Vacant lots in Buffalo must be maintained to Housing Standards, with grass kept below 10 inches, debris removed, and lots fenced or secured to prevent dumping.
Buffalo Code requires vacant lot owners to maintain their property free of weeds, grass over 10 inches, debris, litter, and hazardous conditions. The Department of Permit & Inspection Services can issue abate-or-cut orders. If the owner fails to comply, the city performs the work and bills the owner, with unpaid charges becoming tax liens. Lots used for illegal dumping must be fenced or otherwise secured. Vacant lots in Land Bank inventory (Buffalo Erie Niagara Land Improvement Corp) are maintained by the Land Bank. The Clean Sweeps and 311 systems drive enforcement; residents can report high grass and debris to 311.
Failure to maintain vacant lot: city performs work, bills owner, unpaid charges become tax lien. Repeat offenders face Housing Court.
Buffalo, NY
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Buffalo, NY
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See how Buffalo's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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