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.
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
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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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