NEW
PERMIT OFFICE CHANGES COMING OCTOBER 3, 2022!
- The Certificate of Occupancy Program will be moving to room 028B with hours: Monday – Friday from 9am to 4pm
- Walk in service for the Building Permit and Zoning offices will be available: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 4pm.
- Permit drop off and Grab & Go application forms will be available in the lobby of the A Building Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm.
- Email, telephone and online permit submission will continue to be available daily. For more information, see: https://www.cityofrochester.gov/NBDpermits/
Permit Inspections:
Permits are required to ensure compliance with both the City Zoning Ordinance and the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. In early America, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson encourage the development of building regulations to provide for minimal standards that would ensure health and safety. Today, the majority of our country is covered by a network of modern building regulations that range in coverage from fire and structural safety to health and the conservation of energy.
Permit inspections play a significant role in the permitting process by allowing the inspection agency to validate compliance with the approved plans. The City of Rochester has developed an inspection program that focuses on consistent application of the codes while providing the highest level of service to our customers. This section is designed to provide the information you may need when a permit becomes necessary.
BUILDING PERMITS
Building permits may be necessary when installing antennas, awnings, decks, fences, pools, ramps, sheds or signs. A Building permit would also be necessary if you are putting on an addition, demolishing a structure, repairing a fire damaged structure, constructing a garage or carport, expanding or creating a parking area or legalizing a third floor for occupancy. Please refer to the permit brochures following the link below to assess whether or not your specific situation requires a permit and if so, what the process is to obtain one.
ELECTRICAL PERMITS
An electrical permit is required for all planned electrical work where its operation requires more than 50 volts, or less than 50 volts when covered by the provisions of the National Electrical Code, with the exception of the items listed in §39-304(C) of the City Code. All necessary electrical permits must be applied for by a licensed electrician with the exception of the classes of work listed in §49-3(B) of the City Code.
In addition to the electrical permits required when work has been performed, an electrical permit may be required when your utility company must activate electrical service in situations defined by the company's policy. In this situation, as long as no work was performed, this permit may be applied for by the property owner or his/her agent. If upon inspection it is determined that electrical work has been performed or damage has been done to the electrical system, then a new permit will be required to be applied for by a licensed electrician.
PLUMBING PERMITS
A plumbing permit is required when performing plumbing work as defined by Chapter 40 of the City Code which must comply with the New York State Fire Prevention and Building Code. All plumbing permits must be applied for by a licensed plumber with the exception of work performed in a single family owner occupied structure by the owner.
PERMIT BROCHURES AND FEE SCHEDULES
Electrical Examining Board
Examining Board of Plumbers