Home Business in Buffalo, NY (2026)
6 verified home business rules for Buffalo, New York, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Zoning Restrictions
Buffalo Green Code allows home occupations in all residential N districts as accessory uses. Businesses must be clearly secondary to the home, occupy no more than 25 percent of floor area, and not change the residential character of the property.
Home Business: Zoning
Some RestrictionsSignage Rules
Home occupations in Buffalo may display only one non-illuminated sign no larger than 2 square feet, attached flat to the dwelling. Freestanding signs and illuminated signs are prohibited, and signs in historic districts require a Certificate of Appropriateness.
Home Business: Signage
Heavy RestrictionsCustomer Traffic Restrictions
Home businesses in Buffalo may receive limited client visits provided traffic and parking stay at typical residential levels. The Green Code prohibits uses that create noticeable increases in vehicle or pedestrian traffic, and on-street parking by clients cannot overwhelm neighbors.
Home Business: Customer Traffic
Some RestrictionsCottage Food Operations
Buffalo home bakers and food producers operate under NY Agriculture and Markets Law Article 20-C (Home Processor exemption). Registration with NY Ag and Markets is required, limited to low-risk shelf-stable foods. No Buffalo-specific cottage-food license is required.
Home Business: Cottage Food
Few RestrictionsHome Daycare
Buffalo home-based daycare is governed by NY State OCFS licensing. Family day care (up to 8 children) and group family day care (up to 16 children) require state registration or licensing. Local Buffalo zoning permits home daycare in residential districts as an accessory use.
Home Business: Daycare Home
Some RestrictionsHome Occupation Permits
Buffalo home occupations are regulated by the Unified Development Ordinance (Green Code). Home-based businesses are allowed as accessory uses in residential zones if they are clearly incidental to the residential use, conducted by the resident, and do not alter the character of the neighborhood.
Home Business: Home Occupation Permits
Some RestrictionsLooking for Erie County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Buffalo city rules.
Home Business in Erie County →