General loitering in Buffalo is largely unenforceable after New York courts struck down vague statutes, but Buffalo Police use targeted New York Penal Law Article 240 provisions covering loitering for prostitution, drug sales, and trespass on school grounds.
New York's general loitering statute (Penal Law §240.35) has been narrowed substantially by Court of Appeals rulings finding several subsections unconstitutional, including loitering for begging (Loper v. NYC Police Dept., 1993) and loitering for prostitution-related offenses (repealed 2021 by the Walking While Trans Ban repeal). Surviving provisions cover loitering on school grounds, in transit facilities for unlawful purposes, and at controlled-substance locations. Buffalo Police rely on these specific subsections plus general trespass under §140.05. Constitutional challenges have made broad anti-loitering enforcement risky for cities.
Remaining on school grounds without a legitimate purpose, loitering at transit facilities for unlawful purposes, or trespassing on private property after warning can result in citations or arrest.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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...
Buffalo, NY
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Buffalo require building, plumbing, gas, and electrical permits through the Department of Permit and Inspection Services when t...
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo treats wood, pellet, and charcoal smokers as open-flame cooking devices under IFC Section 308.1.4 as adopted by New York State (19 NYCRR Part 1225). ...
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo enforces the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (19 NYCRR Part 1225), which incorporates the 2020 International Fire Code with ...
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