Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 261 § 261-4
Prohibited paint removal methods (Buffalo Lead Based Paint Hazard Reduction Ordinance)
Operative Text
A. It shall be prohibited to engage in any paint removal activities as follows: (1) Open flame burning or torching; (2) Machine sanding, grinding, needle gunning or blasting with power tools and equipment not equipped with a shroud and high efficiency particulate air exhaust control (HEPA) vacuum attachment. (3) Abrasive blasting or sandblasting without HEPA local exhaust control. (4) Heat guns operating above 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit, or those that operate high enough to char the paint. (5) Dry sanding or dry scraping with the following exceptions: (a) Dry scraping in conjunction with heat guns operating in a manner not inconsistent with § 261-4A(4) . (b) Dry scraping within 1.0 ft of electrical outlets. (c) Treating deteriorated paint spots that total no more than 2 ft 2 in any one interior room or space; or (d) Treating deteriorated paint spots that total no more than 20 ft 2 on exterior surfaces. (6) Paint stripping in poorly ventilated spaces using a volatile stripper that is a hazardous substance in accordance with regulations of the Consumer Product Safety Commission at 16 CFR 1500.04 and/or a hazardous chemical in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration at 29 CFR 1010.1200 or 1926.59 , as applicable to the work. (7) Power washing, unless approved by the Commissioner or the Erie County Commissioner of Health.
Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 261 § 261-4 identifies specific paint removal techniques that are prohibited within the city, primarily because of the lead-paint hazards they can create. Banned methods include open-flame torching, uncontrolled power sanding or grinding, sandblasting without HEPA exhaust controls, heat guns above 1,100°F, and dry sanding or scraping (with narrow exceptions for small deteriorated areas or work near electrical outlets). Using volatile chemical strippers in poorly ventilated spaces and power washing without official approval are also prohibited under this provision.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers overseeing renovation or maintenance work in Buffalo should be aware that § 261-4 places strict limits on how paint may be removed from surfaces. Compliant operators typically ensure that any power tools used for paint removal are fitted with HEPA vacuum attachments and shrouds, and that chemical strippers are only used in adequately ventilated spaces. Before authorizing power washing of painted surfaces, operators generally obtain approval from the Commissioner or the Erie County Commissioner of Health as required by this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 261 § 261-4, tenants have an interest in knowing that their landlord or any contractor working on their building is prohibited from using certain hazardous paint removal methods that can spread lead dust or fumes. If a tenant observes work that appears to involve open-flame torching, uncontrolled sanding, or chemical stripping in an unventilated area, they may consider documenting what they witnessed and contacting the relevant local or county health authority. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Buffalo housing code can help residents understand what options may be available when a potential violation of § 261-4 is observed.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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