/industrial building, a licensed New York State certified contractor must do asbestos abatement. The owner of a 1 family occupied home can remove asbestos, but it must be properly disposed of. The home owner can put it to the curb, but the City of Buffalo reserves the right to not pick it up. It is recommended that the owner water-soak asbestos prior to removal, and double-bag it in contractors' garbage bags. For more information please call the NYS Department of Labor, who oversees asbestos removal, at 716-847-7126.

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Demolition

1. Who owns the lot after demolition?: The property owner still owns the lot after the building is demolished, and must maintain it as long as he owns it. For more information please call 716-851-4904.

2. Does the City of Buffalo sow grass seed after demolition, grading and leveling?: No, the City of Buffalo does not sow grass seed after demolition, grading and leveling. For more information please call 716-851-4904.

3. Does the City develop lots after demolition, with topsoil, landscaping, etc.?: In some cases, in conjunction with Community-Based Organizations. For more information please call 716-851-4904.

4. How long is the city responsible for grading and leveling of lots?: The Contractor is responsible for 1 year, unless the lot is illegally driven on or dumping of trash occurs. For more information please call 716-851-4904.

5. What about high grass and weeds after demolition?: If privately-owned, the owner is responsible; the district inspector should 'Cite' the owner. If the City of Buffalo is the owner, the Division of Real Estate or Public Works should cut it. For more information please call 716-851-4904.

6. What about using a hose to keep dust down during demolition?: No hosing is required from November 15 to April 15 (as it could cause an ice sheet, hazardous conditions, etc.). Contractor must hose during the demolition process where a hose is readily available, (which they are, in 95% of the demos). For more information please call 716-851-4904.

7. Who monitors demolitions?: The City of Buffalo has one inspector assigned to inspect and observe all City, private and City of Buffalo demolitions crew demolitions. For more information please call Mike Schieber at 716-851-4904.

8. Who assures that asbestos has been removed from buildings that are to be demolished?: New York State requires that a licensed third party certifies that the asbestos has been removed. A copy of this certification is required as a condition of the permit and must be received before a permit can be issued.

9. Can I remove asbestos from my own single family home?: Only if it is a 1-family owner-occupied home, an owner can remove asbestos from their own home. If it is a 2-family dwelling or more, or a commercial/industrial building, a licensed New York State certified contractor must do asbestos abatement. The owner of a 1 family occupied home can remove asbestos, but it must be properly disposed of. The home owner can put it to the curb, but the City of Buffalo reserves the right to not pick it up. It is recommended that the owner water-soak asbestos prior to removal, and double-bag it in contractors' garbage bags. For more information please call the NYS Department of Labor, who oversees asbestos removal, at 716-847-7126.