Buffalo, New York · 2026 Permit Guide
Buffalo Building Permits, Inspections & Department Services
Quick answer: Building permits, construction plan review, inspections, contractor licensing, code enforcement and project closeout inside the City of Buffalo are handled by the City of Buffalo Department of Permit & Inspection Services (DPIS). Most applicants can start online through the City’s ePermits system.
Buffalo, NY 14202
Permit Office: 716-851-4290
Tuesdays & Thursdays: appointment required for in-person building permit applications
What the Buffalo Building Department Handles
Buffalo uses the Department of Permit & Inspection Services rather than a department formally titled only “Building Department.” DPIS oversees development and private-property uses within the city and coordinates construction review with other City divisions when necessary.
| Service | What DPIS Does |
|---|---|
| Building permits | Reviews and issues permits for new buildings, additions, renovations, repairs, decks, sheds, demolition and other regulated construction. |
| Plan review | Checks construction documents for New York State code and local ordinance compliance and routes projects to other reviewing departments when required. |
| Inspections | Inspects permitted work during construction and at final completion. |
| Occupancy / compliance | Issues applicable Certificates of Occupancy or Certificates of Compliance after required inspections and closeout requirements are satisfied. |
| Contractor licensing | Administers City contractor licensing and various other licenses. |
| Property maintenance | Handles inspections, violations, enforcement and certain neighborhood/property complaints. |
Do You Need a Buffalo Building Permit?
Buffalo generally requires a building permit for work that must comply with the New York State Uniform Code unless the work falls within a published exemption. New construction, additions, structural work, changes of use, many renovations and regulated mechanical, electrical or plumbing projects should be checked before work starts.
Common published permit exemptions
Buffalo’s published guidance identifies several categories that may be exempt from a building permit, including:
- One-story detached sheds, playhouses or similar accessory structures associated with qualifying one- or two-family dwellings or townhouses when gross floor area does not exceed 144 square feet.
- Swings and certain playground equipment associated with qualifying dwellings.
- Qualifying above-ground residential pools designed for a water depth of less than 24 inches.
- Fences that are not part of a swimming-pool enclosure.
- Certain retaining walls that do not support a surcharge or impound specified hazardous liquids.
- Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting and similar finish work.
- Certain listed portable equipment and qualifying like-for-like equipment replacements.
How to Apply for a Buffalo Building Permit
- Define the project and property.
Use the correct assessed property address and write a clear scope of work. Determine whether the project is new construction, renovation, addition, demolition, signage, site work, parking, change of use or a mechanical trade project. - Check zoning and preliminary approvals.
Projects may require Citywide Site Plan Review, Preservation Board review, Planning Board action, zoning relief, public-works approval, curb-cut approval or another clearance before the building permit can move forward. - Prepare the application and drawings.
Buffalo’s permit process calls for professionally prepared plans where required. An original seal and signature from a New York State licensed architect or engineer is required for all new buildings and additions, structural or public-safety-related alterations or repairs, and most changes of use or occupancy. - Submit online or in person.
Digital submission through ePermits is encouraged. In-person submissions are handled at City Hall, Room 301. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays allow walk-ins; Tuesdays and Thursdays require an appointment for building permit applications. - Respond to plan-review comments.
If reviewers request revisions, the agent of record must submit corrected documents. Digital submissions can be tracked from the ePermits dashboard. - Pay fees and obtain the issued permit.
After required reviews are complete, the licensed contractor must be identified where applicable and outstanding permit fees must be paid. Do not begin regulated work until the permit has been issued. - Schedule required inspections.
Keep inspected work exposed and accessible until approved. Inspection points depend on the project. - Complete final inspection and closeout.
After approved work is complete, pass the final inspection and obtain the applicable Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance.
Buffalo ePermits: Step-by-Step
The online system is the fastest starting point for most applicants because it allows electronic permit applications, document uploads and project tracking.
- Open the official Buffalo ePermits portal.
- Select Create a Profile below the login area if you do not already have an account.
- Complete the registration form.
- Open the account-activation email and follow the activation link.
- Sign in and select Submit a Record.
- Choose the applicable record under Building Permits or Mechanicals.
- Complete all required fields marked with an asterisk.
- Attach the plans, survey, supporting approvals and other required files.
- After submission, use My Dashboard and My Projects to follow the review status.
- When fees are available, use the payment workflow shown in your account.
Online payment notes
The City’s current online guidance states that permit fee payments use Visa or MasterCard credit or debit cards. Buffalo also publishes a $2 convenience fee for payments made through the ePermits website.
Buffalo Building Permit Fees in 2026
The fee schedules currently published by Buffalo for residential and commercial building permits are marked effective July 1, 2025 and remain the City’s posted schedules used for this 2026 guide. Plumbing, electrical and heating work can have separate permits and charges.
Residential: detached one- and two-family dwellings
| Residential fee item | Published amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $25 |
| Plan review when required | 20% of permit fee; $25 minimum |
| New 1-family dwelling, 1,000 sq. ft. or less | $500 |
| New 1-family dwelling, 1,001–3,000 sq. ft. | $600 |
| New 1-family dwelling, 3,001–5,000 sq. ft. | $750 |
| New 1-family dwelling, 5,001 sq. ft. or more | $900 |
| New 2-family dwelling | $1,000 |
| Townhouse | $500 per unit |
| Additions, alterations and repairs | $5 per $1,000 of construction cost; $50 minimum |
| Above-ground pool/spa over 2 ft. deep | $50 |
| In-ground pool/spa/pond over 2 ft. deep | $150 |
| Shed or garage over 144 sq. ft. and under 600 sq. ft. | $75 |
| 1- or 2-family dwelling demolition | $300 |
Commercial building fees
| Commercial fee item | Published amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $50 |
| Plan review when plans are required | $0.75 per $1,000 of mean construction cost; $75 minimum |
| New construction, addition, change of use or alteration permit fee | $8 per $1,000 of calculated cost; $100 minimum |
| Shed or garage 600 sq. ft. and under | $100 |
| Commercial structure demolition | $0.12 per sq. ft.; $500 minimum |
| Interior tear-out | $200 |
| Use permit with occupancy/use-class change | $50 |
Commercial valuation-based permits use Buffalo’s published valuation table and scope-of-work factors. The City’s schedule explains that application, plan-review, permit, flat, use and certificate charges can be combined when applicable.
Fees can change and project-specific charges may be added. Use the official invoice as the final amount before payment.
How to Schedule a Buffalo Building Inspection
Permit holders and project agents are responsible for arranging inspections at the required construction stages. Buffalo’s published inspection guidance says the responsible project party should determine which inspectors are assigned and provide the required advance notice.
Buffalo states at least 24 hours’ prior notice should be provided.
Typical inspection stages
| Inspection | When to request it |
|---|---|
| Excavation / footing | When excavation, forms and required reinforcement are ready and before covered work proceeds. |
| Foundation | At the required foundation stage before work that must remain visible is concealed. |
| Under-slab / building systems | Before underground systems or slab-related work is covered. |
| Framing / rough-in | After structural framing and applicable electrical, plumbing or mechanical rough work are ready for inspection. |
| Energy / fire-resistance items | Before regulated assemblies, penetrations or energy-code work are concealed where inspection is required. |
| Final | After all work authorized by the permit is completed and earlier corrections have been resolved. |
After the final inspection
Approved projects subject to a building permit are closed through the applicable Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance. A change in use or occupancy can also trigger certificate requirements even when the project involves an existing building.
Building Codes Used in Buffalo in 2026
Buffalo enforces the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code together with the State Energy Conservation Construction Code, local City ordinances and the Buffalo Green Code.
The 2025 New York State Uniform Code and updated 2025 Energy Code became effective on December 31, 2025. Building permit applications filed in 2026 therefore generally fall under the updated code family.
- 2025 Building Code of New York State
- 2025 Residential Code of New York State
- 2025 Existing Building Code of New York State
- 2025 Plumbing Code of New York State
- 2025 Mechanical Code of New York State
- 2025 Fuel Gas Code of New York State
- 2025 Fire Code of New York State
- 2025 Property Maintenance Code of New York State
- 2025 Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State
Buffalo’s code page also identifies the 2023 National Electrical Code in connection with electrical work and explains that local building/maintenance provisions and the City’s Unified Development Ordinance—commonly called the Buffalo Green Code—operate alongside the State codes.
Local Approvals That Can Affect a Buffalo Permit
A building permit is not always the first or only approval. Buffalo routes projects to other departments and boards when the proposed work affects zoning, historic property, public infrastructure, utilities or fire-safety requirements.
| Issue | Possible Buffalo review |
|---|---|
| Land use, setbacks, use or site design | Buffalo Green Code / zoning review and, where applicable, site plan review or Zoning Board of Appeals. |
| Historic building or historic district | Preservation Board review may be required before permit approval. |
| Curb cuts, encroachments or right-of-way work | City Engineering / Department of Public Works approval may be required. |
| Sewer, plumbing, electrical or HVAC | Separate departmental or trade review may be part of the plan-review circulation. |
| Fire-safety systems or occupancy issues | Fire Prevention review can be required depending on the project. |
| Major development | Planning Board or other City review may be triggered before construction approval. |
Contractor licensing
Buffalo requires people engaged in home-improvement businesses or construction work in the city to obtain the applicable City contractor license under Chapter 144. The general contractor license does not authorize plumbing, heating/cooling or electrical work, which have separate licensing requirements.
The City’s current contractor application states that a complete application, fee and required documents must reach the office at least 7 days before the Construction & Home Improvement Advisory Board meeting. The Board meets monthly, and the applicant’s attendance is required.
Check Permit Status, Inspection Records or Report a Problem
If you submitted the permit
- Sign in to Buffalo ePermits.
- Open My Dashboard.
- Look under My Projects.
- Review the record for status, review activity and available payment information.
If you need historical permit information
Open Data Buffalo publishes permit information for permits issued by DPIS from 2007 forward. Inspection records are public records; Buffalo directs users seeking inspection records to call 716-851-4949 or visit District Inspections in City Hall, Room 304.
If you need to report a property or code issue
Use Buffalo 311 for non-emergency City service requests and property complaints. Dial 311 inside Buffalo city limits or 716-851-4890. A service request receives a reference number that can be used to track progress.
What to Have Ready Before You Apply
- Correct assessed property address and ZIP code.
- Clear written description of the proposed work.
- Current property survey when required.
- Site plan, floor plans, elevations and construction details appropriate to the project.
- Occupancy classification for affected structures where applicable.
- Architect or engineer sealed documents when required.
- Contractor information and applicable Buffalo license information.
- Any required zoning, preservation, site-plan, DPW, fire or utility approvals.
- Project valuation or construction cost information used for fee calculation.
- Digital files prepared to the City’s electronic plan-submission standards.
Related Building Department Guides
Buffalo Building Department FAQs
1. Who handles building permits in Buffalo, New York?
The City of Buffalo Department of Permit & Inspection Services handles building permits, plan review, construction inspections, contractor licensing and related code-enforcement services for property inside Buffalo city limits.
2. Where is the Buffalo Permit & Inspection Services office?
The department’s permit office is at 65 Niagara Square, City Hall, Room 301, Buffalo, NY 14202. The main DPIS phone number is 716-851-4972 and the Permit Office can be reached at 716-851-4290.
3. Can I apply for a Buffalo building permit online?
Yes. Create a profile in the official Buffalo ePermits system, activate the account by email, sign in, choose “Submit a Record,” select the applicable permit type, complete the required fields and upload the required documents.
4. Do I need a permit for a shed, fence or pool in Buffalo?
It depends on the project. Buffalo lists qualifying one-story residential accessory structures not exceeding 144 square feet, certain non-pool fences and qualifying above-ground pools under 24 inches of water depth among published permit exemptions. Zoning and other requirements can still apply.
5. What documents are normally needed for a Buffalo building permit?
Common items include the assessed address, project description, applicable survey, site plan, construction drawings and supporting approvals. New buildings, additions, structural or public-safety alterations and most occupancy changes require plans sealed and signed by a New York State licensed architect or engineer.
6. How much does a Buffalo building permit cost?
Fees depend on the project. The currently posted residential schedule includes a $25 application fee, while the commercial schedule includes a $50 application fee. Permit, plan-review, trade, use and certificate charges can be added depending on the project.
7. How do I schedule a building inspection in Buffalo?
For building inspection scheduling, Buffalo publishes 716-851-4959 and advises at least 24 hours’ advance notice. Separate published contacts are available for fuel-device, electrical and plumbing inspections. Keep work exposed until the required inspection is approved.
8. Which building code applies in Buffalo in 2026?
Buffalo enforces the 2025 New York State Uniform Code and 2025 Energy Code, effective December 31, 2025, together with applicable City ordinances and the Buffalo Green Code. The State code family covers residential, building, existing building, fire, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas and property-maintenance requirements.
9. How can I check a Buffalo permit or inspection record?
Applicants can check active project status from “My Dashboard” in ePermits. Open Data Buffalo provides information on issued permits dating from 2007, and public inspection records can be requested through District Inspections at 716-851-4949 or Room 304 in City Hall.
10. What happens after the final Buffalo building inspection?
After the permitted work is complete and passes required inspections, the Building Inspector issues the applicable closeout document, typically a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance. Do not assume a project is closed until required final documentation has been issued.
Before You Start Construction
Confirm that the property is within Buffalo’s jurisdiction, determine the correct permit and trade approvals, complete any zoning or preservation review, and obtain the issued permit before regulated work begins. During construction, keep required work visible for inspection and finish the project with the required final approval and certificate.
Independent resource: USBuilding.org is not the City of Buffalo and does not issue permits or schedule government inspections. Official City requirements, permit conditions and adopted laws control when they differ from general guidance.