Buffalo HOA and condo architectural committees review exterior changes per declaration and bylaws. NY courts uphold reasonable aesthetic restrictions but require standards to be applied consistently and in good faith under the business judgment rule.
Architectural review in Buffalo HOAs typically requires written application before any exterior modification (paint color, roofing, fences, additions, landscaping, solar panels, satellite dishes). The board or ARC reviews against the declaration, bylaws, and published design guidelines. NY courts apply the business judgment rule (Levandusky v One Fifth Avenue, 75 NY2d 530, 1990) requiring boards to act in good faith, within authority, and with legitimate purpose. Arbitrary or selectively enforced rules can be struck down. Federal OTARD rules protect satellite dishes under 1 meter; HOAs cannot ban them outright. Solar access is not protected by NY law as strongly as in other states but recent legislation (NY Energy Law 9-103) limits solar restrictions to reasonable aesthetic rules.
Unapproved alterations: HOA can require removal at owner expense. Non-compliance fines typically 50-500 dollars per violation. HOA must follow due process.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Buffalo, NY
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Buffalo, NY
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Buffalo, NY
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Buffalo, NY
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Buffalo, NY
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Buffalo, NY
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