Buffalo distinguishes hosted (owner-occupied) from unhosted short-term rentals, with hosted operations facing fewer restrictions because the owner remains on premises during guest stays under city zoning code.
Buffalo's short-term rental framework, integrated with the Green Code (Ch. 745), recognizes hosted rentals where the property owner lives on-site and rents bedrooms or accessory units while present. Hosted STRs face simpler permit pathways than whole-home unhosted rentals, which are restricted in many residential zones. New York State's HB 9275/A8284 framework reinforces local discretion over hosted classifications. Hosts must still register, collect Erie County occupancy taxes, and meet building safety standards including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors required by NY Real Property Law.
Operating a hosted STR without registration or while absent from the premises voids the host-present classification and may trigger zoning violations and unhosted permit fees.
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 ...
See how Buffalo's host presence rule rules stack up against other locations.
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