Buffalo requires working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms in every dwelling unit. State law (Amandas Law) mandates CO detectors near sleeping areas, and since April 2019 all new and replacement smoke alarms must be 10-year sealed-battery models.
The NY Uniform Code and NYS Executive Law Section 378 require interconnected smoke alarms on every level and inside and outside each sleeping area. Amandas Law (2010) adds carbon monoxide detectors within 15 feet of every sleeping area in any dwelling with fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage. Since April 1, 2019 (GBL Section 399-ccc) all newly sold or installed battery-powered smoke alarms must use a 10-year sealed non-removable lithium battery. This matters for Buffalo aging housing stock (much of it pre-1940) where older hardwired systems and single-station alarms are common. Landlords must test and maintain alarms between tenancies; tenants must not disable them. Buffalo Fire conducts free home inspections on request.
Missing or disabled alarms in a rental are a Certificate of Occupancy violation. Fines start at 250 dollars per missing alarm and escalate; fatal fires with missing alarms can trigger criminal negligence charges.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo collects trash (blue tote) and recycling (green tote) weekly on the same address-based day. Find your day on the city's map or via 311. Only Christma...
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo's minimum wage is set entirely by New York State under Labor Law Section 651 — $16.00 per hour for upstate (including Buffalo and Erie County) in 202...
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo property owners and occupants must clear sidewalks abutting their property within 24 hours of snowfall ending. The full sidewalk width must be passab...
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo does not restrict residential lawn ornaments, statues, or yard decorations on private property. Ornaments must stay on the owner's property and not e...
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo does not impose specific restrictions on residential inflatable holiday displays. Displays must remain on private property and not encroach into side...
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo does not impose a dedicated ordinance restricting residential holiday lighting. The Green Code (UDO Chapter 496) Section 7.4 regulates outdoor lighti...
See how Buffalo's smoke detectors rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.