Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 269 § 269-5

A. No individual shall be permitted to serve as agent as provided in this chapter without first obtaining a license from the Department of Economic Development and Permit and Inspection Services upon the approval of the Commissioner. B. Prospective agents shall appear in person in the offices of the Department of Economic Development and Permit and Inspection Services and shall be required to complete a license application as provided by the Department. C. All prospective agents shall produce satisfactory photo identification as a part of the application process, as well as sufficient proof of residency. D. The Commissioner may disapprove of a proposed agent if in his/her discretion the proposed agent is unqualified or unfit. In determining whether an agent is qualified or fit, the Commissioner may consider factors including but not limited to: (1) The moral character of the agent; (2) Relevant experience of the agent; (3) The degree of supervision deemed appropriate at the premises; (4) The number of occupants residing at the premises; (5) Occupant safety; and (6) Any other relevant factors. E. Moral character of prospective agent. All applications for licenses to serve as agents 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 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. F. Suspension or revocation of agent's license. An agent's license issued pursuant to this chapter may be revoked or suspended for cause after notice and 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. G. Exemption from agent requirements. Lodging houses that contain full bathrooms in each rooming unit, maintain and staff twenty-four-hour-a-day registration desks, and provide rooming unit doors equipped with outer door locking devices requiring separate keys to gain entrance shall be exempt from all licensed agent requirements contained in this chapter. H. Licenses issued to agents are nontransferable in accordance with § 269-10 . Should the owner or lodging house licensee for any reason change agents, he/she shall notify the Department of Economic Development and Permit and Inspection Services in writing, and the prospective agent shall appear and apply for a license as required under this chapter. The prospective agent may not serve as agent without the approval of the Commissioner and issuance of a license.