Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 269 § 269-9
Revocation or suspension of license (Buffalo Lodging Houses Ordinance)
Operative Text
A. A license issued pursuant to this chapter may be revoked or suspended for cause after hearing by the Commissioner of Economic Development and Permit and Inspection Services. The Commissioner of Economic Development and Permit and Inspection Services may designate an Administrative Law Judge, who shall be an attorney admitted to practice in the State of New York for at least three years, to administer hearings held pursuant to this chapter. Said Administrative Law Judge shall recommend to the Commissioner of the Department of Economic Development and Permit and Inspection Services whether a license should be revoked or suspended after notice and hearing. B. Any violation of or failure to comply with any of the laws or ordinances applicable to a lodging house shall be cause for revocation. The Commissioner or his designee may also consider such factors including, but not limited to, the nature and disposition of any notices of violation from the Bureau of Administrative Adjudication issued for conduct at the property; and the nature and frequency of complaints about the property generated from, among other sources, Police Department incident reports, 911 calls, property inspection reports and other verifiable information reported to the City.
Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 269 § 269-9 establishes a process by which a lodging house license can be revoked or suspended when cause exists. The Commissioner of Economic Development and Permit and Inspection Services oversees this process, which includes formal notice and a hearing, and may delegate hearing duties to a qualified Administrative Law Judge. Grounds for revocation include any violation of applicable laws or ordinances, and decision-makers may also weigh factors such as police incident reports, 911 call histories, Bureau of Administrative Adjudication notices, and other verifiable complaints tied to the property.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of lodging houses in Buffalo should be aware that under ch. 269 § 269-9, their license can be suspended or revoked if violations of applicable laws or ordinances are found. Compliant operators generally maintain the property in accordance with all city codes, promptly address any notices of violation, and keep records that demonstrate responsiveness to complaints. A pattern of police incidents, 911 calls, or inspection reports can independently factor into a revocation determination even if no single violation is decisive.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants residing in a lodging house covered by ch. 269 § 269-9 should know that the city has a formal mechanism to suspend or revoke a landlord's license when violations or problematic conditions are documented. Complaints submitted to the Police Department, 311 or 911 systems, or city inspection services can become part of the record considered in a revocation hearing. Tenants who believe conditions at their property warrant city action may contact Buffalo's Department of Economic Development and Permit and Inspection Services or a local tenant-rights organization to understand what reporting options are available to them.
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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