Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 269 § 269-4
Referral of lodging house license application (Buffalo Lodging Houses Ordinance)
Operative Text
A. The application for a lodging house license shall be prepared by and obtained from the Commissioner of Economic Development and Permit and Inspection Services. The application shall require only such information as is pertinent to the conduct, use, occupancy and maintenance of a lodging house together with all information required pursuant to this chapter. All applicants shall produce satisfactory photo identification as a part of the application process, as well as sufficient proof of residency if claiming to reside on the premises. B. All applications for a lodging house shall be referred to the Commissioner of Economic Development and Permit and Inspection Services for his/her approval. The Commissioner shall cause an inspection of the premises to ensure that the building or structure is in compliance with all applicable zoning and building codes. The referral shall be returned with a recommendation for approval or disapproval of the application. All disapprovals must state the basis therefor in writing. C. All applications for a lodging house shall be referred to the Department of Fire for approval and to ensure that the premises are in compliance with all applicable fire and Safety Codes. The referral shall be returned with a recommendation for approval or disapproval of the application. All disapprovals must state the basis therefor in writing. D. All applications for a lodging house license issued under this chapter shall be referred to the Commissioner of Police, who shall promptly cause an investigation to be made into the criminal background and moral character of the applicant. The Commissioner of Police shall also cause an investigation into the relevant criminal history at the premises. The Commissioner of Police shall investigate and report such findings and make a recommendation to the Department of Economic Development and Permit and Inspection Services as to whether or not approval and issuance of the license is recommended. If approval is not recommended, such report shall state the reasons therefor in writing. E. All applications for a lodging house license shall be referred to the Erie County Department of Health for approval as to conditions of health and sanitation. If the County fails to respond within 90 days of its referral, the Commissioner of Economic Development and Permit and Inspection Services may issue license if deemed appropriate after an inspection by the Department of Economic Development and Permit and Inspection Services, and all other necessary approvals have been met. F. All new applications for a lodging house license shall be referred to the Common Council for approval.
Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 269 § 269-4 establishes a multi-agency review process that every lodging house license application must pass through before a license can be issued. The application is administered by the Commissioner of Economic Development and Permit and Inspection Services, and is then routed to the Department of Fire, the Commissioner of Police, the Erie County Department of Health, and ultimately the Common Council for their respective approvals. Each reviewing body must return a written recommendation, and any disapproval must explain its basis in writing. If Erie County Health does not respond within 90 days, the Commissioner may proceed with issuance if all other conditions are satisfied.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators seeking a lodging house license under ch. 269 § 269-4 generally prepare and submit their application through the Commissioner of Economic Development and Permit and Inspection Services, providing valid photo identification and proof of residency if they claim to live on the premises. A compliant applicant typically ensures the property is ready for inspections covering zoning, building codes, fire and safety codes, and health and sanitation standards, since each of those agencies must weigh in before a license can move forward. Because the Common Council also reviews all new applications, operators commonly account for the full multi-agency timeline when planning an opening date.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 269 § 269-4 means that any lodging house where a tenant resides should have passed inspections for building code compliance, fire and safety standards, and health and sanitation conditions before a license was issued. Tenants who have concerns about whether a lodging house is properly licensed or whether the premises meet those standards may contact the Commissioner of Economic Development and Permit and Inspection Services or the Erie County Department of Health to inquire about the property's status. Tenant-rights organizations in the Buffalo area can help residents understand what records are available and what general options exist if a lodging house appears to be operating without the required approvals under this chapter.
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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