Buffalo enforces the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (19 NYCRR Part 1225), which incorporates the 2020 International Fire Code with state amendments. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits charcoal and LP-gas grills with cylinders over 1 pound on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction on multi-family (Group R-2) buildings. One- and two-family homes are exempt.
Buffalo administers the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (19 NYCRR), which adopts and amends the International Fire Code. Under IFC Section 308.1.4 as adopted in 19 NYCRR Part 1225, charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices, as well as LP-gas grills with cylinders having a water capacity greater than 2.5 pounds (nominal 1 pound LP-gas capacity), may not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. Exceptions apply where buildings are fully sprinklered, where balconies are noncombustible, and for one- and two-family dwellings. Buffalo's housing stock includes many wood-framed apartment buildings and triple-deckers where this rule is actively enforced. The Buffalo Fire Department responds to complaints and works with the Department of Permit and Inspection Services on enforcement. Many landlords and condo associations adopt stricter no-grill policies through leases and bylaws. Refilling 1-pound disposable propane cylinders is prohibited under federal Department of Transportation rules.
Use of a prohibited grill on a Buffalo multi-family balcony violates 19 NYCRR Part 1225 and can result in fire department citations, required removal, fines, and lease termination. Fire damage caused by an unlawful grill creates civil liability and is commonly denied by homeowner and renter insurance. Repeat violations can trigger building-wide code enforcement under the Buffalo Housing Standards.
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