Zoning Guide

Rochester Zoning & Land Use Guide

Sources checked· 2026-05-24
Last updated: Verified:

Key Zoning Facts

Local Zoning / Building Office
City of Rochester Bureau of Planning and Zoning(585) 428-6808
Building Code Edition
NY State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (2020 IBC)
ADU / Accessory Apartment
Yes
Example District
R-1 — Single-Family Residential
Max Height
35 ft

Regulatory Layers That Apply in Rochester

Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.

Federal

State — New York

  • Building Code: NY State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (2020 IBC)
View New York zoning overview

County — Monroe County

  • Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning

City / Municipal

The municipality's zoning ordinance, building-code enforcement, and local permits form the primary local layer of land-use regulation for your property.

Overlay Districts

No overlay districts identified.

Private Restrictions

  • Private covenants, deed restrictions, condominium rules, or association rules can impose requirements beyond zoning.
  • Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.

Primary Zoning Districts

R-1Single-Family Residential
Min Lot
5,000 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
25 ft
Side Setback
5 ft
Rear Setback
25 ft
R-2Two-Family Residential
Min Lot
4,000 sq ft
Max Height
40 ft
Front Setback
20 ft
Side Setback
5 ft
Rear Setback
25 ft
C-2Community Commercial
Min Lot
None
Max Height
55 ft
Front Setback
0 ft
Side Setback
0 ft
Rear Setback
15 ft

ADU Rules in Rochester

ADUs:Allowed
Max Size
800 sq ft
Max Height
20 ft
Rear Setback
5 ft
Side Setback
3 ft
Parking
No additional parking required
Owner Occupancy
Required for one unit
Permit Timeline
6-10 weeks
Full ADU rules for Rochester →

Permit Costs & Timelines

Check Current Permit Fees & Timelines

Permit fees and review times can vary by project type, scope, valuation, and required approvals. Check the current schedule with the local permitting authority before filing.

Check current Rochester permit information →

Official Sources

City-specific

City of Rochester Bureau of Planning and Zoningcityofrochester.govOfficial sourceRochester Municipal Codelibrary.municode.comOfficial source

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build an ADU in Rochester?
Yes. Rochester allows accessory dwelling units in most residential zones with size, height, and setback restrictions. Owner occupancy of one unit is required.
What zones allow multi-family housing in Rochester?
Multi-family housing is permitted in R-2, R-3, and higher-density residential zones, as well as in mixed-use commercial districts.