Zoning Application Forms

To assist applicants, each zoning application listed below contains general information, complete instructions, fees required by the City Code, directions for submitting the application, and a telephone number to call to answer questions. Each application form also shows the standards which must be met for approval.

Application Form	Approving Authority	Summary (for more details, click on the application name)
Special Permit Application	City Planning Commission	Special Permits are authorized under Section 120-192B of the City Code to establish some unique uses that may be suitable for an area but which could have some special impact to that area, requiring a careful review of their location, design, configuration, and other considerations. Each zoning district has its own list of specially permitted use. An Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) is usually required.
Amendment	City Planning Commission	An Amendment allows for changes to the Zoning Code or the Zoning District Map because of changing, newly discovered, or newly identified conditions or information. Please see the form for details of who can propose an amendment.
Administrative Adjustment Application	Manager of Zoning	An Administrative Adjustment (Variance) can be approved for certain limited applications, as prescribed by the Zoning Code (Section 120-191A)
Certificate of Nonconformity	Manager of Zoning	A "nonconformity" is any use of land, building, or structure that does not comply with the Zoning Code Regulations of the zoning district in which the property is located, and is specially regulated by the Zoning Code. This application is used to establish the rights to a nonconforming use. Nonconforming uses are often referred to as "grandfathered uses." See Sections 120-199 through 120-202.
Interpretation of Zoning Code Application	Manager of Zoning	The Manager of Zoning is authorized to make interpretations to clarify the intent and applicability of the Zoning Code for a given application to Section 120-191C .
Certificate of Appropriateness Application	Rochester Preservation Board	This application is used for approval of improvements, alterations, removals and parking changes affecting a Preservation District or Landmark Property, to ensure compliance with specific preservation standards (Section 120-194).
Site Plan Review Application	Manager of Zoning	Site Plan Review is required by Code for projects which may adversely impact other properties or uses because of their design, nature, size, or complexity. Site Plan Review determines neighborhood impacts, may include recommendations, and identifies special approvals necessary for Permit approval (Section 120-191D). An Environmental Assessment Form is usually required.
Environmental Assessment Form (EAF-Short)		EAF's are used to assess a project's impact to surrounding properties, and to our physical and cultural environments.
Environmental Assessment Form (EAF-Long)		Long EAF's are used for more complex applications to assess a project's impact to surrounding properties, and to our physical and cultural environments.
Administrative Appeal Application	Zoning Board of Appeals	Appeal of a decision made by the Director of Planning and Zoning may be taken to the Zoning Board of Appeals within sixty (60) days of the decision (Section 120-195A).
Variance - General Application Form	Zoning Board of Appeals	Variances allow for relief when no other means or remedy can be granted by City Codes. Two types of Variance Applications are available, known as Use Variances and Area Variances, both of which require this form. Both types of variances may be necessary. Additional forms as shown on this page are also required for each Use or Area Variance application (Section 120-195B).
Variance - Area -Statement of Difficulty	Zoning Board of Appeals	An Area Variance is an authorization for the use of land related to a dimension such as size, height, and setback; physical requirements; the expansion, structural alteration or enlargement of a nonconforming use; a waiver of additional requirements for specified uses; any City-wide or Village Center design standards. Area Variances are granted when applicants meet the criteria described in the application form, for all Area Variance applications.
Variance - Use - Statement of Unneccessary Hardship	Zoning Board of Appeals	Required for all Use Variances which cannot be remedied or avoided. Use Variances can be approved if the applicant shows that the compliance with Zoning Codes creates an unnecessary hardship for a proposed use.
Variance - Use - Statement of Property Income and Expense	Zoning Board of Appeals	A Use Variance is defined to be an authorization for the use of land for a purpose that is otherwise not allowed or prohibited by the Zoning Ordinance. Applicants may be asked to provide at least two (2) calendar years of financial information for the property. No Use Variance can be granted unless it is shown that the property cannot yield a reasonable return as a permitted use. Required for all Use Variances.
Rehearing Application	Original Authority	A Rehearing Application for essentially the same relief or a modification of conditions can only be brought within two (2) years of the original hearing, in accordance with Section 120-188O of the Code.
Resubdivision	Manager of Zoning	For minor transfers of land and lot combinations, not creating an increase in the number of parcels or irregular lot lines. Contact the Zoning Office with questions.

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Zoning Application Forms

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