Environmental Rules in Buffalo, NY (2026)
4 verified environmental rules for Buffalo, New York, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Every building connected to the City sewer must have properly constructed and maintained eaves troughs and rain leaders connected to the sewer. The Buffalo Sewer Authority may disconnect these in certain areas to prevent basement flooding or combined sewer overflows.
Environmental: Stormwater
Some RestrictionsBuffalo City Code §§ 491-80, 491-81
§ 491-80. Construction required. Every owner or occupant of any building in the City of Buffalo which is connected with any sewer in the City shall construct thereon and keep in repair eaves troughs and rain leaders connecting with such sewer pipe or sewer connection. Such eaves troughs and rain leaders shall at all times conform to the requirements of the Health Commissioner. § 491-81. Disconn...
Flood Zones
Buffalo requires a floodplain development permit for any construction, fill, excavation, or other development in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), and mandates that new residential structures be elevated at least two feet above the base flood elevation.
Environmental: Flood Zones
Significant RestrictionsBuffalo City Code § 31-3.5; § 31-4.2-1; § 31-5.3-1
§ 31-4.2-1 Purpose A floodplain development permit is hereby established for all construction and other development to be undertaken in areas of special flood hazard in this community for the purpose of protecting its citizens from increased flood hazards and insuring that new development is constructed in a manner that minimizes its exposure to flooding. It shall be unlawful to undertake any d...
Boat Dock Permits
Anyone repairing, renewing, altering or building a dock in Buffalo's harbor, or along the Buffalo River, Cazenovia Creek or Black Rock Harbor, must first get a permit from the Department of Public Works under City Code § 495-15. The permit must specify the work's character and location, and dock owners must also install mooring posts strong enough to hold the largest vessels.
Buffalo Dock Repair and Construction Permit
Some RestrictionsBuffalo City Code § 495-15(A)
It shall be the duty of every person, firm or corporation, before repairing, renewing, altering or constructing any dock within the City or any sheeting, sheetpiling, wharfing or docking along the margin or banks of the channels of Buffalo River, Cazenovia Creek, Black Rock Harbor and the harbors, basins, slips and waters of the City to secure a permit therefor from the Department of Public Wor...
Flood Elevation Requirements
In Buffalo's mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas, new construction and substantial improvements must have their lowest floor built at least two feet above the base flood elevation. The Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Streets administers the rule under Charter Article 31, issuing floodplain development permits and certificates of compliance before anyone can build or occupy a structure there.
Buffalo Base Flood Elevation Freeboard Rule
Some RestrictionsBuffalo City Charter Art. 31, § 31-5, Subsec. 5.3-1(1)
Within Zones A1-A30, AE and AH if base flood elevation data are available, new construction and substantial improvements shall have the top of the lowest floor (including basement) elevated to or above two feet above the base flood elevation. Within Zones AH adequate drainage paths are required to guide flood waters around and away from proposed structures on slopes. (2) Within Zone A, when ...
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