The Buffalo Green Code (Chapter 496 Unified Development Ordinance) offers density and height bonuses for projects providing affordable housing, historic preservation, or specified public benefits within applicable transect zones.
Adopted in 2017 as the first comprehensive form-based zoning code in a major US city, the Buffalo Green Code replaces traditional Euclidean zoning with transect-based districts (N-1 through N-4 neighborhood, D-IL light industrial, etc.). Within these districts, the code permits administrative bonuses for added stories or relaxed dimensional standards when a project provides on-site affordable housing, restores a designated historic structure, or contributes to a public-realm improvement. Inclusionary housing requirements are under City Hall discussion but not yet codified citywide.
Failure to deliver promised affordable units triggers covenant default; bonus removal and certificate-of-occupancy revocation may follow under the UDO.
Buffalo, NY
The Buffalo Green Code applies higher-density transect designations along the NFTA Metro Rail corridor, encouraging mixed-use, walkable development around st...
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo requires all rental dwellings to be registered and inspected under the Rental Dwelling Licensing program administered by Permit & Inspection Services...
See how Buffalo's density bonus law rules stack up against other locations.
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