Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Buffalo, NY

Buffalo maintains 115 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with sidewalk & pedestrian rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Buffalo falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Encroachment Permits

Anyone placing a private structure, like a planter, ramp, awning or sign, in Buffalo's public right-of-way needs an encroachment permit, and City Code § 413-67 keeps it at least 18 inches off the curbline, 50 feet clear of intersection sightlines, and 8 feet clear of the building frontage for pedestrians.

Key details: Minimum curb clearance: 18 inches. Intersection sightline buffer: 50 feet. Minimum sidewalk clearance: 8 feet. Permit authority: Commissioner of Public Works, Parks & Streets. Unlisted items: need Common Council approval.

An encroachment placed without going through this permitting process is unlawful under § 413-7, and the Commissioner of Public Works can remove it without prior notice or a Common Council order and bill the removal cost to the property owner through the City's assessment roll. Even a permitted encroachment can be pulled out at the Commissioner's discretion under § 413-67(D) and (F) for repairs or safety reasons, with only the unused, prorated license fee refunded.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Buffalo actively enforces its encroachment permits requirements.

Sidewalk Repair

Buffalo puts sidewalk upkeep on the abutting property owner or occupant, not the city. Code section 413-48 requires keeping the walk in good order and repair and clear of dirt and refuse, with construction, grading and pipe-laying duties spread across the rest of Article VII.

Key details: Who is responsible: Owner or occupant of the fronting premises. Fine class: Class D: $100/$100/$100. Maximum total fine: $300 per violation. Grading notice period: 20 days before city does the work. Minimum sidewalk width: 4 feet, concrete.

A violation of Section 413-48 is a Fine Class D offense under Section 137-7's schedule (last amended February 18, 2025): a $100 fine, $100 initial penalty and $100 additional penalty, for a $300 maximum total per notice of violation. The Parking Violations Bureau adjudicates these summonses under Section 137-7's street-and-sidewalk jurisdiction, and Section 413-48(B) layers this fine on top of the general penalties in Chapter 137, Article I.

Obstruction Rules

Buffalo makes it unlawful to willfully block any public street, crosswalk, or sidewalk, or the entrance to a church, theater, hotel, public hall, or railroad depot, under City Code § 413-5(A). Peaceful labor picketing is carved out under § 413-5(B) so long as it doesn't unreasonably obstruct the street or sidewalk in front of the picketed premises.

Key details: Prohibited: Willful obstruction of streets, crosswalks, sidewalks. Picketing exception: Peaceful labor picketing, no unreasonable block (§ 413-5(B)). Fine class: Class D: $100 initial, $300 max total. Related duty: Owner/occupant must clear encroachments (§ 413-7). Encroachment permit path: Apply to Commissioner, Council may allow up to 6 ft.

Willfully obstructing a street, crosswalk, or sidewalk under § 413-5 is a Fine Class D violation per § 137-7: a $100 initial penalty, a $100 additional penalty, and a $300 maximum total fine. Under the citywide general penalty at § 1-15, a continuing obstruction can be treated as a separate violation for each day it remains in place.

The Bottom Line

Buffalo's sidewalk & pedestrian rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Buffalo is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Buffalo's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.