Buffalo, NY Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Notice period before sign posted
- 10 days to begin compliance
- Subsequent inspections before sign erected
- 3
- Sign dimensions
- 18 inches high by 24 inches wide
- Sign placement height
- No more than 42 inches above grade
Summary
When a property owner repeatedly fails to comply with Buffalo's building and property maintenance codes, the Commissioner may erect a public shame sign on the adjacent right-of-way identifying the owner by name and address.
When the Commissioner determines that the owner or agent of record for real property within the City has not complied with the standards of this chapter or other standards or laws for the construction, replacement or repair of buildings, the Commissioner shall immediately serve notice upon that owner or agent of record as provided below and may have erected a sign with the text stated below on the public right-of-way adjacent to the subject structure. The sign is in addition to any and all remedies available to the City in state law, City Charter or ordinance regarding property maintenance, building and fire codes and notwithstanding any fine or penalty imposed pursuant to provisions of this chapter or other law. The owner or agent of record determined to be in violation shall be personally liable for the cost of purchasing, erecting and dismantling the sign, as well as the costs of any repair, demolition or other related work performed by the City of Buffalo where it is necessary for the City to cause said work to be done.
Full Breakdown
The owner must receive a notice giving 10 days to begin code compliance before the sign may be posted. If the property shows no progress after three subsequent inspections, the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services can have an 18-by-24-inch sign erected identifying the owner's name, residence address, and contact number. The owner is personally liable for the cost of purchasing, erecting, and dismantling the sign. The sign is removed once violations are abated to the Commissioner's satisfaction.
Violations & Fines
The owner bears personal liability for sign costs and all City remediation expenses in addition to fines under Chapter 137. Failure to file a current name and address with the Department of Assessment and Taxation subjects the owner to a fine under § 137-7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the City really post a sign calling my property a blight hazard?
Who pays for the blight sign?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buffalo
New York rules heatmap·Compare Buffalo to another location·View the New York property maintenance overview
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