ZONING OFFICE
(585) 428-7043
Why Zoning?
Zoning is an essential part
of an urban planning process. Good
planning is a major factor in developing
and maintaining a healthy community.
Stable residential neighborhoods, convenient
commercial districts and carefully developed
industrial areas are among the most appealing
facets of city living and working. That's
why people want to know that the places
where they choose to live or invest will
not be substantially altered without
thoughtful consideration.
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 Harbortown 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 abandonments, dedications, namings) and similar
matters. The Commission also decides appeals of Site Plan Review decisions
of the Director of Zoning.
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 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 Boards and Commissions consist of seven (7) volunteer citizens of Rochester appointed
for two (2) year terms by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council. Members shall be appointed to sebsequent terms of two (2) years, with no limitation on the number of terms served.
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,
Special Permits, and Certificates of Appropriateness.
For More Information
- Zoning Ordinance Online
- 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.
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