Rochester Building Permit Office
Rochester
City of Rochester
585-428-6520
Walk-in Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday by appointment.
30 Church Street, Room 121B, Rochester, New York, 14614
Construction work inside Rochester, New York is reviewed through the City of Rochester’s Bureau of Zoning and Permitting. Building review and zoning review are closely connected: many projects must satisfy both the New York State building codes and Rochester zoning requirements before a permit can be issued. Rochester also separates certain electrical and plumbing permits from the general building permit process.
From Zoning Review to Final Inspection
Check the Property and Proposed Work
The City directs applicants to review both zoning and building-code requirements before preparing the permit submission. Zoning can affect the use of the property, placement of structures, exterior improvements, driveways, fences and other site changes.
Prepare the Permit Documents
Rochester’s published application process may require the permit form, construction drawings, a site plan, proof of insurance or contractor registration, and the applicable fee. The exact documents depend on the project and permit type, so the City’s permit packet for the proposed work should be used rather than a general document checklist.
Submit Through the Correct Application Route
The City provides an online permit system for applications and supporting documents. Roofing, plumbing and electrical permit applications are required to be submitted online. Rochester also publishes individual application packets for projects such as additions, decks, demolition, fire-damage repair, garages, HVAC work, renovations, pools, porches, sheds, solar installations and window changes.
Complete Zoning and Building Review
The Bureau of Zoning and Permitting reviews building permit applications and zoning compliance requests before issuance. Depending on the project, review may involve the Division of Zoning, building plan review or another City unit responsible for the proposed work.
Receive and Post the Permit
After approval, the permit can be issued and work may proceed within the approved scope. Rochester instructs applicants to keep the issued permit visibly posted at the job site.
Arrange Required Inspections
Most permitted projects require inspections at specified stages. Rochester provides a Code Enforcement Inspector map that can be searched by property address. The permit record identifies the assigned inspector and, when available, the inspector’s contact information for scheduling questions and inspection results.
Complete the Final Inspection
The permit process ends after the required work and inspections are completed. A certificate of compliance or Certificate of Occupancy may be issued when applicable to the project or use.
Work That Commonly Requires a Rochester Permit
Rochester publishes project-specific guidance rather than treating every alteration the same. Work identified by the City as generally requiring permit review includes:
- New construction and additions
- Structural alterations and structural repairs
- Fire-damage repairs
- Demolition
- Changes of use
- Sheds larger than 144 square feet
- Decks more than 18 inches above grade
- Parking lots and certain site improvements
- Legalization of third-floor or other interior spaces
- New electrical wiring and electrical service alterations
- Specified plumbing installations and alterations
- New or non-like-kind HVAC installations
- Major roofing work or changes to roof type
Minor repairs and some like-kind replacements can fall outside the building permit requirement. Zoning or preservation approval can still apply even when a building permit is not required.
Certificate of Zoning Compliance Can Be Part of the Approval
Construction and Exterior Changes
Rochester requires a Certificate of Zoning Compliance for construction, reconstruction, exterior remodeling or exterior alterations that require a building permit. Zoning review therefore may occur before the building permit is released.
Driveways, Fences and Land Use
Zoning approval can also apply to work that is not limited to construction of a building, including driveway installation or replacement, fences, terraces, certain site preparation and changes in land use.
Properties within a Rochester Preservation District or designated as a protected landmark may face an additional approval step. Non-maintenance exterior alterations can require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Rochester Preservation Board before the related permit is issued.
Electrical and Plumbing Permits Have Applicant Restrictions
Electrical Permit Applications
Electrical permits are generally filed by a City of Rochester licensed electrician. The City identifies limited exceptions for qualifying work performed by an owner-occupant. Electrical reconnection permits have separate rules when utility service is being restored and no electrical work has been performed.
Plumbing Permit Applications
Plumbing permits generally must be filed by a licensed plumber. Rochester permits an owner of a single-family, owner-occupied property to apply when that owner is personally performing the qualifying plumbing work.
Rochester Uses Project-Based Fee Schedules
General building permit charges are commonly calculated from the actual cost of the proposed work, while several permit categories use separate fixed or size-based charges. Rochester publishes individual rates for demolition, decks, electrical inspections, plumbing work and other permit categories. The City’s current fee page reflects the fee changes that took effect July 1, 2026.
Permit cost should be checked against the City’s current schedule before filing because the calculation method differs by permit type and project value.
Rochester Assigns Inspectors by Property and Permit Record
The City’s inspection system provides a useful local feature: property owners and contractors can search the Code Enforcement Inspector map by address, open the applicable permit record and identify the inspector assigned to that permit type. The listed contact information can then be used for questions about inspection scheduling or results.
Inspection stages depend on the permitted work. Building, electrical, plumbing and structural work may require separate inspections before concealed work is covered or construction advances to the next stage.
City of Rochester Permit Links
Building Permits
Permit requirements, application process, project examples and City permit guidance.
Rochester Permit Portal
Submit a new permit application through the City’s online permitting system.
Permit Types and Application Packets
Project-specific permit forms and application instructions for building, zoning and trade work.
Permit Inspection Information
City inspection guidance and access to the property-based inspector lookup system.
Code Enforcement Inspector Map
Search a Rochester address to locate permit records and assigned inspector information.
Building Permit Fee Schedule
Current building, electrical, plumbing and project-specific permit fee information.
Certificate of Zoning Compliance
Requirements for zoning approval associated with construction, exterior work, driveways, fences and certain property uses.
Rochester Preservation Review
Rules for exterior work affecting Preservation District properties and designated landmarks.