ZONING OFFICE (585) 428-7043

What is Zoning?

Good planning and rational zoning have been major factors in developing and maintaining a vital community.   Stable residential neighborhoods, convenient commercial districts and carefully developed industrial areas are among the most appealing facets of living, working or investing in the City.

How Is Zoning Implemented In Rochester?

The Official Zoning Map and the Zoning Ordinance are the legal instruments used to control the use of land. The Zoning Map divides the City into over 15 different Zoning Districts, encompassing residential, commercial, industrial and several specialized districts such as the H-V Riverharbor Village District and Open Space District. The Zoning Ordinance provides specific regulations for each of these districts, spelling out the kinds of activities and development permitted, the size of buildings permitted, the required distances from lot lines for buildings and so forth.

Who Makes Zoning Decisions In Rochester?

The City Council and the Mayor enact and may amend the Zoning Ordinance and the Official Zoning Map.

The Director of Zoning is charged with administration and enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance, issuance of written interpretations of the Ordinance, and review and decisions on Site Plan Review applications.

The City Planning Commission is responsible for approval of Special Permit and Subdivision applications, and to review and make recommendations to City Council about Zoning Map and Zoning Ordinance Amendments, Planned Developments, Official Map amendments (street abandonment, dedication, and/or naming) and similar matters. The Commission also decides appeals of Site Plan Review decisions of the Director of Zoning.

The Rochester Preservation Board is responsible for granting or denying Certificates of Appropriateness regarding alterations/improvements proposed for Landmark properties or properties in Preservation Districts, for approving designations of Landmarks, making recommendations to City Council about designations of Preservation Districts and advising other agencies on preservation matters.

The Zoning Board of Appeals is responsible for granting or denying variances from the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance and for deciding appeals of decisions or determinations of the Director of Zoning on various matters.

The Boards and Commissions are composed of citizens of Rochester appointed for two (2) year terms by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council.

What Is A Certificate of Zoning Compliance?

A Certificate of Zoning Compliance (CZC) is required to construct, reconstruct, remodel, alter or move any structure, to prepare land for development and to change use or occupancy of a property.

The Certificate of Zoning Compliance precedes a Building Permit and Certificate of Occupancy, and follows any required special zoning approvals such as Variances and Special Permits.

For More Information

• Zoning Ordinance Online
• Zoning Map
• Complete details of the Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 120), Zoning Map and other zoning information can be obtained from the Zoning Division. You may call the Bureau of Buildings and Zoning, Division of Zoning at (585) 428-7043 for answers to questions about zoning.