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.
The Buffalo Green Code permits a wide range of fence materials in non-historic residential zones, including wood (cedar, pressure-treated pine, composite), vinyl/PVC, chain-link, wrought iron, aluminum, and masonry. Front-yard chain-link is discouraged citywide and prohibited in all 20-plus historic preservation districts. Historic districts generally require traditional materials: painted wood pickets, wrought iron, or stone/brick masonry, with designs approved by the Buffalo Preservation Board. Barbed wire and electric fencing are prohibited in residential zones (see barbed-wire-electric). Snow fencing (orange plastic) is permitted as temporary winter protection. Fence finish must face outward (finished side toward neighbor).
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Buffalo, NY
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See how Buffalo's material restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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