Building permits in Buffalo, New York
Of the 10 common home projects we have verified in Buffalo, 4 need a permit outright and 6 depend on size or scope. Click any project for the full rule, fee, and how to apply.
By Mario Bailey Last checked · 1 official source
Verified against official sources- Project types verified
- 10
- in Buffalo
City of Buffalo Department of Permit and Inspection Services
- 65 Niagara Square, Room 301, Buffalo, NY 14202
- Phone: 716-851-4290
- Email: BuildingPermits@Buffalony.gov
- Official permit page
- Permit portal
- Official fee schedule
Look up a permit in Buffalo
Buffalo runs an online permit portal. Many local portals let you check application status, search permit records, and view inspection results without calling the office.
What needs a permit in Buffalo
Of the 10 common home projects we have verified in Buffalo, 4 need a permit outright and 6 depend on size or scope. Click any project for the full rule, fee, and how to apply.
| Project | Permit needed? | Threshold | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deck Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Residential building permit fee schedule: additions, alterations and repairs to... |
| Electrical Permit | It depends | repair or in-kind replacement of a short published list of low-voltage devices, light fixtures and fans at an existing one- or two-family dwelling | Electrical permit application: $50.00 application fee for all permits, plus a $100.00... |
| Fence Permit | It depends | fence forms part of an enclosure surrounding a swimming pool, or a pond over two feet deep | Residential building permit fee schedule flat fee line "Fence requiring a permit (over... |
| HVAC Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Heating permit application: $50.00 application fee, plus a $100.00 plan review fee if... |
| Patio Permit | It depends | patio built as flatwork or paving at existing grade at an existing one- or two-family dwelling site | The residential building permit fee schedule has no patio line. |
| Plumbing Permit | It depends | repair or replacement of sections of the water distribution system totaling less than that length | Plumbing permit fee schedule: $50.00 application fee required for all applications... |
| Pool Permit | It depends | pool designed for that water depth or more, or installed other than entirely above ground, at a one- or two-family dwelling or townhouse | Residential building permit fee schedule flat fee lines: "Aboveground pool, spa, over... |
| Roof Replacement Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Residential building permit fee schedule: additions, alterations and repairs to... |
| Shed Permit | It depends | gross floor area of a one story detached tool or storage shed, playhouse or similar accessory building at a one- or two-family dwelling or townhouse | Residential building permit fee schedule flat fee line "Sheds and garages (over 144... |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Two permits, two fees. |
Planning a project in Buffalo?
Hire it out
Before you sign, ask the contractor:
- Who pulls the permit, you or me, and is the permit fee included in the bid?
- Which inspections will this job need, and who meets the inspector on site?
- Is your contractor license active in this locality, and under which business name?
Planning several things at once? Check your whole project