Fence Regulations in Buffalo, NY (2026)
6 verified fence regulations for Buffalo, New York, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Buffalo limits fences to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards under the Buffalo Green Code. Corner lots have additional visibility triangle rules. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit and zoning review.
Fences: Height Limits
Some RestrictionsPermit Requirements
Fences over 6 feet tall and any fence in a historic district require a permit from the Buffalo Department of Permit and Inspection Services. Fences under 6 feet in non-historic areas do not need a permit but must meet Green Code setback and material rules.
Fences: Permits
Some RestrictionsNeighbor Fence Rules
Buffalo is a common-law state for shared fences. There is no statutory 50/50 cost-sharing requirement. Spite fences over 10 feet erected to annoy neighbors are actionable under NY RPAPL section 843 as a private nuisance.
Fences: Neighbor Rules
Some RestrictionsPool Barriers
All residential pools in Buffalo with water over 24 inches deep must be fully enclosed by a 48-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates per NY State Uniform Building Code. Alarms are required on any house door opening directly to the pool area.
Fences: Pool Fencing
Heavy RestrictionsFence Requirements
Buffalo Green Code requires a clear sight triangle at all street intersections. Fences, walls, and vegetation cannot exceed 30 inches in height within 25 feet of the corner. Violations require immediate correction or face daily fines.
Fences: Corner Visibility
Heavy RestrictionsMaterial Restrictions
Wood, vinyl, chain-link, wrought iron, and masonry fences are all permitted in Buffalo. Historic preservation districts restrict materials to traditional wood, iron, or masonry. Chain-link is generally prohibited in front yards in historic areas.
Fences: Materials
Some RestrictionsLooking for Erie County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Buffalo city rules.
Fence Regulations in Erie County →