Zoning Restrictions: Buffalo vs Clarence
How do zoning restrictions rules compare between Buffalo, NY and Clarence, NY?
Buffalo and Clarence have similar restriction levels.
Buffalo, NY
Erie County
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.
View full Buffalo rules →Clarence, NY
Erie County
Home business zoning in Erie County is set by each town, city, or village, not the county. Home occupations must be incidental and secondary to residential use and must not change the residential character of the property.
View full Clarence rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Buffalo | Clarence |
|---|---|---|
| Allowed zones | All N residential | - |
| Floor area | 25% max or one room | - |
| Employees | 1 non-resident max | - |
| Outdoor storage | Prohibited | - |
| Code | Green Code Section 6.1.2 | - |
| Zoning authority | - | Town, city, or village |
| Core rule | - | Incidental, secondary use |
| Amherst definition | - | Zoning Code § 2-4 |
| Cheektowaga floor cap | - | 15% of ground floor |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Buffalo FAQ
Can I run a small landscaping company from my Buffalo home?
Only administrative work. Truck, trailer, and equipment storage outside the house is prohibited as a home occupation.
What about a registered daycare?
Family day care (NY OCFS registered) is treated separately and is allowed by state law in residential zones with up to 8 children.
Clarence FAQ
Does Erie County regulate home businesses?
No. Zoning is handled by your town, city, or village. The county does not issue home-business zoning approvals.
What is the main home-occupation rule?
The business must stay incidental and secondary to residential use and not change the character of the home, per local zoning like Amherst § 2-4.
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