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Buffalo, NY Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Noise violations before revocation
3 within 1 year
Accelerated revocation trigger
3rd violation within 4 weeks of 2nd
Maximum suspension period
6 months
Noise ordinance reference
Buffalo City Code Ch. 293

Summary

All short-term rental properties in Buffalo must comply with the City Noise Ordinance (Chapter 293), and accumulating three or more noise violations within a year triggers mandatory license revocation.

The property must comply with the City of Buffalo Noise Ordinance. [See Ch. 293, Noise.] ... More than three noise violations within a year of the issued license. However, where the third noise violation is within four weeks or less of the second violation, the date of issuance of the most recent license is not a factor in revocation. ... A third violation of the City of Buffalo Code Chapter 12, § 12-7, shall mean immediate suspension followed by a notice to appear. Such notice shall be issued within three days of the immediate suspension. The nature of the appearance shall be at the discretion of the Commissioner only, and he/she may decide to uphold the suspension for any amount of time not to exceed six months, at which time a set date for a scheduled hearing as described above shall be made to address the immediate suspension described herein.

Source: Buffalo Noise Chapter 293View official code

Full Breakdown

Compliance with the noise ordinance is an express condition of the STR license under § 380-9(L). A third noise violation within four weeks of the second violation removes the one-year window entirely and triggers immediate suspension followed by a notice to appear. The Commissioner may uphold the suspension for up to six months. After suspension, a scheduled hearing determines whether to revoke permanently.

Violations & Fines

A third noise violation within a year of the license: immediate suspension and potential revocation for up to six months per § 380-21(E). Each noise violation also carries separate penalties under the Noise Ordinance, Chapter 293.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I lose my STR license over noise complaints?
Yes. Under § 380-17(8), three or more noise violations within a year are grounds for revocation. If the third violation comes within four weeks of the second, the license is immediately suspended pending a hearing.
Are guests responsible for noise violations, or is it the host?
The license is held by the property owner, and violations attach to the license regardless of who caused the noise. Hosts are responsible for ensuring guest compliance.

Sources & Official References

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All Buffalo rules

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