Rochester Preservation Board

State of Emergency and Local Emergency Order Update:

In accordance with Executive Order No. 202.1 and the Mayor’s Local Emergency Order, hearings will take place as virtual hearings until further notice. No in-person attendance shall be permitted.

How to OBSERVE an upcoming hearing:

Watch live on YouTube at the following address: https://www.youtube.com/CityOfRochesterNY. The hearing will be recorded and transcribed.

How to COMMENT on a current case:

1) Submit written comment by email, mail, or deliver it to City Hall.
Email: preservationboard@cityofrochester.gov 
Mail: Zoning Office c/o Preservation Board, 30 Church St. Rm. 125B, Rochester, NY 14614
Delivery: drop box at Fitzhugh Street entrance of City Hall.

Your written comment must include the case number and project address you are commenting on, your first and last name, address, and contact information. A Zoning staff member will read your comments into the record during the virtual hearing. The deadline to submit written comment is 5:00 PM; Tuesday, May 4, 2021.

2) Provide oral testimony (public comment) at the virtual public hearing. >>>CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Comments may not exceed 3 minutes in length or 10 minutes for neighborhood associations. The deadline to register to provide spoken comment is 12:00 PM; Wednesday, May 5, 2021. 

   Subscribe to Boards and Commissions Updates in this RSS Feed (Internet Explorer Only)

About the Preservation Board

Citizens serving on a public board or commission help to ensure that decision making is based upon the public interest and its citizens’ points of view. This seven member citizen board reviews applications for Certificates of Appropriateness required for alterations to landmarks and properties located in the City’s eight preservation districts – Corn Hill, Mt. Hope Avenue, East Avenue, Susan B. Anthony, Beach Avenue, South Avenue/Gregory Street, Grove Place, and Brown’s Race. It is also responsible for developing and adopting preservation guidelines.

The Board’s authority and procedures are established by the City's Zoning Code in Sections 120-185, 120-193, and 120-194. Written decisions are made for each application, based upon specific standards in the City Code and findings made by the Board.

Preservation Board Hearings

Public hearings are held evenings in City Council Chambers, Room 302A, City Hall at 6:00 PM, and staff support is provided by the Division of Zoning. See below for specific schedule times, application deadlines, agendas, and hearing information.

The applicant or a representative is required to attend the hearing to describe the proposal. Neighbors and other interested individuals are permitted to speak, and Board members may ask questions. After testimony is heard, the Board members deliberate among themselves and then decide to approve the proposal as submitted, approve the proposal with certain conditions, or deny the proposal. A majority vote of four members is needed for a decision. A written decision is mailed within 10 business days of the hearing. Please note that the decision is not a permit to commence construction. Standard permits are still required, such as those for construction, signage and plumbing. 

A decision of the Board may be appealed to the State Supreme Court within 30 days after the Board's decision has been filed with the City Clerk's Office.

For information, an appointment, application forms, or to request sign language interpreter service at the hearing, please contact Christopher Snyder, Staff to the Preservation Board, at (585) 428-6510 or preservationboard@cityofrochester.gov.  

Applications must be complete to be accepted, and instructions and fees are specified on each application form. Please note that all applications must be submitted by appointment only, or by other specific arrangement.

Preservation Board Membership

Preservation Board members are selected by the Mayor, confirmed by City Council, and serve without pay or compensation. They must be City residents and serve for terms of 2 years, and may serve without limit to the number of terms. Selections must also include one member from the Greater Rochester Association of Realtors; one from a recognized historical association; two registered architects; two residents of Preservation Districts; and one city resident at large.

If you are interested in applying for a position on the Board, please contact Josanne Reaves in the Mayor’s Office at (585) 428-6140 or email Josanne.Reaves@cityofrochester.gov. 

Current Board Membership 

Rochester Preservation Board Interactive Map

Current Month Cases Previous Cases  Held Cases

Please click on each point for more case information. For mobile devices or to view larger, try full screen view.

Prior Years Agendas and Grids

      Subscribe to Boards and Commissions Updates in this RSS Feed (Internet Explorer Only)