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Buffalo Building and Trade Permit Guide
Francis Thumpasery
Last updated:
Aug 19, 2025
Published:
August 19, 2025
From new commercial developments to residential remodels, most construction and trade work in Buffalo, New York requires a permit before you can break ground. Whether you’re building from scratch, renovating an existing property, or upgrading systems like electrical, plumbing, or HVAC, getting the right permits ensures your work meets safety standards and complies with city regulations.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Buffalo building permits, including which projects require approval, what’s exempt, how much permit fees typically cost, and how to complete your Buffalo building permit application without delays.
Simplify permitting in Buffalo with PermitFlow. Learn how.
What requires a building permit in Buffalo?
The City of Buffalo Building Department requires permits for most construction and building work. You need a permit for construction, additions, structural changes, occupancy changes, and installing or fixing building systems like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
- Construction, renovation, alteration, repair, demolition, or relocation of any structure
- Installation or alteration of building systems (e.g., electrical, plumbing, HVAC)
- Any change of occupancy or building use classification
What doesn’t require a building permit?
Per the City of Buffalo, the following exceptions are authorized without a permit (provided there is no structural or code-impacting change):
- One-story detached accessory structures (e.g., tool sheds, playhouses) up to 144 sq ft
- Swings or playground equipment for one- or two-family dwellings
- Above-ground pools with water depth less than 24 inches (for one- and two-family dwellings)
- Fences not part of a swimming pool enclosure
- Retaining walls that do not support surcharge or impound Class I, II, or IIIA liquids
- Temporary stage sets or scenery for motion pictures, television, or theater
- Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of a one- or two-family dwelling or townhouse
- Partitions or movable cases under 5 ft 9 in high
- Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, or other similar finish work
- Listed portable electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, or cooling appliances (i.e., plug-and-play units)
- Replacements of equipment only, without alteration to listing or specs
Who oversees permits in Buffalo?
Permits are issued by the Department of Permit & Inspection Services (DPIS) at City Hall, 65 Niagara Square, Room 301. The division manages plan review, permitting, and inspections, and offers ePermits and digital plan review.
City of Buffalo building permit fees
City of Buffalo building permit fees are estimated based on the overall value of the project and the type of work that will be done.
Residential fees
| Permit type |
Fee |
| Application Fee |
$25 |
| Plan Review Fee (if plans required) |
20% of permit fee |
| New Residential Buildings (by area) (<1,000 sq ft) |
$500 |
| New Residential Buildings (by area) (1,001–3,000 sq ft) |
$600 |
| New Residential Buildings (by area) (3,001–5,000 sq ft) |
$750 |
| New Residential Buildings (by area) (>5,000 sq ft) |
$900 |
| Permit Fee (Alterations / Additions / Repairs) |
Min $50, or $5 per $1,000 of cost |
| Permit Fee (Demolition) |
One- or two-family dwellings: $300 |
| Permit Fee (Accessory Structure Demolition) |
144 sq ft detached structure: $75 |
| Permit Fee (Interior Tear-Out) |
$25 |
For more information on your specific case, refer to the residential fees page.
Commercial fees
| Permit type |
Fee |
| Application Fee |
$50 |
| Plan Review Fee (if plans required) |
$75 minimum + $0.75 per $1,000 of mean construction cost |
| Permit Fee (New Construction/Alteration) |
$100 minimum + $8 per $1,000 of project valuation |
| Flat Fees (Signs <35 sq ft) |
$50 |
| Flat Fees (Portable Signs) |
$25 |
| Flat Fees (Fences requiring permits) |
$50 |
| Flat Fees (Temporary Trailer <1 year) |
$200 |
| Flat Fees (Storage Pod <4 months, w/ variance) |
$50 |
| Permit Fee (Demolition – Commercial) |
$0.12 per $1,000 (Min $500) |
| Permit Fee (Accessory Structure Demolition, 144–1,000 sq ft) |
$75 |
| Permit Fee (Interior Tear-Out) |
$200 |
More information on commercial costs can be found on the commercial fees page.
Buffalo trade permits
Plumbing permits
Most plumbing work needs a licensed Buffalo Master Plumber to pull a permit; only limited in-kind repairs are exempt.
Buffalo plumbing permit costs
| Category |
Fee |
| Application Fee (flat) |
$50.00 |
| Plan Review Fee (if plans required) |
$100.00 |
| Fixtures (1–2 Family) |
$12.00 per fixture |
| Fixtures (Commercial/Other) |
$50.00 for first fixture, $20.00 for each additional |
| Underground Piping (first 100 ft) |
$60.00 |
| Additional UG Piping <6″ (per 100 ft) |
$20.00 |
| Additional UG Piping >6″ (per 100 ft) |
$55.00 |
| Reinspection Fee |
$75.00 per reinspection |
More information on plumbing permits can be found on the plumbing permit application page.
Electrical permits
Electrical work (service upgrades, new circuits, panels, EV chargers, etc.) requires an electrical permit by a city-licensed contractor. The city provides an electrical fee schedule and letter-permit option for certain scopes.
Buffalo electrical permit costs
Application fee: $50
Flat fee schedule
| Type |
Fee |
| 1-family dwelling or 1 apartment in 2-family dwelling (service, lights/receptacles, equipment, low voltage) |
$50 |
| Both apartments in a 2-family dwelling (service, lights/receptacles, equipment, low voltage) |
$75 |
| Meter release (first meter, any type) |
$50 |
| Low Voltage systems (telephone, data cabling, security, CCTV, thermostats, sound, intercom, EMS) |
$75 + $5 per termination |
| Electrical site work (lighting, control gates, etc., not part of a building project) |
$75 |
Area-calculated fee schedule (when plans are required)
| Type |
Fee |
| Application fee |
$50 |
| Plan review fee |
$50 or $0.0025 × SF × multiplier (greater of the two) |
| Permit & inspection fee |
$50 or $0.0275 × SF × multiplier (greater of the two) |
| Electric meter installation |
+$25 each |
To get more information on your specific case, refer to the electrical fee schedule page.
HVAC permits
Furnaces, condensers/heat pumps, boilers, chillers, duct systems, and similar scopes require a mechanical (HVAC) permit.
Buffalo HVAC permit costs
| Device / Installation Type |
Fee |
| Application Fee (flat) |
$50.00 |
| Plan Review Fee (if plans required) |
$100.00 |
| Furnace / Condensing Unit / PTAC <140k BTU |
$100.00 |
| Furnace / Condensing Unit / PTAC >140k BTU |
$200.00 |
| Packaged RTU / Air Heat Pump <15 tons |
$125.00 |
| Packaged RTU / Air Heat Pump >15 tons |
$200.00 |
| Boiler / Burner Replacement <500,000 BTU |
$100.00 |
| Boiler / Burner Replacement 500,000–1M BTU |
$150.00 |
| Boiler / Burner Replacement >1M BTU |
$250.00 |
More information about HVAC fees can be found on the heating permit application page.
Drowning in submittals and follow-ups?
Let PermitFlow take Buffalo permitting off your plate. Learn how.
How to get a building permit in Buffalo
Step 1: Register your project & prep plans
Start by registering with DPIS (in person at City Hall, Room 301, or via the ePermits portal). Prepare the following documents:
- Property details: Address and tax map number
- Project description: Clear narrative of the proposed work
- Filled out Buffalo building permit application:
- Scope of work and valuation estimate
- Drawings and specifications:
- Two (2) sets of construction documents (plans/specs)
- Prepared by a NY-licensed professional (if required)
- Site plan showing existing/proposed structures, lot lines, setbacks
- Occupancy classification of the building or affected area
- Special inspection statements, if applicable per Uniform Code
Step 2: Submit your application
Apply online (ePermits) or at the counter. Include scope, valuation, drawings, and trade forms (plumbing/electrical/heating) as needed.
Step 3: Plan review & approvals
Your plans may be routed to multiple reviewers (code, zoning/Green Code, etc.). Respond to correction comments promptly to keep timelines tight.
Step 4: Pay fees & receive the permit
Once approved, pay the application/plan review/permit fees; do not start work before issuance. The City can levy fines for unpermitted work.
Step 5: Inspections & close-out
Keep one approved plan set on site. Schedule required rough/final inspections; work must remain accessible until approved. Final approval leads to a Certificate of Occupancy/Compliance where applicable.
Buffalo permitting resources
Simplify permitting in Buffalo with PermitFlow
Buffalo’s permitting process can sap your time and derail your schedule — especially if you’re up against tight deadlines or navigating the city’s system for the first time. Instead of wrestling with complex rules, endless forms, and slow approvals, let PermitFlow handle it all.
Our permit management software takes your Buffalo permits from start to finish — preparing, filing, and tracking them. Plus, we can handle permits in every other city where you build.
Why construction teams choose PermitFlow:
- Local expertise: Our Buffalo permit specialists know the city’s process inside and out, ensuring faster approvals.
- Full visibility: Manage and monitor all your permits in one easy-to-use dashboard.
- Fewer delays: We perfect every submission before filing, eliminating costly rejections and resubmissions.
Don’t let Buffalo’s permit maze stall your projects. Contact us today and keep your builds moving — on time, every time.
From new commercial developments to residential remodels, most construction and trade work in Buffalo, New York requires a permit before you can break ground. Whether you’re building from scratch, renovating an existing property, or upgrading systems like electrical, plumbing, or HVAC, getting the right permits ensures your work meets safety standards and complies with city regulations.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Buffalo building permits, including which projects require approval, what’s exempt, how much permit fees typically cost, and how to complete your Buffalo building permit application without delays.
Simplify permitting in Buffalo with PermitFlow. Learn how.
What requires a building permit in Buffalo?
The City of Buffalo Building Department requires permits for most construction and building work. You need a permit for construction, additions, structural changes, occupancy changes, and installing or fixing building systems like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
- Construction, renovation, alteration, repair, demolition, or relocation of any structure
- Installation or alteration of building systems (e.g., electrical, plumbing, HVAC)
- Any change of occupancy or building use classification
What doesn’t require a building permit?
Per the City of Buffalo, the following exceptions are authorized without a permit (provided there is no structural or code-impacting change):
- One-story detached accessory structures (e.g., tool sheds, playhouses) up to 144 sq ft
- Swings or playground equipment for one- or two-family dwellings
- Above-ground pools with water depth less than 24 inches (for one- and two-family dwellings)
- Fences not part of a swimming pool enclosure
- Retaining walls that do not support surcharge or impound Class I, II, or IIIA liquids
- Temporary stage sets or scenery for motion pictures, television, or theater
- Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of a one- or two-family dwelling or townhouse
- Partitions or movable cases under 5 ft 9 in high
- Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, or other similar finish work
- Listed portable electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, or cooling appliances (i.e., plug-and-play units)
- Replacements of equipment only, without alteration to listing or specs
Who oversees permits in Buffalo?
Permits are issued by the Department of Permit & Inspection Services (DPIS) at City Hall, 65 Niagara Square, Room 301. The division manages plan review, permitting, and inspections, and offers ePermits and digital plan review.
City of Buffalo building permit fees
City of Buffalo building permit fees are estimated based on the overall value of the project and the type of work that will be done.
Residential fees
| Permit type |
Fee |
| Application Fee |
$25 |
| Plan Review Fee (if plans required) |
20% of permit fee |
| New Residential Buildings (by area) (<1,000 sq ft) |
$500 |
| New Residential Buildings (by area) (1,001–3,000 sq ft) |
$600 |
| New Residential Buildings (by area) (3,001–5,000 sq ft) |
$750 |
| New Residential Buildings (by area) (>5,000 sq ft) |
$900 |
| Permit Fee (Alterations / Additions / Repairs) |
Min $50, or $5 per $1,000 of cost |
| Permit Fee (Demolition) |
One- or two-family dwellings: $300 |
| Permit Fee (Accessory Structure Demolition) |
144 sq ft detached structure: $75 |
| Permit Fee (Interior Tear-Out) |
$25 |
For more information on your specific case, refer to the residential fees page.
Commercial fees
| Permit type |
Fee |
| Application Fee |
$50 |
| Plan Review Fee (if plans required) |
$75 minimum + $0.75 per $1,000 of mean construction cost |
| Permit Fee (New Construction/Alteration) |
$100 minimum + $8 per $1,000 of project valuation |
| Flat Fees (Signs <35 sq ft) |
$50 |
| Flat Fees (Portable Signs) |
$25 |
| Flat Fees (Fences requiring permits) |
$50 |
| Flat Fees (Temporary Trailer <1 year) |
$200 |
| Flat Fees (Storage Pod <4 months, w/ variance) |
$50 |
| Permit Fee (Demolition – Commercial) |
$0.12 per $1,000 (Min $500) |
| Permit Fee (Accessory Structure Demolition, 144–1,000 sq ft) |
$75 |
| Permit Fee (Interior Tear-Out) |
$200 |
More information on commercial costs can be found on the commercial fees page.
Buffalo trade permits
Plumbing permits
Most plumbing work needs a licensed Buffalo Master Plumber to pull a permit; only limited in-kind repairs are exempt.
Buffalo plumbing permit costs
| Category |
Fee |
| Application Fee (flat) |
$50.00 |
| Plan Review Fee (if plans required) |
$100.00 |
| Fixtures (1–2 Family) |
$12.00 per fixture |
| Fixtures (Commercial/Other) |
$50.00 for first fixture, $20.00 for each additional |
| Underground Piping (first 100 ft) |
$60.00 |
| Additional UG Piping <6″ (per 100 ft) |
$20.00 |
| Additional UG Piping >6″ (per 100 ft) |
$55.00 |
| Reinspection Fee |
$75.00 per reinspection |
More information on plumbing permits can be found on the plumbing permit application page.
Electrical permits
Electrical work (service upgrades, new circuits, panels, EV chargers, etc.) requires an electrical permit by a city-licensed contractor. The city provides an electrical fee schedule and letter-permit option for certain scopes.
Buffalo electrical permit costs
Application fee: $50
Flat fee schedule
| Type |
Fee |
| 1-family dwelling or 1 apartment in 2-family dwelling (service, lights/receptacles, equipment, low voltage) |
$50 |
| Both apartments in a 2-family dwelling (service, lights/receptacles, equipment, low voltage) |
$75 |
| Meter release (first meter, any type) |
$50 |
| Low Voltage systems (telephone, data cabling, security, CCTV, thermostats, sound, intercom, EMS) |
$75 + $5 per termination |
| Electrical site work (lighting, control gates, etc., not part of a building project) |
$75 |
Area-calculated fee schedule (when plans are required)
| Type |
Fee |
| Application fee |
$50 |
| Plan review fee |
$50 or $0.0025 × SF × multiplier (greater of the two) |
| Permit & inspection fee |
$50 or $0.0275 × SF × multiplier (greater of the two) |
| Electric meter installation |
+$25 each |
To get more information on your specific case, refer to the electrical fee schedule page.
HVAC permits
Furnaces, condensers/heat pumps, boilers, chillers, duct systems, and similar scopes require a mechanical (HVAC) permit.
Buffalo HVAC permit costs
| Device / Installation Type |
Fee |
| Application Fee (flat) |
$50.00 |
| Plan Review Fee (if plans required) |
$100.00 |
| Furnace / Condensing Unit / PTAC <140k BTU |
$100.00 |
| Furnace / Condensing Unit / PTAC >140k BTU |
$200.00 |
| Packaged RTU / Air Heat Pump <15 tons |
$125.00 |
| Packaged RTU / Air Heat Pump >15 tons |
$200.00 |
| Boiler / Burner Replacement <500,000 BTU |
$100.00 |
| Boiler / Burner Replacement 500,000–1M BTU |
$150.00 |
| Boiler / Burner Replacement >1M BTU |
$250.00 |
More information about HVAC fees can be found on the heating permit application page.
Drowning in submittals and follow-ups?
Let PermitFlow take Buffalo permitting off your plate. Learn how.
How to get a building permit in Buffalo
Step 1: Register your project & prep plans
Start by registering with DPIS (in person at City Hall, Room 301, or via the ePermits portal). Prepare the following documents:
- Property details: Address and tax map number
- Project description: Clear narrative of the proposed work
- Filled out Buffalo building permit application:
- Scope of work and valuation estimate
- Drawings and specifications:
- Two (2) sets of construction documents (plans/specs)
- Prepared by a NY-licensed professional (if required)
- Site plan showing existing/proposed structures, lot lines, setbacks
- Occupancy classification of the building or affected area
- Special inspection statements, if applicable per Uniform Code
Step 2: Submit your application
Apply online (ePermits) or at the counter. Include scope, valuation, drawings, and trade forms (plumbing/electrical/heating) as needed.
Step 3: Plan review & approvals
Your plans may be routed to multiple reviewers (code, zoning/Green Code, etc.). Respond to correction comments promptly to keep timelines tight.
Step 4: Pay fees & receive the permit
Once approved, pay the application/plan review/permit fees; do not start work before issuance. The City can levy fines for unpermitted work.
Step 5: Inspections & close-out
Keep one approved plan set on site. Schedule required rough/final inspections; work must remain accessible until approved. Final approval leads to a Certificate of Occupancy/Compliance where applicable.
Buffalo permitting resources
Simplify permitting in Buffalo with PermitFlow
Buffalo’s permitting process can sap your time and derail your schedule — especially if you’re up against tight deadlines or navigating the city’s system for the first time. Instead of wrestling with complex rules, endless forms, and slow approvals, let PermitFlow handle it all.
Our permit management software takes your Buffalo permits from start to finish — preparing, filing, and tracking them. Plus, we can handle permits in every other city where you build.
Why construction teams choose PermitFlow:
- Local expertise: Our Buffalo permit specialists know the city’s process inside and out, ensuring faster approvals.
- Full visibility: Manage and monitor all your permits in one easy-to-use dashboard.
- Fewer delays: We perfect every submission before filing, eliminating costly rejections and resubmissions.
Don’t let Buffalo’s permit maze stall your projects. Contact us today and keep your builds moving — on time, every time.
