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Home > City Departments > Economic Development, Permit and Inspection Services > Licenses

Licenses

A valid license is required to conduct certain businesses within the official limits of the City of Buffalo. Licenses are required for certain business types in order to protect the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of the City. Upon submittal of a license application, the Office of Licenses will coordinate various reviews and inspections by agencies such as the Building Inspection Office, Fire Prevention Bureau, Health Department, Police Department and the Zoning Office in order to assist you in obtaining your city license.

The Office of Licenses also receives complaints and coordinates investigations with regards to businesses operating in the City of Buffalo. The Office of Licenses by city charter is authorized to hold administrative hearings, issue summonses, initiate court action and close down businesses found to be operating in violation of city, state or federal rules, regulations and laws.

If you want to start a new business in the City of Buffalo, this site will inform you as to whether or not your business requires a license and will assist you in viewing the city codes and regulations for a particular license type.

Contact:
Pat Sole, Supervisor of Licenses
313 City Hall, 65 Niagara Square, Buffalo NY 14202
Phone:  716-851-4078 ♦ Fax:  716-851-4952