City of Buffalo Charter Building Permits

Permit holders are required to notify the New Construction Building Inspector when construction work is ready for inspection. Permitted work must be accessible and exposed until inspected and accepted by the inspector.

After inspection, the work or a portion thereof shall be noted as satisfactory as completed, or the permit holder will be notified as to where the work fails to comply with the code(s). Construction work not in compliance with code provisions shall be required to remain exposed until it has been brought into compliance with the code, been reinspected, and been found satisfactory as completed.

“Stop Work Orders” are issued to halt work that:

  • Does not comply with approved plans
  • Is being conducted in a dangerous or unsafe manner
  • Is being performed without a required permit(s)
  • Is determined to be contrary to the code

A Certificate of Occupancy or a Certificate of Compliance will be issued for inspected and approved work subject to a Building Permit.

Source: 19NYCRR Part 1203.

A Building Permit is Not Required for

  • Construction or installation of one story detached structures associated with one-or two-family dwellings or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) which are used for tool and storage sheds, playhouses or similar uses, provided the gross floor area does not exceed 144 square feet (13.88m2)
  • Installation of swings and other playground equipment associated with a one- or two-family dwelling or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses)
  • Installation of swimming pools associated with a one- or two-family dwelling or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) where such pools are designed for a water depth of less than 24 inches and are installed entirely above ground
  • Installation of fences which are not part of an enclosure surrounding a swimming pool
  • Construction of retaining walls unless such walls support a surcharge or impound Class I, II or IIIA liquids
  • Construction of temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery
  • Installation of window awnings supported by an exterior wall of a one- or two-family dwelling or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses)
  • Installation of partitions or movable cases less than 5'-9" in height; (ix) painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, or other similar finish work
  • Installation of listed portable electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation or cooling equipment or appliances
  • Replacement of any equipment provided the replacement does not alter the equipment’s listing or render it inconsistent with the equipment’s original specifications
  • Repairs, provided that such repairs do not involve: The removal or cutting away of a load bearing wall, partition, or portion thereof, or of any structural beam or load bearing component
  • The removal or change of any required means of egress or the rearrangement of parts of a structure in a manner which affects egress
  • The enlargement, alteration, replacement or relocation of any building system
  • The removal from service of all or part of a fire protection system for any period of time

Review City Charter Section 103-Permits.