Garden permits for City-owned vacant lots
The City of Rochester supports transforming vacant lots into bountiful community gardens. Whether you are an inexperienced gardener or a true green thumb, the City has a selection of free resources to help you transform a vacant lot into a beautiful garden.
The City requires all interested applicants, including past, new, or potential applicants, to attend an orientation. Orientation will cover changes to the permit document, how the permit guidelines apply to garden and landscape features, and gardening events during the 2024 growing season. Attendance is mandatory.
Email Diane Powell or call 585-428-6807 to set up an appointment.
Garden permit application - 1 year
5-year garden permits for organizations that have completed 3 growing seasons on a City-owned vacant lot
Resources
Selecting a City Vacant Lot
Finding a lot has been made much easier with the City’s GIS map applications showing what land is available to pull a permit for.
Water Credit Program
The City will apply a credit to the water account of a neighbor who supplies water to a community garden.
Compost and mulch delivery
The City can provide limited free delivery of compost and mulch for use in flower beds or around tree (non-food grade). All deliveries must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance and are subject to availability.
- Flower City Flourishing Garden Contest 2024
- The garden contest for 2024 is on, and we want to see what you do!
- Judging will take place between July 22nd through 26th
- Only community gardens will be judged. Residential, business, and professionally designed or maintained gardens will not be considered.
- If you have a permit for a city-owned lot or right-of-way or oversee a pantry or community garden on private land, you are eligible to register.
- Registration for the contest will close at 5 pm on Thursday, July 18th.
- Download and complete the application. Mailed to Garden Permits, City Hall, Rm 223B, 30 Church St, Rochester, NY 14614 or email Diane Powell
- Winners will be announced at the Garden Permit Reception on Wednesday, September 18th in the City Hall Atrium. All are welcome to attend.
More resources
- For garden design, accessing additional garden resources, and connecting with garden volunteers, visit Taproot Collective or email Nathaniel Mich, Executive Director of Taproot Collective.
- For soil testing, garden pest identification, and more, email Cornell Cooperative Extension-Monroe County Master Gardener’s Helpline or call 753-2555.
- Blocks In Bloom is a beautification program established by Cornell Cooperative Extension-Monroe County for lower-resourced neighborhoods; a minimum of six homes must be pulled in to participate. For information, email Ashly Piedmont at Cornell Cooperative Extension.
- For tools, the SouthEast Area Coalition (SEAC) operates a Tool Shed at 1255 University Ave. For more information email SEAC or call 271-TOOL (8665).
- The Rochester Central Library and City Branch Libraries offer gardening books and periodicals. Gardening programs are offered in the spring, summer, and fall. For more information about our gardening programs, visit the Rochester Public Library Program Calendar or email Renée Kendrot.