Buffalo, NY · Erie County
Special Use Permit Application
Buffalo applicants use this form to request Common Council review of a proposed use, change of use, or expansion of an existing use.
What this form is
This application requests a Special Use Permit for a use that requires review under the City Code. Applicants provide information about themselves, any agent, the property, the current and proposed uses, and the project, and explain their request. The form lists required supporting materials and steps for submitting the application, including project registration, review, hearings, and a $350 fee.
Who needs it
A person or organization seeking a Special Use Permit from Buffalo’s Common Council for a proposed, changed, or expanded use needs this application.
How to submit it
If needed, register the project with the Department of Permit and Inspection Services in Room 301 City Hall and include the USE Information Report. Deliver two copies of the form and each required submittal to Room 1308 City Hall, then pay the $350 fee to the City Clerk.
About notarization
This application is signed and dated without a notary; the included disclosure affidavit is not identified as requiring notarization or a sworn statement.
How to submit this form
- 1
Download The Application
Download the Special Use Permit Application and review its procedure and requested submittals.
- 2
Register The Project
If it has not already been completed, register the project with DPIS in Room 301 City Hall and keep the USE Information Report.
- 3
Complete The Form
Fill in applicant, agent, property, request, and project information, then sign and date the disclosure affidavit.
- 4
Gather Required Submittals
Attach the USE Information Report and other materials required for the requested use, including applicable plans and descriptions.
- 5
Deliver Copies And Pay
Deliver two copies of the form and required submittals to Room 1308 City Hall, then pay the $350 fee to the City Clerk.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a notary for the Special Use Permit Application?
- No. The application is signed and dated without a notary. It includes a disclosure affidavit, but the form does not say that the affidavit must be notarized or sworn.
- How do I submit the Special Use Permit Application?
- If needed, register the project with DPIS in Room 301 City Hall. Deliver two copies of the completed application and each required submittal to Room 1308 City Hall, then pay the $350 fee to the City Clerk.
- What supporting materials are required?
- The form lists a DPIS USE Information Report, a site photo, and a site plan and architectural elevations if applicable. Additional materials depend on the requested use; check the form’s requested submittals section.
- What information does the application ask for?
- It asks for applicant and agent contact details, property information, the type of request, current and proposed uses, project details, and information about operations, adjacent uses, community engagement, and public benefits.
Need something notarized?
This Special Use Permit Application doesn’t need a notary — but if you have another Buffalo form that does, a commissioned online notary can help.