Buffalo enforces cool-roof reflectivity requirements indirectly through the New York State Energy Conservation Construction Code, which mandates minimum solar reflectance for low-slope roofs in certain commercial occupancies.
Buffalo has not adopted a stand-alone cool-roof ordinance. However, all new construction and major reroofs in the city must comply with the New York State ECCCNYS, which incorporates ASHRAE 90.1 cool-roof standards for low-slope commercial roofing. Roofs must meet specified solar reflectance index thresholds or qualify for an alternate compliance path. Residential single-family roofs are generally exempt. Buffalo's Climate Action Plan identifies cool-roof retrofits on city-owned buildings as a heat-island mitigation tool, particularly downtown and on the East Side.
Building permits require ECCCNYS compliance certification; failure halts certificate of occupancy. Penalties under Ch. 113 range up to $1,000 per violation.
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See how Buffalo's cool roof requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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