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Property Maintenance in Buffalo, NY (2026)

5 verified property maintenance rules for Buffalo, New York, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Trash Bin Storage

Buffalo totes must be stored out of public view from the street between collection days, typically behind the front building line, alongside the house, or in a garage.

Property Maintenance: Trash Bins

Some Restrictions

Property Blight

Buffalo has nationally recognized anti-blight enforcement via the Housing Court, vacant property registry, and In Rem foreclosure programs targeting zombie properties and derelict owners.

Property Maintenance: Property Blight

Heavy Restrictions

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Vacant lots in Buffalo must be maintained to Housing Standards, with grass kept below 10 inches, debris removed, and lots fenced or secured to prevent dumping.

Property Maintenance: Vacant Lots

Heavy Restrictions

Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

Buffalo property owners and occupants must clear sidewalks abutting their property within 24 hours of snowfall ending. The full sidewalk width must be passable, and ice must be treated with abrasive. Buffalo enforces aggressively given lake-effect snow risk and ADA accessibility concerns.

Buffalo Sidewalk Snow Removal (Code §413-50)

Some Restrictions

Garage Sale Rules

Garage sales in Buffalo are allowed without a specific permit but are limited in frequency and duration, and must not create traffic hazards or block sidewalks.

Property Maintenance: Garage Sale Rules

Few Restrictions

Looking for Erie County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Buffalo city rules.

Property Maintenance in Erie County